The Steel Guitar Forum

I like Bakelites. I love Frying Pans. But I'm taking this SW with me when I go:



Compared to my 1960 B7, it has higher output and much stronger bass and low-mids. A real smoky tone that sounds like it could be mid '30s instead of mid '50s. And this is the only example of an 8-string Rick horseshoe I've played that has excellent string balance. I think it's because the coil extends a ways beyond both ends of the bobbin, so the outside strings aren't sitting right on the edge as is often the case. Despite being louder, the sound is less compressed than my B7 - and it's a lot gentler on the lap, too.

A very sweet looking Ricky! I had the DW version which I foolishly let go.

What is the scale length on those? I've always liked the look of them. The D8 ones are pretty nice, too...kind of the answer to the Stringmaster. I like the "carved" body ones more than the square cabinet Rick Consoles (at least for looks, can't vouch for the sound).

Here is one that was favored by Jerry Byrd.

22½" scale. I previously owned a DW-8 as well, but the low string on each neck had no volume so it went to live on a farm.

That's a sweet, and rare guitar. S8's are all pretty hard to find it seems, I snapped up both the ones I found but I've not seen one of those in the wild.

I have the exact same model as yours Noah. I can not compare with Bakelite models cause I never played one, but one thing is sure, I love my Sw8 ! I am dreaming of a Dw8 with a long scale made by a luthier like Mr Clinesmith. I know he makes double necks steels with wooden body, but I like so much the design and the weight of the Ricks

Here is a video where I play mine :
https://www.facebook.com/1173024249/pos ... M2l/?d=n[i][/i]

Don't know what it is about this thing, which was purchased as a husk and cobbled together with a hodge-podge of parts, but it's lighter than a feather, the harmonics just fly out of it, and it sounds like a million bucks:

(before)


(after)

here's a 1960s Ric that Jerry Byrd actually owned and played. Obviously it wasn't one of his favorite models (non horseshoe pickup with plastic cover) or it wouldn't be in my hands now!

That is a beautiful guitar Noah.

I think there are significant differences in the SW8 and DW16 guitars depending on date of mfg and other specs. My DW16, an earlier one, has fine volume all the way across.

Jim

Love that tone - I'm actually looking for a DW-16 if you know anyone selling...?

I play short scale so don't use this 25 in scale guitar.
Jim

That's in nice shape, Jim. I guess I was looking for the double-8 version of the solid-body one that was originally posted--I think it's called a DW-16?

DW-16 is the model number for the one you seek. Mine is not for sale.
This guitar sounds excellent and a lot like a DW-16. It has has a 25 in scale length vs. short on a DW-16, and separate volume and tone controls. It has the tuner covers, four legs and the original case. I think the 25 in length is rare.
Jim