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Magnatone Quad and Tripple Eight Steels

Posted: 11 Oct 2005 11:01 pm
by Marvin Erickson
Anyone had any experience with these? Have heard they have nice tone, but are quite heavy and cumbersome. Have played about every thing else, and would like to try one or both of these. Don't go out to play much now, so portability not a problem. New member would really appreciate any info.
Marvin

Posted: 12 Oct 2005 5:47 am
by Jay Fagerlie
I have a 1955 Maestro triple eight. It is heavey, about 56 lbs in the case.
I like the sound, it has two pickups per neck with the blend control, ala Stringmaster.
Here's a pic:
Image
I like it, I just wish I had time to play it more...
Jay<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jay Fagerlie on 12 October 2005 at 06:48 AM.]</p></FONT>

Posted: 12 Oct 2005 9:02 am
by Mark Eaton
What a beauty-that thing looks brand new-like something Herb Remington might have built recently!

Those covers over the tuners are a nice touch.

------------------
Mark

Posted: 12 Oct 2005 3:49 pm
by Marvin Erickson
Beautiful guitar! Missed one of these on Ebay awhile back. Have time to play and some cash if you would consider selling.
Marvin

Posted: 12 Oct 2005 7:22 pm
by George Keoki Lake
I have mentioned on numerous occasions I owned a MAGNATONE quad (4) back in the early fifties. I sold it but wish now I had kept it for old-times sake. Even back in those days when I was young, the derned critter weighed a ton which is why I sold it. The tone was great ! Image

Posted: 13 Oct 2005 1:43 am
by Marvin Erickson
George, Thanks fer ur input! Have heard these have nice tone.
Marvin

Posted: 13 Oct 2005 2:11 pm
by Jeff Au Hoy
Hi

I play a T-8 like the one in the picture Jay posted. I like the tone a lot. Of course it depends on what kind of music you want to play. I primarily play pre 1970's Hawaiian stuff. I like it better than the Stringmasters I've played.

One thing though, I'm not sure of the wood it's made of. Mahogany? Bleached mahogany? The instrument has an inherently dark tone. For example, if I plug it into the "bright" channel of a '59 Fender Deluxe with the tone wide open on both the guitar and amp (12), it compares to the Rickenbacher frypan plugged into the regular channel with the amp's tone at about 4.

Some profess that instruments with brighter tone afford the musician more dynamic freedom (the brightness can always be controlled).

Posted: 13 Oct 2005 5:47 pm
by Bobbe Seymour
I have an imaculate triple Magnatone deluxe professional coming into stock that will be going at a reasonable price within two weeks. Perfect. Contact me if interested.
Bobbe

Posted: 13 Oct 2005 5:48 pm
by Bobbe Seymour
Marvin, I was getting this for you I believe,

Posted: 13 Oct 2005 7:45 pm
by Marvin Erickson
Bobbe, Thanks a bunch....will call you ASAP

Marv

Posted: 14 Oct 2005 5:18 am
by Jay Fagerlie
Jeff,
I believe it is mahagony and walnut.
I agree totally about the tone being on the dark side, which is neither good or bad to me, just different...I wonder if it is the way the two pickups are wired together, or the way the cap comes into the circuit. Next time I have mine apart I'll trace out the wiring to see if that could be it.
I don't know if I'd want to change anything, but I wouldn't mind knowing.
Thanks for the nice words from everybody about my T8 baby.
Jay

Posted: 14 Oct 2005 7:39 pm
by Bill Creller
I can verify that Jeff's guitar is heavy!!

Posted: 15 Oct 2005 12:07 am
by Marvin Erickson
Bobbe,
As per our phone conversation, will call you next week, and if the Magnatone comes in will see if we can cut a deal of some kind. Also have an Oahu lap, and several Ricks. Happy pickin'....

Marvin