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Topic: GeorgeBoards Review |
Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 20 Aug 2004 3:14 am |
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I have one of George Pieburn's "GeorgeBoard" steels for a while on loan so I thought I'd post a review for anyone considering buying one.
Disclaimer: I've talked with George and offered him my opinions over the last three years but I don't currently own a Georgeboard, receive any money, or have any business relationship with him. These opinions are based on the one instrument I've seen/played in person.
I'm not that easy to impress these days but I've gotta say I'm quite impressed with this guitar. Ricky & Steiner are correct in singing its praises. The workmanship and
finish are practically flawless ... beautiful ribbon mahogany, first-quality components and an exceptional-sounding high-fidelity pickup. I’ve played a reasonable range of modern and vintage guitars and this ax has the best sustain on harmonics and string separation on the lower four strings that I’ve ever heard in a lap steel. To accomplish this it has a bit of twanginess I had trouble dialing out. The pickup is hidden behind a strip of matching hardwood. The volume and tone controls work well and have a smooth taper. The tone control is in an awkward place for pinky volume swells but this is not an isue for me as I rarely use this technique.
Playing this guitar is a bit like driving a high-performance car. It’s an extremely high fidelity instrument with superb sustain and any flaws in technique i.e. picking and blocking are accentuated. I've been plaing mostly acoustic for the last 3 or 4 months and this guitar reminded me that my blocking needs remedial work. The scale is very accurate and slants play as in-tune as I've ever heard them. The width of the first fret to the nut is narrower than the other frets due to the nut taking up some of its real estate. This feature threw me a bit at first but then became no big deal after a few minutes.
The distinctive "hula girl" fret markers are more complex than I had realized from the photos I’ve seen and rather cool (there's even a light bulb to illuminate them!). As I've told George, I understand that the Plexiglas fretboard is designed to show off the beautiful wood but IMHO, it cheapens the look of the guitar. I think a matching wood fretboard would be a better choice, aesthetially speaking.
All-in-all, the Georgeboard is a top-quality instrument that is very well thought-out and offers a very good value for the money. It also presents a unique aesthetic and vibe that occupies its own aesthetic niche in the market. I haven't yet played it through effects but it seems like a very versitile steel suitable for a wide range of music. Kudos to George!
ps did I use the word aesthetic enough? [This message was edited by Andy Volk on 20 August 2004 at 04:18 AM.] [This message was edited by Andy Volk on 20 August 2004 at 11:40 AM.] [This message was edited by Andy Volk on 20 August 2004 at 02:01 PM.] |
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
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Posted 20 Aug 2004 9:41 am
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I've lusted after one of these for some time... I agree with the plexiglass fretboard comment. As in the photo here, it's not much of an issue when looking at the guitar from a few feet away, but I think such a high quality handbuilt upscale wooden vibe would benefit from something more in line with the rest of the instrument. Perhaps George could offer several interchangeable designs on removeable wooden fretboards? Aesthics aside, the reviews of these have been uniformly raving. I'd love to try one side by side with my Sierra. The Sierra, though heavy, has an ergonomic comfort and ease of play that I can't quite put my finger on- might be the combination of scale length, string-to-string spacing and height, but it is the most comfortable steel I've ever played, just feels like "home" the minute you lay hands on it. If the Georgeboards have that along with the beauty of the wood, I'll be a goner when I get to try one...
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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com
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Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 20 Aug 2004 12:38 pm
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| I forgot to mention that the GB guitar is in a custom Rob Anderson case (Dunamis Designs 920-989-1396). It's very well built with a leather handle, four latches - two of which lock, as well as multiple edge and bottom- protecting metal inserts. The case is covered in an attractive leatherette finsih. I would definitely consider Rob if I was in the market for a custom case. |
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Kevin Ruddell
From:
Toledo Ohio USA
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Posted 20 Aug 2004 4:27 pm
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Andy Volk has written a spot on review of George Piburn's wonderful instruments. I love my Georgeboards guitar and it's apparent there was a lot of thought and love put into this guitar's design and building. The only thing I'd like to add to Andy's review is that I think George's design of the tuning heads and their string angle, travel, and silky smooth operation is top notch.
Steinar , just lately I've become comfortable with the eight string and haven't played my six string lap for a while now . It took me some playing time and some tips on chord voicings from my teacher to get used to it due to many years of playing standard guitar
The added possibilities of the additional two strings open up a lot of possibilities if you stick with it.
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Denny Turner
From:
Oahu, Hawaii USA
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Posted 21 Aug 2004 4:18 am
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Thanks for the review Andy.
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Fretboard backing of a myriad of colors, designs, textures and materials is rather easy to make for a screwed-down clear fretboard, should anyone desire.
Aloha,
DT~
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 21 Aug 2004 5:32 am
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Kevin,- I know what you mean about getting used to the 8-string. I had a very intense 8-string period after I got my GB, and since I tune to A6 or E13 I feel pretty confident with the positions (I gave up C6, after 30 years of guitar playing I just couldn't get used to the positions..).
For me it's more a matter of the '6' and the '8' encouraging different sides in my playing,- the limitations of the '6' makes me work harder and brings out a 'rougher' side in my playing than the '8'. These things seem to go in circles though, and that's another reason why I'll never part with my GB,- I'm sure there's another '8' period waiting ahead... 
Steinar
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www.gregertsen.com
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