The Steel Guitar Forum

Here's a Norwegian produced carbonfiber weissenborn, the Halua. This guys design has been discussed here once before, if I remember correct that was his teardrop shaped "prototype 2" which is now owned by Ben Harper. This new model is to be shipped to the Harper family's "Folk Music Center".

I was offered a "test drive" before he shipped it over, but unfortunately we live too far apart so there wasn't enough time for that... He will have Norwegian master steeler Knut Hem record some soundfiles, and those will be posted on his website when they're ready. The Halua website is http://www.halua.no/

Very interesting design.....





Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

i love it! any idea on prices? how about a seven string?

My experience with fiberglass has been positive so far. Beltona & Melobro.

I'm curious about this one. Does he have any extras?.....

That looks like a Sunrise pickup- they've sounded pretty good on Weissenborn style guitars in the past. What a great looking axe!

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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com

As far as I know this is his third instrument, after making two prototypes (you can see them on his website). I have no idea what his future plans are regarding production numbers, prices, etc.

I can ask, if you pay me well enough....

Steinar

PS - yes, that's a Sunrise pickup.

Here's a view from a different angle, shows the 'bowl' shape and arched top better:



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www.gregertsen.com

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Steinar Gregertsen on 18 October 2005 at 11:38 AM.]</p></FONT>

Wow,great design ideas, sure looks interesting. Any soundfiles or further news/info would be a good thing.

.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Garth Highsmith on 06 January 2006 at 10:59 AM.]</p></FONT>

That's a beautiful instrument! What a great use of modern technology. Check out the instrument case on the web site referenced above. It's as well designed as the instrument.

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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

It's the bakelite Rickenbacker of the 21st Century! I want one.

Here's a short video of Norwegian master steeler Knut Hem playing it:
Halua Weissenborn.

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

Wow, looks great. Bet its harder to hang onto than a terpentined cat.

Rick

Holy cow that sounds FANTASTIC!! Thanks for the clip Steinar. I personally love the look of it too.

Now i wanna hear it acoustic

Knut Hem has recorded the Halua now, using a blend of an acoustic mic and the built-in Sunrise.
Very special sound, kind of like a mix of a Weissenborn and a Tricone......

Winterland
North
Woodstock
Halua

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

I asked the builder about pricing and availability. He told me he wanted to prepare sound files before giving pricing info but expects to start very limited production at the
beginning of 2006.

This thing sure sounds great in the hands of a good player.<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Andy Volk on 09 November 2005 at 11:37 AM.]</p></FONT>

Man...what's not to like? Definitely a ...Triconal (Triconic? Triconiferous?) character to the upper end...and that bottom end...whew! The way the Halua delivers a low C tuning is impressive. --Steve

There are now both acoustic and 'blended' mixes on the website - http://www.halua.no/

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

MMMMmmmm...Compressed Composites!....and the sound is delicious, no doubt about it.
Thanks, Steinar, for this behind-the-scene close-up.