I'm looking for advice on my next purchase. Any opinions?

Also, which store in the U.S. do you think has the most resos on display where a person could sit down and play them? Using the web to purchase instruments has worked out pretty good for me, so far, but I'd like to have a more personal experience (not that I can afford to fly from CA to Texas just to sit down and play resos--I'm having a fantasy here).

Thanks.

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[This message was edited by Alan Kirk on 20 January 2003 at 07:40 AM.]

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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

The Beard laminates start at $1,800 or so (well worth it imho) and I think Ted Smith has quit making guitars(?).

Of the different guitars I've been lucky enought to play I'm thinking that the Deneve maples are outright bargains. Hand crafted and in your price range I believe.

Problem is, like most low volume producers, Dick sells direct only. You can find his contact info at http://www.resoguit.com/luthier2.htm along with a bunch of his competitors.

Good luck in your search.

Howard

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Howard Parker
poobah@resoguit.com
www.resoguit.com
ListOwner RESOGUIT-L

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• Gary Shepherd
  
• Sierra Session 12
  
• www.16tracks.com
  

You should be able to find some great older Dobros easily within your price range, but if you want something new, then watch for the Crafters Tut Taylor models that appear routinely on ebay for under $1000.00 I have heard that they are seconds, but I think that just means there might be a small finish flaw. I have played a Tut and was very impressed.

I have spoken with Ted Smith at Melobar and he is still contemplating the shutdown. I tried to discourage him, but in essence, it is his decision. He will be around to honor warranties and stand behind his products. You might give him a call or email him at melobar.com. I am sure he doesn't check the forum anymore.

If you want a "Dobro" Dobro, I could be swayed to let my F-60 go for a fair price. Email me if interested.

Thanks, God Bless,
Michael T.

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UTILITY MAN PRODUCTIONS
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE,
'85 DOBRO 60DS, '95 DOBRO F60S,
'95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1955 FENDER TRIPLE NECK STRINGMASTER. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps.

The DeNeve maple is a good sounding reso for well under $1,500. They are made from solid wood and have a rich, clean tone. The craftsmanship is not quite as fine as some, but the tone is there. It's the least expensive solid wood reso I know of. And he'll make a 7 or 8 string for little or no additional cost.

The Guernsey (laminated) is also in that price range and it's hard to argue with Mike Auldridge's stong endorsement of those instruments as well as his fine recordings. Many people think a laminated reso is as good or better than a solid wood instrument. It is a matter open for considerable debate.

Happy hunting. Let us know which reso you buy.

Bob

[This message was edited by Bob Stone on 21 January 2003 at 01:24 PM.]

I'm definitely more interested in a guitar that sounds good than in a guitar that looks good. I want the thing to sing with that special sweetness that I'm not finding in my Regal.

(I grew up a few miles north of San Luis Obispo, where National is now--but I heard they're getting ready to move their manufacturing to Mexico.)

About the Mexico thing:

A friend of mine who used to work for Ernie Ball in SLO told me this a couple months ago when I was talking to him about Nationals. He's lived in SLO his whole life and knows a lot of people there, so I assumed he knew what he was talking about. I guess it's possible that it might be a rumor, though.

If you Oklahoma guys are Talking about Schoonover Resophonic Guitar, they are great. I played one this past summer, and hopefully I'll have one next May. If anyone wants info on them let me know. Its my cousin that makes them.

[This message was edited by Alvin Blaine on 23 January 2003 at 12:22 AM.]

Sorry.