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Topic: Trashing Chandler |
Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 9:52 am |
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On the HSGA forum someone mentioned that Chandler lap steels have gotten mixed reviews. Since I am a big fan of them and am planning to buy a studio model, I asked for an elaboration. None has been forthcoming. So can anyone here help me out? The only thing I really don't like about them is that cheap piece of angle iron they call a bridge. I love the string spacing, the tone and the fact that they are so light and portable. And I love the Weissenborne shaped body.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 10:30 am
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| what's to help about? obviously you like them...and you love the tone, which could very well have alot to do with the bridge you don't like....buy one and don't worry about what anyone says! |
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 10:34 am
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I owned one some 4-5 years ago, the only things I didn't care much for was that the sound was a bit too bright (bordering to "harsh"), and the string spacing was rather narrow (at the time I also had a Superior weiss with super wide string spacing, so that may have had something to do with it..). I've read some complaints about the tuners, but I never had any problems with them.
PS - I just noted that you considered a "Studio" model,- I would assume they sound fatter than mine did because of the humbucking pickup.
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"Play to express, not to impress"
Website - YouTube |
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Dave Bader
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 11:09 am Chandler Bridge
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Hi Edward
If your looking to replace the bridge on your Chandler check out Ryan Rukavinas web site.
http://www.rukavinaguitars.com/products.html
He makes some real cool custom stuff and is offering lap steel parts now. You might even see a steel that you'd like to have. His prices are very reasonable.
Dave |
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Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 11:49 am
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| I used to own an RH-2 and liked it but sold it for the same reasons Steinar stated: harsh-sounding pickup and narrow string spacing. The pearloid fretboard with art deco markers was way cool however! |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 11:50 am
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| Quote: |
| ....which could have to do with that bridge you don't like. |
Hey! I hadn't thought about that! Maybe I shouldn't worry about the bridge so much.
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| I would assume they sound fatter than mine because of the Humbucking pickup. |
They have higher quality tuners as well.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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Vince Luke
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 1:44 pm
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I had a Studio 6 & thought it was a great deal. Felt & sounded like a quality instrument to me and it offered some versatility in sound thanks to the 3-way toggle for the pickup.
Vince |
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Stephan Miller
From:
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 2:32 pm
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One of the first steels I owned was a Chandler RH-2. Loved the looks, and it sounded fine to me at the time, but once I (finally) started slanting the bar, I realized that-- for me-- the tight string spacing at the nut just wasn't going to cut it (I had my first steel, a Ricky Model 59, for comparison...way uglier but felt a lot more playable)...plus I was moving to 8 strings at the time...
So that's my only knock on the Chandlers-- but Edward, you've said more than once that you play mostly single-note lines...maybe it doesn't, or shouldn't, matter to you if some folks don't find 'em slant-friendly.
--Steve |
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George Manno
From:
chicago
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Posted 10 Jun 2008 3:58 pm
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I was disappointed with the string spacing. The workmanship wasn't too bad. I see lots of used Chandlers selling for around $350. I guess that tells you the value they retain. The case is great>
GJM |
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Mark Mansueto
From:
Michigan, USA
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Richard Cooper
From:
Eads,TN,USA
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Posted 11 Jun 2008 7:33 am RH-2
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| I have a RH-2 and I think it is a very good lap steel. |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 11 Jun 2008 9:10 am
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Actually, the string spacing is one of the best points of the Chandler steels as far as I'm concerned. I find it extremely playable. I do play an awful lot of single string stuff. But nonpedal steel can't be played without doing SOME slants. The only guitar that I've found to be equal to or better than the Chandler for split slants in particular is the Excel Jerry Byrd model with its 22 1/4 inch scale.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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