Choose a six string....

Tom Margulies · Post by **Tom Margulies** » 16 Mar 2014 7:34 am

Let's say I gave you a blank check to buy a six string electric lap steel.... what would you get?

James Nottage · Post by **James Nottage** » 16 Mar 2014 7:36 am

Something stunning by Tom Pettingill, no doubt.

Stephen Abruzzo · Post by **Stephen Abruzzo** » 16 Mar 2014 7:49 am

James Nottage wrote:Something stunning by Tom Pettingill, no doubt.

Something that I've personally done 3 times and happy as all get-out each and every time.

Truth is we have an abundance of talented luthiers who post regularly here at SGF.....Pettingill....Clinesmith....Ram Guitars....Georgeboards...et al.

A blank check will get you something wonderful to be certain

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 16 Mar 2014 7:56 am

Stephen Abruzzo wrote:
James Nottage wrote:Something stunning by Tom Pettingill, no doubt.
Something that I've personally done 3 times and happy as all get-out each and every time.

Truth is we have an abundance of talented luthiers who post regularly here at SGF.....Pettingill....Clinesmith....Ram Guitars....Georgeboards...et al.

A blank check will get you something wonderful to be certain

I agree, it's a great time to have the want-mes

Don't forget about the new Asher model. There's a lotta tasty choices available right now

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 16 Mar 2014 8:10 am

hmm... 6-strings. I've always been a vintage guitar nut so I would go for a Rickenbacher fry pan. Other possibilities would be a Fender Deluxe 6 (early version), Gibson EH-185, Gibson Ultratone. I would insist on excellent condition, strong pickup, etc. Send me that blank check...

James Hartman · Post by **James Hartman** » 16 Mar 2014 8:20 am

I'd go for the EH-185. Do you need my mailing address for that check?

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 16 Mar 2014 8:35 am

If I didn't already have a Bakelite, that would be the one I'd pursue first. Easy to play, relatively common, and great sound.

I agree with Doug that at the top of my wish list would be an original Frypan, both for its history and the sound.

Finally, those Gibson Ultratones, especially the first version, have a visual appeal few other instruments can match. I've never played one, and understand they don't really sound all that great. But man, what a looker.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 16 Mar 2014 8:58 am

Ah yes, a Bakelite... that was on my original list but I deleted it in a 'senior moment' thinking that it was an 8-string lap steel.

Tom Margulies · Post by **Tom Margulies** » 16 Mar 2014 9:18 am

Airguitar

Butch Pytko · Post by **Butch Pytko** » 16 Mar 2014 9:33 am

NONE! I would give you your blank check right back.

6 strings would severely limit the stuff I play. I need at least 8 strings.

James Hartman · Post by **James Hartman** » 16 Mar 2014 9:51 am

Jack Hanson wrote:
Finally, those Gibson Ultratones, especially the first version, have a visual appeal few other instruments can match. I've never played one, and understand they don't really sound all that great. But man, what a looker.

I have a '52 sounds just fine. Don't know why Ultratones get that rap. A slab of mahogany with a good P-90, what's not to like?

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 16 Mar 2014 10:14 am

James Hartman wrote: I have a '52 sounds just fine. Don't know why Ultratones get that rap. A slab of mahogany with a good P-90, what's not to like?

I don't get it, either. Possibly the best sounding electric guitar I've ever got my hands on is a friends old single P-90 Les Paul Junior TV model. Fairly beat up, weather checked to the max, but it's totally original, and that thing just sings.

But on the other hand, I have an early '50s Fender Champion with what I understand to be the same basic pickup as the first Broadcasters & Teles, and that one won't hold a candle to my Supro Supreme or even my MOTS Magnatone of the same approximate vintage. And, when compared to a Bakelite, it's a joke.

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 16 Mar 2014 10:17 am

Tom, there are many excellent modern 6 string steels. However, I would choose a vintage instrument if I only had one choice.

My 1st choice would be either the Gibson EH-185 with CC PUP (U-magnet), or the Gibson EH-185 with ES-300 PUP. In my opinion these steels, a combination of metal, wood, and a partial sound cavity, have an excellent sound. Upright tuners, scale length, and string spacing, make these steels an enjoyable playing experience.

My 2nd choice would be the Gibson EHG (metalbody). Really a great sounding steel, and the only metalbody ever produced by Gibson.

My 3rd choice would be an early model Rickenbacher Bakelite Steel.

I believe you would be better satisfied with a 7 string steel in one of the Gibson EH-185 models or in the Rickenbacher Bakelite model. 7 strings will allow a greater variety of tunings.

C. E.

Val Drummond · Post by **Val Drummond** » 16 Mar 2014 1:40 pm

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=261940

Kelvin Monaghan · Post by **Kelvin Monaghan** » 17 Mar 2014 2:01 am

Pre war Bakelite,but for live use my Gibson 185 with the es pickup ,great tone and sustain and rock solid tuning ,due to the metal top plate.

Stefan Robertson · Post by **Stefan Robertson** » 17 Mar 2014 9:38 am

I would buy at least an 8/10/12 string and tell you you don't have to use the other strings yet. You'll thank me later when you need them.

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Choose a six string....

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