Choose a six string....
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
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Choose a six string....
Let's say I gave you a blank check to buy a six string electric lap steel.... what would you get?
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Something that I've personally done 3 times and happy as all get-out each and every time.James Nottage wrote:Something stunning by Tom Pettingill, no doubt.
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
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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 nowStephen Abruzzo wrote:Something that I've personally done 3 times and happy as all get-out each and every time.James Nottage wrote:Something stunning by Tom Pettingill, no doubt.
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
Clinesmith consoles D-8/6 5 pedal, D-8 3 pedal & A25 Frypan, Pettingill Teardrop, & P8 Deluxe.
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- Jack Hanson
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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.
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.
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This gives new meaning to the term....
Airguitar
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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 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.
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Ultratone
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.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?
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
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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.
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.
My Vintage Steel Guitars
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A6 tuning for steels
My YouTube Steel Guitar Playlists
My YouTube Steel Guitar Songs
A6 tuning for steels
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