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Author
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Topic: The Rocco that got away (to some lucky buyer)
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Ron Whitfield
Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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posted 07 April 2005 01:35 PM
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www.gruhn.com Someone got an awesome guitar for only a grand. It's not listed as sold, and am pretty bummed to find out it is.
In over 10 years of looking, this is the first one I've seen available (at one time...), and I was asleep at the wheel. But at least they have a nice shot of this rarely seen 'Darth Vader' of steel guitars. Hey, is that Bigsby still available?
(just dreaming) |
Russ Young
Member From: Seattle, Washington, USA
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posted 07 April 2005 07:43 PM
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It looks like the photo also got away, Ron -- or at least I can't find anything in their steel guitar section.What's a Rocco? |
Jim Phelps
Member From: Mexico City
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posted 07 April 2005 07:43 PM
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It's not in the list of inventory anymore.[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 07 April 2005 at 07:44 PM.] |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed. Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 07 April 2005 08:04 PM
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Ron
Have you ever played a Rocco? |
Mike Neer
Member From: NJ
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posted 08 April 2005 04:09 AM
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An Epiphone Model M was my first steel--found it at a flea market for $30. It is almost the same guitar, but a single neck 6-string. Not great sounding, as I recall. |
Mark Durante
Member From: Illinois
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posted 08 April 2005 06:02 AM
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Noel Boggs was known for playing a Rocco, pre Fender days[This message was edited by Mark Durante on 08 April 2005 at 06:03 AM.] |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed. Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 08 April 2005 03:29 PM
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There were fewer than 400 Rocco guitars produced by Epiphone. Tony Rocco was independant of the Epiphone company. He designed the guitar you make reference to and was paid on a royalty basis by Epiphone.Tony became his own distributor after Epiphone and due to conflict with Epiphone then cancelled his contract. No guitars were
produced after that time. His guitar was not a good sustaining instrument,but the guitar was built well and was rugged. Tony was better known for his Rocco Tone Expressor Volume and Tone Pedals in which a small quantity were produced. If someone wishes I can send a photo of Anthony Rocco with his Rocco guitar. Thanks |
Mike Neer
Member From: NJ
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posted 08 April 2005 03:58 PM
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I also have one of the Rocco tone bars, which are very interesting, and an early experiment with wood and metal--the wood side being the one that touches the strings. I bought it from Ron Victoria. |
Ron Whitfield
Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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posted 08 April 2005 05:03 PM
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Sorry if you missed the pic.
I guess my inquiry got them to jerk it.Jody, I obviously wish I could say yes I have played one, as I'd like to think I'd been it's new owner. As to whether these were sound worthy instruments, I'll run on the assumption that if it was good enuf for Boggs, and that if the lil 6 string version played by David Kelii sounded fine, both utilizing horseshoe mag PUs, and having heard Big Jim Murphy play the livin ____ outta one, then yes they were/are good guitars. To me, the 'cool' factor alone is worth a G. Congrat's to the one who got it, you gotta be digging it! Russ, you can find more info with an archive search, including the pic Jody mentioned.[This message was edited by Ron Whitfield on 09 April 2005 at 12:30 PM.] |
Dana Duplan
Member From: Ramona, CA
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posted 09 April 2005 07:55 AM
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I saw the guitar and almost jumped! Guess it wasn't meant to be. I know this has been discussed, but are the horsehoe pickups the same as on the Rics? I had heard they are Ric made? Boy, that thing would be a lapfull to play--looks like a stand would be in order. Glad to hear from some folks that the Rocco may be a bit lacking in tone--just because I would be kicking myself for not snagging it.
DD |
Paul Arntson
Member From: Bothell ,WA (just outside Seattle)
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posted 09 April 2005 12:22 PM
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If the horseshoe mags and coil are the same as a 37 Epi Model M, I can attest that the model M has as much treble as my 55 stringmaster. In fact they sound remarkably alike (probably because my playing is equally inept on both).
The stringmaster has more low end thump.
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Ron Whitfield
Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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posted 09 April 2005 12:26 PM
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I doubt you'd have been disappointed, Dana.It isn't THAT substantial of a guitar, as the single necks are rather petite, but the body's metal top plate adds to the mass, plus the Epi made PUs equalled a lot of tone if not sustain.
Listen to any early David Kelii and say that ain't a good sound... Someone scored. The Rickenbacher's threatened legal action if Epi didn't cease production of their 'shoes'.[This message was edited by Ron Whitfield on 09 April 2005 at 12:33 PM.] |
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