The Steel Guitar Forum

I would appreciate some advice.

I found a used Epi Square neck spider reso guitar. How do they compare to the other imports, like the Regal -45 or -35? are they made in the same place? Finally do they upgrade well with new cones, bridge and nut?

Used $300.00 with case, is that a reasonable price?

Thanks

Keith

For about the same money, buy a new Regal. Check out Elderly Instruments at "elderly.com". If you have a little more money, buy a Flint Hill Special from Paul Beard at Resophonic Outfitters. I tried an Epi Biscuit and I was not impressed compared to the other Asian imports.

I would have to agree. The striking thing about the Epiphone I played was how bad it sounded. There are much better guitars out there for the same price.

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Brad's Page of Steel:
www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

The two Epi squarenecks I checked out had unusually narrow neck width at the nut. More like the width on a spanish guitar. Dobros and other squarenecks have a wider nut width which is alot more comfortable for hammer-ons, pull-offs, slants etc. From what I've seen the Regals are pretty good value of money and have much better necks and action. Don't know what the spider is made of on Regals though? (it's black). Is it plastic?
Haere Mai,
Steve Honunu

Aaron,

Thanks for the reply, I will probably have Paul Modify whatever I get at some point. I have heard good things about his work.

I didn't particularly like the biscut resonators either. This one is a spider bridge and seems to be ok. Sounds nice, just have some questions about value, durability, and upgradeability. (I have to do one thing at a time, get the instrument, then upgrade)

Blessings
Keith

I looked at one of these prior to getting a Flinthill from Paul Beard.
I was not impressed with the sound as Brad says but even worse was the finish on the model I looked at.
It was fitted with very light strings too -- a real set would have imploded the beast I feel.
IMHO -- not worth the $ (it was about £300 in the UK).
Flinthill --- not a Guernsey but very good sound , playability etc.

Go shop with a lap reso player if you can.

Good luck,

Bill

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Aspiring to mediocrity

To all,

My thanks for all your inputs. I guess I will have to hold out for some more $ and visit Paul Beard or find a good used Regal model 45 and have it upgraded. I heard the Regal model 35's are not very good either.

Thanks again for all the help.
Blessings
Keith