Gretch Sparkle Lap Steel

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 29 Mar 2006 3:05 am

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images21000-21999/nlb21580-gretsch65715lapsteel/index.html

I understand they don't sound so hot but it has a cool look .... kind of like a Gretch drum kit. A pickup upgrade might make a nice ax.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 29 Mar 2006 4:35 am

Well, I've heard of "kitch"......but this is more like kitchen counter.....

Sounds good playing the Corian mode.....

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 29 Mar 2006 5:26 am

It's a proprietary manufacturing process, a blend of plastic and crushed Oreos.

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Gerald Ross
'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar'

CEO, CIO, CFO - UkeTone Records
Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website
Board of Directors Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association

Keith Cordell · Post by **Keith Cordell** » 29 Mar 2006 5:27 am

There just doesn't seem to be any real substance to them. They feel like they are made out of balsa, the tone is nearly non-existent and even with a new pickup they couldn't sound as good as a Supro that could be had for less money. Put in a good pickup and you're in it for about $350 to $400. You could have 2 decent vintage lap steels for that.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 29 Mar 2006 6:20 am

I knew they were bad but didn't know they were THAT bad. Stare deeply into the finish .... see how it almost but not quite, sparkles ... you're getting sleepy ... pull out your wallet ....

Mike D · Post by **Mike D** » 29 Mar 2006 6:58 am

[off topic]Howard, drop me a line (new email in my profile)[/off-topic]

I wonder what one of the TV Jones Filtertron re-pops would sound like in it?

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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

Keith Cordell · Post by **Keith Cordell** » 30 Mar 2006 3:27 am

Andy they aren't as bad as the Fender reissues, but they aren't much.

Mark White · Post by **Mark White** » 30 Mar 2006 1:02 pm

The fret markers are flat black paint that chips off if you accidently hit them with a pick. I have one of theses around here somewhere(not black sparkle though). I had to cut a piece of Plexi to cover the fretboard. Finally wised up and bought a Stringmaster D8.

Bill Creller · Post by **Bill Creller** » 30 Mar 2006 6:58 pm

That's quite a jump/change, from a Gretch to a Stringmaster!!!

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 30 Mar 2006 7:17 pm

Well, I guess this proves that beauty really is in the eyes of the beholder. I'm sorry, but IMHO the only word for that finish is... ugly. I get uncomfortable just looking at it. Reminds me of pavement on a hot day. No flames please, its just my opinion

Mark White · Post by **Mark White** » 30 Mar 2006 7:27 pm

Well, I figured no sense horsing around trying to get by on the cheap, I'll end up spending more money and not being satisfied. I got what I liked the sound of and couldn't find a single 8 Stringmaster so I took the plunge. I have the necks tuned to A6 in front (that's what my teacher uses) and C6 in back, which rarely gets played.

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 31 Mar 2006 2:03 pm

Doug, on closer inspection .... you're right!

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 31 Mar 2006 5:12 pm

I did a little research and it turns out that Black Sparkle was a popular 1950’s look in clothing, furniture, and on some instruments. So I guess this Gretsch finish would be considered retro. It just doesn’t appeal to me. However, I do like some of the other Black Sparkle retro items that are currently on the market --->retro black sparkle<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 31 March 2006 at 05:16 PM.]</p></FONT>

Ray Shurance · Post by **Ray Shurance** » 31 Mar 2006 7:37 pm

Doug! I'm with you and I'm 74 years old. Retro...Loved it..

Bill Creller · Post by **Bill Creller** » 1 Apr 2006 1:26 pm

I'm with you Ray, black sparkle AND age!!
Nice home wrecker outfit.!!

Mike D · Post by **Mike D** » 1 Apr 2006 2:04 pm

I like the 'soft body' body feature on that one. Easy acces to the control knobs too.

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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 1 Apr 2006 2:50 pm

I just love rack-mounted equipment.