Canopus Opinions Wanted Please

Dana Duplan · From: Ramona, CA

Has anyone played/heard the Canopus 8-string lap steel that looks similar to an old Gibson EH185 (YL-8 model)? How would you describe the tone? Are these very desirable, and do any pros use them? What do they sell for? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
DD

[This message was edited by Dana Duplan on 25 October 2002 at 07:31 PM.]

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

Alan Akaka in Hawai'i has one...it is a gem. He often takes it on gigs.

Andy Alford · Posted 26 Oct 2002 3:53 am

Dana,

The one I played was like taking a trip back to the golden age of non pedal steel with its looks and sound.Many players love them.It is hard to believe that it is a modern steel,because it feels and sounds like a classic of the 40-50s.The string spacing is just right not to tight with a hot pickup that will fit into any type of music.I have not played a new Goldtone yet though they seem to be turning alot of heads,with their looks,sound, and price.Have you tried a Chandler?Go to their web site.These guitars are second to none with looks and sound that does remind you of the old Gibson sound.The Chandlers are the best quality,sound for the $$$ that I have found.Their guitars have a hot pickup that is made in house.You can give Paul a call at 530 899-1503.I hope this helps.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

There was one on ebay recently...I lost track of it....anybody know the results of the auction?

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

$710 was the highest bid..... Reserve NOT met.

Jeff Au Hoy · From: Honolulu, Hawai'i

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Jeff, welcome to the forum. You paid your quarter like everone else. Your opinion is just as valued and appreciated.

[This message was edited by HowardR on 26 October 2002 at 08:46 AM.]

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

Jeff...What do you know ???? Obviously quite a lot. Your "review" of the "Can-Opener" is valid and we appreciate what you have to say. I have never played one...just saw Alan playing his. (He sounded great...but then he would probably sound great on a 2x4 !) Stay with us aikani...nice to hear an opinion out of Hawai'i.

Andy Alford · Posted 26 Oct 2002 12:52 pm

Jeff

Its great to have you.Around here except for a very, very, few, a persons ideas are welcome.I respect, and look forward to your insights on the forum.We all stand to learn from one another.Did you find that adjusting the amp helped any?Were you playing through a tub or solid state amp?

Jeff Strouse · From: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

I don't own one, but Alan Akaka and Casey Olsen get a good sound out of them! But in their hands, I'm sure any guitar would sound great! The prices are a bit steep for me... I have Scotty's price list dated May of 2000, and at that time the Canopus prices were:

YS-6 String $1200
YS-7 $1250
YS-8 $1200
YS-8DS (Dbl) $2000

Here are a few pictures...
http://members.aol.com/kyjyasu1/joeindex.htm

[This message was edited by Jeff Strouse on 26 October 2002 at 01:57 PM.]

Herb Steiner · From: Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064

About 12 years ago, my niece was living in Hawaii, teaching at UH, and had her wedding at the Halekulani Hotel. Playing that weekend was Casey Olsen on his Excel and Barney Isaacs on a D-8 Canopus.

My opinion of the Canopus was that it was a well-made Fender knock-off, but a knock-off nonetheless that didn't even closely come up to the quality of a Stringmaster. And I was shocked at what they were retailing for, especially given the value of the yen vs. the US dollar.

Barney was a sweet guy, though. I was sitting off to one side listening to the band and on break he came over and said "you're a steel player, ain't ya."

I bought him a mai tai and we yakked the whole break. For me, way better than the wedding.

My niece is now divorced, btw.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

A few years ago I won a D8 Canopus in an ebay auction. I've posted photos of it in previous threads.

Last year I sent it off to Jody Carver for him to play for awhile. Although we jokingly refered to it as a "Can'O Piss" (only because we are a couple of clowns) it is anything but that.

It would be great if Jody would post his opinion here.

HEY JODY!!!! YOU LISTENING??? Chime in here if you would....

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Here's the thread...sans photos as I needed to reclaim web space...
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/002342.html

it does get a bit crazy

....and topic drift?
More like blown off course....

[This message was edited by HowardR on 26 October 2002 at 04:05 PM.]

Andy Alford · Posted 26 Oct 2002 6:08 pm

Howard

I am glad you posted the other thread.It does shine some light into the topic.It was geting rather dark here.

[This message was edited by Andy Alford on 26 October 2002 at 07:11 PM.]

[This message was edited by Andy Alford on 26 October 2002 at 07:12 PM.]

Jeff Strouse · From: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Thanks for sharing that nice memory, Herb. I hear Barney Isaacs was a great man. I wish I could have seen him play!

basilh · From: United Kingdom

My Good friend Norman Fletcher has a twin eight. I have heard this guitar live at various venues over the past year and although Norman's Hawaiian style of playing is of the "Old School" the guitar has just too much highs for my taste,Too modern a sound compared to 30's-40's guitars of which I have a few.
Basil Henriques http://www.waikiki-islanders.com

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