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Topic: Ric vs Epiphone lap steels? |
Wes Hall
From:
Alabama, USA
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Posted 11 Oct 2022 7:34 pm |
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Hello all! First time post here. Been playing in open E for about a year or so with a cheap recording king and looking to upgrade. I've played a Ric B6 and am familiar with the tone.
So whats the difference tonally between the Ric and Epiphone horseshoe pickups? Or any of the other Epi lap steels? And how are vintage Epiphones tonally?
Thanks
Wes |
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Noah Miller
From:
Rocky Hill, CT
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Posted 12 Oct 2022 2:12 am
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The Epiphone horseshoe pickups had a slightly thinner sound with a little less output than the Rickenbackers. But they're generally in the same ballpark.
But the horseshoe pickups represent a fairly small minority of Epiphone steels. They used a variety of under-string pickups between the '30s and '50s, so it's hard to generalize. The different models also vary considerably in sustain. All of them are built very well, though. |
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 12 Oct 2022 3:40 am
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I've always been a big fan of Epiphone guitars and amps, as they were real pioneers along with Gibson and Rickenbacher. But my opinion about the Electar steels is that they are a level below both Gibson and Rickenbacher both tonally and build-wise.
My first lap steel was an Electar Model M, which was pretty much their top of the line offering for a single lap steel. I also owned quite a few other models, perhaps not as many as Noah though. At the top of the heap are the Model Ms and Zephyrs. The Model M has an art deco, partly aluminum top fastened to a wood body. Even with both these steels, though, I find the materials used for the nut and bridge are not conducive to good tone and sustain. But the guitars do sound good, though in my opinion nowhere near the Rickenbachers. Going further down the product line, I found the Century to be cheaply made and passed on one or two that I could have purchased for small sums. I still play my Model M, though I have changed the nut and the pickup. I still enjoy playing it for certain things.
The Electar console steels are magnificent looking. I have never played one of those or a Rocco.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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Wes Hall
From:
Alabama, USA
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Posted 12 Oct 2022 5:18 am
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| Thanks for the replies! Helps narrow choices down a bit. |
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