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Topic: Resophonic enthusiasts rejoice! |
Dale Hansen
From: Hendersonville,Tennessee, (USA)
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Posted 6 May 2008 9:21 pm
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There's a new kid on the block these days, when it comes to high quality resophonic guitars, or if you prefer,..."dobros".
Ok, he ain't exactly a kid, but he does act like one more often than not. It's only when it comes to producing a fine, high quality instrument, that he quits "kidding around". His name is Steve Smith, the owner, and operator of Cumberland Acoustic Music Products, which produces custom parts for mandolins, banjos,... whatever.
Steve moved out here to the Nashville area about eleven years ago, to be the head of the (then) newly formed Bluegrass Division, for the Gibson Guitar Company, where he was entrusted with the huge task of restructuring the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of their lines of mandolins, Dobros (TM), and banjos. After getting Gibson back up and moving along, Steve carefully timed his exit, and went back into business for himself.
Steve's been a pal since 97', and I will say without any reservation that the satisfaction of his customer is always priority #1.
I'd like to introduce his latest division addition here.
Red Line Resophonics.
I just bought a new "Rezzie" from him, and it's a Corvette, compared to the old "Regal" that I had previously.
I snapped a few pic's today.
Mine is the "Vermillion Sunburst", parked next to the "little red corvette" on the end.
The guitar thats alone (above) on the table, is also the one below with Steve. There is a real interesting story to it. It was recently built for John Carter Cash, (the son of June, and Johnny Cash) to be his "house" studio axe.
That ain't all. Now about the wood. (Steve would have to tell you what type it is exactly)
Johnny Cash personally brought the wood back from his place in Jamaica,...lots of it.
Don't say that you heard it from me, but there's a chance that you could possibly get a guitar made from some of that wood. (the unfinished body, on the table behind Steve, is "rumored" to be some of that wood)
Steve, and the JCC
Now, the added bonus. His shop is only about a "#9 iron" shot away from "Steel Guitar Nashville".
For you non-golfers, the distance equivalent of that... would be like a bad parking spot at the mall.
http://www.redlineresophonics.com/
Last edited by Dale Hansen on 7 May 2008 5:55 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Carroll Hale
From: EastTexas, USA
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Posted 7 May 2008 4:37 am
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some nice looking stuff.... |
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Dale Hansen
From: Hendersonville,Tennessee, (USA)
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Posted 8 May 2008 6:54 pm
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I just wanted to show one more pic.
This is a different view of one in the "sofa" shot, above. It's the one next to the blondie on the extreme right. Note the tiger-like stripes in the wood. Real striking.
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Joey Ace
From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 9 May 2008 7:58 am
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There's no prices on the website.
Are these ball park similar to Beard or Goldtone or Regal?
I wouldn't be telling any Reso enthusiasts about my tenure with Gibson if I were him. |
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Dale Hansen
From: Hendersonville,Tennessee, (USA)
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Posted 10 May 2008 3:06 pm
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Joey,
I spoke to Steve yesterday, and he's gonna remedy the lack of a price listing soon. The website is still fairly new, and obviously doesn't yet have all the info one might look for.
The prices generally range from about $950, up to $2200. It could, of course, go beyond the top end if there are a lot of goodies you want, that aren't standard offerings.
Also, his association with Gibson is over.
Why would you be belittling, and badmouthing his resume'? Got an axe to grind?
If you like the Regal, you should just stick with it.
These are built for players.
Last edited by Dale Hansen on 10 May 2008 4:20 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Steinar Gregertsen
From: Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 10 May 2008 3:22 pm
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Really good looking resos Dale!
Dale Hansen wrote: |
Why would you be belittling, and badmouthing his resume'? Got an axe to grind?
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My guess is that the comment has to do with Gibsons reputation in the reso community, and was not aimed at this luthier. _________________ "Play to express, not to impress"
Website - YouTube |
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Dale Hansen
From: Hendersonville,Tennessee, (USA)
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Posted 10 May 2008 4:13 pm
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Steinar,
Being half Norwegian myself, I guess it would take a Norwegian to have to point that out to me. Thank you.
I get my ass hairs raised a little, when I sense that a buddy of mine is being slighted.
I'd also guess that I'm probably too far removed from the "grapevine" to know of any ill will towards Gibson coming from any rezzers out there.
I'm not plugging Steve here as an obligatory favor; as if he gave me an outrageous 1/2 off deal, or anything of the sort.
(He did throw in a beautiful, hand crafted zebra wood peg winder, though.)
Quite the contrary. I couldn't very well call myself a real friend to him if I didn't pay him what it was worth. He has to eat, and pay bills too. I played that whole line up, pictured above on the couch. Not a weak one in the herd. They do all have slightly different tonal qualities, because that is just simply the endearing nature of wood.
The "blondie" on the end is probably the most mellow, and warm. The black one is a real hammer. Loud, and proud.
The one that I ultimately wound up with, for the most part, chose me. It just felt right. |
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chris ivey
From: california (deceased)
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Posted 10 May 2008 7:21 pm
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don't worry, dale...i felt the attitude also! |
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Dale Hansen
From: Hendersonville,Tennessee, (USA)
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Posted 10 May 2008 8:01 pm
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To tell you the truth, I'm a little crabby tonight Chris.
I got turfed pretty hard by one of my colts today. Ko'd.
The tallest one,...of course. (16.3)
I told somebody earlier, that I'd probably be wearing my underwear on the outside of my britches tomorrow.
I've been watching the T.V. for about an hour and a half.
I guess I might just as well go ahead and turn it on.
Thanks for dropping by buddy.
Just for the record, I'll capitalize your name,.. even if you're too humble to do so.
You kinda have that cool famous poet thing goin' on. That's sorta neat, and I don't want to ruin it for you.
Who was that again anyway?- i.p. freely?...or e.e. cummings?
Your pal, Dale |
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