looking for affordable 8 string single neck.

Todd Pertll · Post by **Todd Pertll** » 15 Nov 2011 6:51 am

I've been playing a National Chicago 6 string model and love the tone. What would you recommend as a comparable 8 string? I see a lot of double neck vintage guitars of the National/Supro type, but not very many single necks. I would love to get a Fender, but its out of my price range right now.

Has anyone tried the Goldtone 8 string? It lists on ebay for around $500.

thanks for the help guys.

todd

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 15 Nov 2011 11:07 am

Give me an hour or two and I'll post a photo an 8 string Melobar that may be of interest to you......

J. Wilson · Post by **J. Wilson** » 15 Nov 2011 11:42 am

I have heard good things about the Gold Tone for sure. If you want, you can get Robert Allen to custom-make you an 8-string (with your choice of electronics and wood types) for less than $500. I have a number of vintage lap steels and my Robert Allen "Melbert" stacks up to any of 'em.

Todd Pertll · Post by **Todd Pertll** » 15 Nov 2011 11:50 am

I found a local store that has a 1961 Supro. Single 8 in good condition with legs and case. The asking price is $995. That is overpriced, but by how much? Could anyone ballpark how much those are worth?

thanks,

todd

James Weigel · Post by **James Weigel** » 15 Nov 2011 1:03 pm

Todd, was that Supro up at Guitarworks in Evanston? They have quite a few steels in there right now but I do find them to be a bit pricey generally.

Nicholas Ackron · Post by **Nicholas Ackron** » 15 Nov 2011 1:28 pm

here's a video of AJ Ghent playing the Goldtone 8 string lap steel
http://youtu.be/IubLq4FwdJE

J. Wilson wrote:I have heard good things about the Gold Tone for sure. If you want, you can get Robert Allen to custom-make you an 8-string (with your choice of electronics and wood types) for less than $500. I have a number of vintage lap steels and my Robert Allen "Melbert" stacks up to any of 'em.

J. Wilson · Post by **J. Wilson** » 15 Nov 2011 2:08 pm

Nicholas Ackron wrote:here's a video of AJ Ghent playing the Goldtone 8 string lap steel
http://youtu.be/IubLq4FwdJE

LOVE it! Very cool.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 15 Nov 2011 3:02 pm

I have an S8 Melobar.....I forget the model....could be Rattler?......Melobars were the best bang for the buck in their day, and while not a Deluxe (single 8 Stringmaster), you couldn't get a better sounding hand crafted guitar in that or even higher price range.....

In the last photo you can see that the back was routed out for leg sockets.....you have the option of the guitar as is, or I can include (attach) the sockets and the legs (3).......

Now, I know what you're thinking...wow!.....what will I have to pay????......well, millions have sold for much more than what I'm offering you right here, right now on The Steel Guitar Forum......."will I have to pay $750?....NO!.....$650?.....NO WAY!....$600?....NOT A CHANCE.....$550?....NO WAY IN NASHVILLE!....$450?.....FUGGETABOUTIT!!!!!

$300.....yes, you heard right!....$300 as shown....if you want the sockets & legs...$900

.....ONLY KIDDING.....the legs & sockets will cost an additional $85......

Seriously....I'm looking to thin out my herd......if this helps you out, great....I'll even throw in a Sham Wow.......

Tom Pettingill · Post by **Tom Pettingill** » 15 Nov 2011 3:12 pm

I'll even throw in a Sham Wow.......

Thats a smokn deal even without the Sham Wow!

Nicholas Ackron · Post by **Nicholas Ackron** » 15 Nov 2011 4:47 pm

J. Wilson wrote:
Nicholas Ackron wrote:here's a video of AJ Ghent playing the Goldtone 8 string lap steel
http://youtu.be/IubLq4FwdJE
LOVE it! Very cool.

We call it Sacred Steel in our church organization!!! Youtube: Nick Ackron or Calvin. Cooke

Eric Gross · Post by **Eric Gross** » 15 Nov 2011 5:01 pm

Hi Howard,

I will take the legs and sockets if Todd doesn't want them.

Thanks,
Eric

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 15 Nov 2011 5:09 pm

HOWARD,

Your Guitar Is A "Melobar Tomahawk" Lap Steel Guitar.

Eugene Cole · Post by **Eugene Cole** » 15 Nov 2011 5:44 pm

Howard; If Todd does not jump on this deal I will pay your $385 price.

Todd; this is a great deal! Buy it and save me from myself.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 15 Nov 2011 6:48 pm

I'll send him a pm.....if he's not interested....it's yours.....

Thanks for the info Roger.....

Twayn Williams · Post by **Twayn Williams** » 16 Nov 2011 1:31 pm

Nicholas Ackron wrote:here's a video of AJ Ghent playing the Goldtone 8 string lap steel
http://youtu.be/IubLq4FwdJE

Hot stuff!!! A really interesting playing position as well. However, that Gold Tone he's playing has been pretty heavily modded to include 2 additional pickups and to move the tone/vol knobs to the far side of the bridge. The mods probably cost about as much as the guitar

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 16 Nov 2011 2:21 pm

I sent a pm to Todd yesterday....haven't heard back......I'll give him the courtesy and wait wait 'til Friday......

Todd Pertll · Post by **Todd Pertll** » 16 Nov 2011 2:37 pm

Thanks for all the help guys. Sorry I just got the message. I talked the local shop into dropping the price on the Supro so I took it.

Lucky for me when I walked in and asked to plug it in it initially didn't work. The repair tech took it back to the shop twice and finally got it working. Helped me a lot in the negotiations.

Anyway, I appreciate you holding the guitar for me.

take care,

todd

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 16 Nov 2011 2:53 pm

Eugene......if you want it.....it's yours......

Eugene Cole · Post by **Eugene Cole** » 16 Nov 2011 5:59 pm

HowardR wrote:Eugene......if you want it.....it's yours......

Email sent....

James Mayer · Post by **James Mayer** » 17 Nov 2011 9:29 am

THIS looks like a good deal. Nice case.

Drew Heles · Post by **Drew Heles** » 17 Nov 2011 2:37 pm

While it looks like Todd (and some other folks) have been sorted, in case anyone else drops by to see what was recommended, +1 on the Melbert steel. I'm no pro, but I have been happy with both my steel & my dealings with Bob Allen.

Eugene Cole · Post by **Eugene Cole** » 21 Jul 2012 4:44 am

The "Melobar Tomahawk" I got from Howard is a pretty nice guitar but for reasons which I can not readily identify it has not turned out to be my go-to guitar.

Perhaps it needs to find a more welcoming home.

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 21 Jul 2012 6:40 am

The Steel Guitar Forum

looking for affordable 8 string single neck.

looking for affordable 8 string single neck.

considder it SOLD

The Melobar Tomahawk