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Post new topic Good 8-string? Not too fancy but a keeper?
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Author Topic:  Good 8-string? Not too fancy but a keeper?
Allan Haley

 

From:
British Columbia, Canada
Post  Posted 10 Mar 2018 12:58 pm    
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Hi. Any recommendations for a good 8-string lap steel? Doesn’t have to be fancy or beautiful, but I’d like to get one that I can keep with no need to upgrade. I’d appreciate any suggestions you may have. Thanks. Al

Last edited by Allan Haley on 10 Mar 2018 1:45 pm; edited 4 times in total
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Bill Groner


From:
QUAKERTOWN, PA
Post  Posted 10 Mar 2018 1:07 pm     Re: Good 8-string? Not too fancy but a keeper?
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Allan Haley wrote:
Hi. Any recommendations for a good 8-string lap steel? Doesn’t have to a fancy or beautiful, bit I’d like to get one that I can keep. No need to upgrade. Thanks. Al


One word comes to mind...........MELBERT
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Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40
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George Macdonald

 

From:
Vancouver Island BC Canada
Post  Posted 10 Mar 2018 3:12 pm     Good 8 string
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Another vote for Melbert lap steels. I have two 8 string Melberts, one curly maple and one cherry wood. They look and sound good and they are affordable.
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Jim Peter

 

From:
Mendon,Mich USA
Post  Posted 10 Mar 2018 5:13 pm    
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I just purchased an 8 string lap steel from Ryan Rukavina that was very reasonably priced and should last a lifetime. I called him up and told him what I wanted (scale length, bridge and nut material, pickup etc.) and he built it for me.

Jim

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David Mason


From:
Cambridge, MD, USA
Post  Posted 10 Mar 2018 10:11 pm    
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I have a few rooty-toot-toot pieces - Fouke Aluminum, MSA, a D-10 Pedalmaster NON-Pedal (yah I groove on the concept too Smile ) but them Melberts, man... a whole lot of people have one, they're warm, functional, unpretentious tools. Afflordable, and I've never heard a complaint. You could just drop him a line and see what he's got working. Sometimes you can fall into stuff on line here or Ebay or Reverb, but you need a modicum of background knowledge to avoid weirdness.
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Nic Neufeld


From:
Kansas City, Missouri
Post  Posted 11 Mar 2018 9:29 am    
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I know it is a cheap import but I'm giving consideration to finally picking up the rondomusic / SX 8 string. Price is very reasonable and it looks well designed (relatively) as compared to some other designs (ie when you see adjustable bridges on a lapsteel).
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Mark Helm


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 11 Mar 2018 3:06 pm     Try to find a Fender....
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They be a bit more expensive, but Fenders are made exceptionally well. It's like having a Tele or a Strat (only a TON less costly than one of those from the same time period and the same workshop(s).

Just my two cents...
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Remington Steelmaster S8 w/ custom Steeltronics pickup. Vox MV-50 amplifier + an 1940's Oahu cab w/ 8" American Vintage speaker. J. Mascis Fender Squire Jazzmaster, Hofner Club bass, Ibanez AVN4-VMS Artwood Vintage Series Concert Size Acoustic Guitar. 1920s/30s Supertone Hawaiian-themed parlor guitar. Silvertone parlor guitar.
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Stephen Abruzzo

 

From:
Philly, PA
Post  Posted 12 Mar 2018 9:19 am    
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I don't have either of his 6 or 8 string models but I've heard nothing but GOOD things about Melbert Steels.....so he must be doing something right.
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Four Pettingills and a Clinesmith Aluminum. Fender Blues Junior. Quilter Mini-101.
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James Hartman

 

From:
Pennsylvania, USA
Post  Posted 13 Mar 2018 12:47 pm    
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A Sierra 8, is my current "gigging" instrument. I really like it. Takes a bit of looking to find one, but they can be had.
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G Strout


From:
Carabelle, Florida
Post  Posted 14 Mar 2018 7:39 am    
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Another vote for a Melbert. Or a used Remington. (If you can find one.)
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Ed Pettersen


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 14 Mar 2018 8:08 am    
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Ryan Rukavina does great work but maybe look into a Nashville luthier named Clay Alden. Corner Music sometimes has his stuff but he can be reached direct too. He uses reclaimed wood a lot and winds his own pickups. Just got this baby from him and really dig it. $350.


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Joe Breeden

 

From:
Virginia, USA
Post  Posted 16 Mar 2018 5:34 am    
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Melbert 8 string for sale on SGF for sale section
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Allan Haley

 

From:
British Columbia, Canada
Post  Posted 26 Mar 2018 12:36 pm    
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Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I'm thinking about a Melbert or possibly a used lap from a trusted Forum member.
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Jim Smerk


From:
Ohio, USA
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2018 9:26 pm    
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Nic Neufeld wrote:
I know it is a cheap import but I'm giving consideration to finally picking up the rondomusic / SX 8 string. Price is very reasonable and it looks well designed (relatively) as compared to some other designs (ie when you see adjustable bridges on a lapsteel).


I owned the 6-string ash for about a year and it was a solid player, I have also been looking at the 8 since the 10 did not pan out......
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Jim Smerk


From:
Ohio, USA
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2018 9:28 pm    
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Ed Pettersen wrote:
Nashville luthier named Clay Alden. He uses reclaimed wood a lot and winds his own pickups. Just got this baby from him and really dig it. $350.



Whoa!
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Johnie King


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 29 Apr 2018 10:23 am    
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Ed I would be ashamed too pay that little for that beautiful lap every body likes too eat a good meal once in a while that’s a crying shame that Clay a true wood working artist wood even consider such a price. May be something I don’t no.I’ve been guilty of selling for so little at times that I lost money but I’ve learne my lesson. Johnie King just pulling your leg Ed congrats

Last edited by Johnie King on 29 Apr 2018 2:09 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Johnie King


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 29 Apr 2018 10:36 am    
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[img]https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/userpix1712/14199_9046AD79AE6D44B89DF7D97B688FDBE9_1.jpg[/img.
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Johnie King


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 29 Apr 2018 10:40 am    
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8 string $599 leave off a little Starbucks coffee an u can afford it.

Last edited by Johnie King on 29 Apr 2018 10:54 am; edited 1 time in total
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Johnie King


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 29 Apr 2018 10:43 am    
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I can build about any style lap u desire but I need to eat at least one a day so that will reflect the price please support your local luthier.
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