Laminate Gold Tone 8 string square neck and other 8 string builders?

[John Watson]

Anyone have thoughts on the Gold Tone PBS square neck mahogany laminate 8 string reso vs. a solid wood Gold Tone. Wondering about things like tone, volume, durability. I like Gold Tones, but also wondering about other builders of 8 string square neck - don't seem to be alot around. I know McKenna used to make them
Thanks

[Howard Parker]

I see you're asking for info on multiple forums.

As far as I am aware, your current options for new 8 strings resonators are:

Gold Tone PBS-8 (designed by Paul Beard)

Paul Beard built (Mike Auldridge) MA-8

Paul Beard Built custom 8 string to your specs.

Considering the $3,000+ price difference, the PBS-8 is quite a bargain.

Sorta depends on exactly what you are looking for. I can tell you that the MA-8/MA-6 has often been described as the "grand piano of resonator guitars".

Full disclosure: I worked for Paul Beard for a decade, play a bunch of his guitars and intimately familiar with both guitars I mentioned.

fwiw

hp

[Rich Arnold]

You can trust what Howard Parker says. His word is good.
I had a Gold Tone 8 string for a couple years and sold it. It was a good guitar for the money.
There are probably some used instruments floating around by various makers.
If you can find a Denve guitar it would be worth checking out.
I've also seen some OMI instruments around.
They might be good for collectors but the sound...they don't sound like a modern dobro and the string spacing and things can be really crazy and maybe not fixable...like if the neck is too narrow.
Good luck . R.

[Mike Harris]

I have a solid wood Gold Tone 6-string dobro which I think is exceptional for the money. The one time I played their laminate body 8-string in a store I was disappointed in the sound. I have a McKenna 8-string, bought used from this site, and am very pleased with it. I've seen a couple for sale here recently for a good price. Just my 2 cents' worth. If your dobro has to be new, then my apologies!

[Howard Parker]

I have a McKenna 8-string, bought used from this site, and am very pleased with it. I've seen a couple for sale here recently for a good price. Just my 2 cents' worth. If your dobro has to be new, then my apologies!

McKennas are fine guitars. Dick was a fine guy as well!

h

[John Watson]

Thanks again Howard. Checking out both forums - leaving no stone unturned. Rich and Mike thanks for your comments - appreciate it!