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Topic: These imports any good? |
John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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J D Sauser
From:
Wellington, Florida
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Posted 6 Jan 2008 9:41 am Pricey fer sure... |
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Usually what comes from Japan, is of good quality. Keep in mind there are a lot of Hawaiian players out there, and I would reckon they'd appreciate a quality horn.
But then, the price for theses guitars seems a little steep when compared to their vintage original counterparts or upper grade US made guitars like the MSA Super Slides.
... J-D. |
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Paul Arntson
From:
Washington, USA
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Posted 6 Jan 2008 11:26 am
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I played the Fender Deluxe 8 in Nagoya some time ago, and it was the real deal. The finish was of course whiter but nice and thin. I think it must be what the vintage fenders were like when they were new.
Probably because the pickups were new, they seemed to have a little less complexity in the tone, but it's really hard to tell those fine points. String distance would do that.
Also, the Gold Tone are sold in Japan, same as here.
Canopus has rave reviews from a lot of people.
The other ones I don't know, but I agree with J-D, Japanese stuff is generally of superior quality. Their prices are slightly higher than ours, so it would be cheaper to buy here in the States, if you could find it.
The bargain basement stuff they offer is made in China, same as it is here.
Finally, Guyatone is considered a vintage collectible over there, like the 50's American stuff is here.
Check out this thread:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=103346&highlight=nagoya
Here's a really old thread, but the pictures have faded. http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/006174.html |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 6 Jan 2008 7:41 pm
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| i dunno...that's some pricey slabs-o-wood with pickups on 'em. |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 7 Jan 2008 6:50 am
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| Yeah, they are expensive, but I thought the triple-neck "Gibson" type was pretty cool. |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 7 Jan 2008 10:05 am
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When I consider what I bought my EXCELLENT Remington S8 for and what you can buy a very good Chandler for, I can't see even looking at one of those. Sierra also makes a superior guitar for a little less than what those guys want. But I understand Canopus is VERY popular in Hawaii. And I've never been up close to one.
_________________
Amor vincit omnia |
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 7 Jan 2008 10:32 am
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The popularity of Canopus steels in Hawaii comes with a very important caviat. Most players of these guitars were given their instruments and are expected to play them exclusively, with or without an endorsment deal.
They are indeed good steels, but obviously, equally/better sounding and cheaper guitars are on the market, without the overbearing stings attached.
Last edited by Ron Whitfield on 7 Jan 2008 11:17 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Derrick Mau
From:
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 7 Jan 2008 10:58 am
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| Quote: |
| I understand that Canopus is VERY popular in Hawaii |
Except with me. I know better tone when I hear it, and when it's time to get on stage, I'll take the Rickenbackers without hesitating. |
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 7 Jan 2008 5:09 pm
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| Alan Akaka showed me two types of Canopus guitars he had a few years ago. One seemed like a solid type body, and the other was hollow underneath, like an Excel D8. I think he has a sunburst finished model now as well. Of course anything HE plays sounds good. I don't know what kind of wood they are made of. |
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Les Anderson
From:
The Great White North
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Posted 7 Jan 2008 9:43 pm
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I have an older Guyatone D8 that plays a beautiful tone; 24 1/2 inch tuning. I get many negative comments in here when I mention the name; however, I will play along side a Fender anytime and I'll bet my last dollar that no one can tell which steel is playing.
The ID plate has been removed but, a wood finisher friend of mine thinks the guitar has a mid-fifties style finish on it. |
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Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
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Posted 7 Jan 2008 11:33 pm
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| Quote: |
| Except with me. I know better tone when I hear it, and when it's time to get on stage, I'll take the Rickenbackers without hesitating. |
I agree with Derrick, however the Canopus is an excellent steel guitar in tone and construction.
Bill says,
| Quote: |
| Alan Akaka showed me two types of Canopus guitars he had a few years ago |
One type is modeled after the Fender, which is the solid body Canopus.
The other is modeled after the Gibson, which is the open bodied Canopus, which you say looks like an Excel. This one has a more mellow tone.
Aloha, 
Don |
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Andy Sandoval
From:
Bakersfield, California, USA
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Posted 8 Jan 2008 8:23 am
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| Boy, I sure like the looks of that YL-8. Kinda looks like the Gibson EH-150. |
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Ali Lexa
From:
Los Angeles, California, USA
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 10:33 pm
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Aww, the Gundam Anime Machine Gun and Hatchet guitars are all sold out.
Those look so wacky that they're actually cool!
http://www.guitarjapan.com/gundam/gundam.html
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Cheers,
Ali Lexa |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 14 Jan 2008 11:43 pm
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| Those are great! I'm movin' into outer space tomorrow! |
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 15 Jan 2008 12:51 am
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I guess if a guitar can be made with a toilet or a skillet (fry(ing) pan) it can be made of anything.
Maybe I'll build one into my work bench so I can play while the glue is drying. |
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Roger Shackelton
From:
MINNESOTA (deceased)
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Posted 15 Jan 2008 2:38 am
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On the Canopus website it states that their guitars are made of Maple wood.
Roger |
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Gary Lynch
From:
Creston, California, USA
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Posted 15 Jan 2008 7:15 am
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Remember the USA dollar seems to be worth less each month. Just think what the poor souls in Europe had to pay for the USA built guitars all these years.
If you look at other new quality single consoles with legs built here, $1400 is actually not expensive.
Interesting that Fender Japan has not recreated a copy of the Stringmaster. Their work is first class. At least I have never seen one anywhere.
It doesn't seem like such a burden to get a free quality console guitar have be asked to use it exclusively. Seems pretty sweet to me.
We all have to serve somebody.  |
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