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Topic: I want a Weissenborn, but which one? |
Dave Zielinski
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 1 Sep 2007 6:02 pm |
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First off, like the title says, I'd really like to get one. Second... I can't afford a real one, and I have had in my hands a couple of the nice recent makes- Dart custom, Asher, and most recently a Gold tone.
My budget is the $1000 range, I know several of you guys have these things, lead me to what else is out there. The Dart was awesome- I played two of the three Tom from "Delta Moon" had. I cant afford an asher...seems like Gold tone is ok- I playd a solid one and it was decent, but the tuners sucked.
Thanks! |
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 1 Sep 2007 6:12 pm
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For about $1000 you can get a pretty nice Superior Hawaiian, add another $400 and you'll get a custom made model from Lazy River or Celtic Cross.
I own two Lazy Rivers and love them! 
Steinar
_________________
"Play to express, not to impress"
Website - YouTube |
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Chuck Fisher
From:
Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 1:47 am
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| I can tell you I had a Superior for a while, it was very loud and balanced, it had the select spruce top and mogogany sides and back. There were cosmetic flaws on the bindings but not serious, just a bit sloppy compared to a Gibson or Martin or such, but the materials were very nice, case good and it was surprisingly loud for its size. I decided I need a reso cause I'm a blues guy so I sold it but it was a great sounding axe. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 5:58 am
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| I am well satisfied with my Superior Weissenborn. I had to narrow up the string spacing to suit my fancy, though. I believe they offer the narrower spacing now on some models. I put a Sunrise magnetic pickup and a Baggs, inside under the bridge, pickup on it and it really sings. I run a stereo cord out to a Marshall acoustic amp with two channels for the pickups and it sounds great. |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2007 2:25 pm
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My Superior was a superior instrument. They were offering instruments with narrower string spacing for awhile. Whether or not they still are, I don't know. But I found that it was not expensive to have mine altered. Generally speaking, their sound gets the very highest praise. The cosmetics are tasteful but plain. It is in the area of cosmetics that the more expensive instruments are nicer.
_________________
Amor vincit omnia |
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Kevin Brown
From:
England
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Posted 4 Sep 2007 5:30 am
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| Lazy River |
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Fred Kinbom
From:
Berlin, Germany, via Stockholm, Sweden.
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Posted 4 Sep 2007 5:58 am
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| Kevin Brown wrote: |
| Lazy River |
Indeed! I've had my spruce/walnut Lazy River since last November, and it is sounding better and better (and sounded great to begin with). It has left me completely GAS-free (when it comes to 25" scale, wooden, acoustic Hawaiian guitars, that is  ).
Fred
_________________
www.fredrikkinbom.com - New lap steel album out now - listen here: fredrikkinbom.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-lap-steel-and-harmonium |
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 4 Sep 2007 6:36 am
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My first weiss was a Superior, and while it's a whole lot better than a GoldTone, there's more than cosmetics that separates a custom built guitar from the Superior.
To put it simply, a guitar like a Lazy River has more of everything - more volume, sustain and 'sparkle'. Some months ago I had a visit from a dobro player who also brought his Superior, and even my relatively quiet LR Teardrop sounded bigger than the Superior.
But if $1000 is the absolute limit, then go for a Superior, IMO they're the best you can get for less than $1K (well, you could always wait and see if you can find a used Lazy River...  ).
Steinar
_________________
"Play to express, not to impress"
Website - YouTube |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 4 Sep 2007 9:14 am
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If you're looking for fancy, you can fancy up a Superior. Mine has the abalone surrond on the sound hole and it looks great!  |
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James Quackenbush
From:
Pomona, New York, USA
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Posted 4 Sep 2007 12:58 pm
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| Do yourself a HUGE favor and buy a used Lazy River or a used Celtic Cross ...Better yet, save for a new one ...They're not much more than what you are willing to spend ,and they are WONDERFUL instruments that you would be proud to own for a lifetime of really enjoyable playing ...I listenned to many different Weiss' but when I openned the case of my new Lazy River Rosewood, and Spruce Weiss and started to play it , I smiled what seemed for HOURS and HOURS of total bliss !!.... Don't skimp when it comes to buying a good Weiss ....You will be so thankful that you bought the right instrument !...Jim |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 4 Sep 2007 2:37 pm
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No one has mentioned Bear Creek, Bob Brozman's favorite. I have no personal experience with these. But they're out there. And are highly thought of in some circles appearantly.
_________________
Amor vincit omnia |
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Bob Bowman
From:
Staffordshire, England
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Posted 8 Sep 2007 3:14 am Celtic Cross
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I just got a Celtic Cross from eBay - see separate posting. It's very nice in all respects
The only other Weiss I've played was a Goldtone a few weeks ago in the West End (London),it looked unpleasantly shiny and was quite quiet.
Cheers Bob |
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Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 8 Sep 2007 3:29 am
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I've had a Bear creek for ten years. It's really opened up over time and in my (not so) humble opinion, it smokes every other Weissenborn-style instrument I've ever personally played with one exception: an original style-1 that had a unique, ethereal, magical sound. The BC has a radiused top & back which contributes to its tone and sustain. The crappy recordings I've posted of it on the web don't at all do it justice.
I was lucky to get in the game early on but the Bear Creeks are expensive now. Neil and Rance are building veryy nice instruments for less money so that may be your best option given your budget. |
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