Rondomusic SX 6 or Gretsch G5700, or...?

Jon Swoveland · From: British Columbia, Canada

Hello everyone, this is my first post to the SGF since catching the steel guitar bug Smile

!
Now I should first mention that I live in Canada, so prices I throw out are in CAD. I also mention this, because there are much more limited options here as opposed to the US, and the shipping costs from the US to CAN are getting ridiculous.
Anywho..
I rented a Gold Tone lap steel to try out, and it sounds nice, but it seems way over-priced at $780 CDN. I am also not a fan of the tone knob being on the "body" side of the strings, as I find it gets in the way of palm mutes.
Like I said, I'm just starting out, so I don't want to spend too much... say under $500 CDN (~$380 USD). Of course I'm keeping my eyes pealed for used, but I've also seen the RondoMusic SX lap steels, which seem unbelievably inexpensive. Even with shipping to Canada, it would come in under $250. Are these actually decent, playable instruments? I'm also looking at the Gretsch G5700, because Long & McQuade (think Canadian version of Guitar Center), carries those for about $450 CDN.

I also converted an old japanese les paul copy (my very first guitar I bought used in 1989!) to play lap steel, but it's...pretty bad.

Thanks for reading and thanks for any feedback provided!

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Hi Jon. Click on this highlight for a previous discussion concerning SX guitars. I have a 6 string model and I'm impressed with the sound and playability. It is a well made instrument also. Hard to beat for the bucks IMO.

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=326376&highlight=rondo

I should qualify my remarks in that I am primarily a pedal steel player and no connoisseur of lap or console models, so just FWIW. Best of luck finding a decent instrument, welcome to the forum and enjoy your steel guitar experience. Exclamation

Bill Groner · From: QUAKERTOWN, PA

Check out Melbert Lap Steels before you buy an import.

Melbert Steel page #3.
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Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Since he's in Canada, the Melbert is also an import. Smile

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Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Jon Swoveland · From: British Columbia, Canada

Glad to hear!
Interesting that discussion that didn't come up in my search for SX guitars. I'll need to work on my sleuthing skills I guess :windk:

Perhaps after many years of lap steel I'll try pedal steel. I am in love with the sound of the instrument, but in awe of those who can play.

Jon Swoveland · From: British Columbia, Canada

Those Melberts look really nice...sigh...
Now I've got a case of GAS /s

Bill Groner · From: QUAKERTOWN, PA

Paul DiMaggio · From: Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada

Maybe check Bonerattle Music on the Drive in Vancouver they sometimes have used steels. The Music Shop in Rocky Mtn. House AB also might have something too. Rufus music in Vancouver is another possibility.

Ted Duross · From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Hi Jon,

Another source you might want to check out, if you haven't already, is Kijiji.ca. Occasionally they'll have something interesting and reasonably priced.

If something grabs your attention you can research it on the forum. It's almost hard to find a make that hasn't been discussed at some point. It's a treasure trove of information and will almost surely contribute to your GAS Very Happy

BTW, I don't know if you noticed it when did your SX search, but there's a "Click here for a simpler Google Search" option. I find it quite useful.

Good luck with the hunt!

Ted

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

I like the Rondo SX lap steels. They are playable out of the box and easy to modify later on. Here's some pics and sounds of my SX:

http://www.gregcutshaw.com/Rondo/Rondo.html

Bill Groner · From: QUAKERTOWN, PA

Nice playing Greg. While I don't have that guitar, I do have the same table and chairs from the looks of it in your picture. Smile

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Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40

Jon Swoveland · From: British Columbia, Canada

Thanks Greg! I think this pretty much seals the deal. Looks and sounds great. Beautiful playing, I might add.

Jon Swoveland · From: British Columbia, Canada

Thanks for the suggestions Paul, I honestly should have thought of Rufus guitar shop! I grew up on the west side of Vancouver so I spent a lot of time there in my misspent youth Wink

G Strout · From: Carabelle, Florida

Jon,
In order to avoid import fees, taxes etc. Please have a look at Tremblay lap steels. Handmade in Laval Quebec. I own one and absolutely love it. Nice build and great quality!!
Gary

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

With vintage prices being so depressed by the influx of these cheap steels I'd buy a used Gibson, or Harmony, or Silvertone, or Epiphone or similar. IMO they are much better instruments for the money.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

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