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Topic: Goldtone Paul Beard PBS or McKenna Birch? |
Jim Gilliam
From:
Durham, North Carolina
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Posted 15 May 2011 1:14 pm |
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| I am considering an 8-string dobro and wonder who could compare and contrast these two guitars. I play mainly swing with some jazz and older country thrown in. Thanks! Jim |
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Todd Clinesmith
From:
Lone Rock Free State Oregon
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Posted 16 May 2011 7:40 am
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For many reasons I would go with the Mckenna. Gregg makes a great guitar, made in the USA, one man shop quality control, builder/player relationship..... ect ect.
Todd |
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Twayn Williams
From:
Portland, OR
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Posted 16 May 2011 9:47 am Re: Goldtone Paul Beard PBS or McKenna Birch?
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| Jim Gilliam wrote: |
| I am considering an 8-string dobro and wonder who could compare and contrast these two guitars. I play mainly swing with some jazz and older country thrown in. Thanks! Jim |
If you've got the money, obviously go with the McKenna. If not, obviously go for the Gold Tone 
_________________
Primitive Utility Steel |
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Gary Lee Gimble
From:
Fredericksburg, VA.
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Jim Gilliam
From:
Durham, North Carolina
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Posted 16 May 2011 10:33 am
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Hey Guys, I really appreciate the feedback.
Todd and Twayn, you have stated my dilema perfectly. I really want to buy from an American builder and small business. With that said I have found a Gold Tone for nearly half the price of a nice looking birch guitar that Gregg has for sale and I am trying to work thru the money differences in my head. I was just wondering how much difference there is in the sound and playability of of these two guitars, since one is solid wood and the other is laminated.
Gary, your video is one of the reasons I am Jonesing so much for an 8-string dobro. Very nice playing. Just the kind of thing I will be playing
Thank you all again! Jim |
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Twayn Williams
From:
Portland, OR
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Posted 16 May 2011 10:49 am
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So I guess your question is:
Is the McKenna worth twice the price of the GoldTone?
The answer is it depends
For myself and what I use dobro for, the answer is no. This is absolutely NO slight on the McKenna, but is a reflection on what I need a dobro for, which is a secondary instrument that only gets played for a few tunes at acoustic jam sessions.
If dobro were my main instrument and I wanted to commit to 8-strings as opposed to 6, then I'd save up and spring for the McKenna.
I own a Beard GoldTone 6-string and while it's a nice instrument and the best in it's price range, it really is not as good as a top of the line instrument. Occasionally I play it next to a player using a Sheerhorn 7-string and I can certainly hear the difference, mainly up above the 12th fret and a certain overall "sweetness" in the tone.
_________________
Primitive Utility Steel |
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L. Bogue Sandberg
From:
Chassell, Michigan, USA
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Posted 16 May 2011 3:02 pm
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I'm really happy with my Mckenna 8, which is my everyday guitar. It has the optional 24 fret fretboard. I don't go to 24 too much, but I'm up at 21 or 22 often and it's really nice. You can see what it looks like on Gregg's blog:
mckennaguitars.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html
Since the nearest Goldtone 8 string is 9 hours away, I haven't had a chance to compare. |
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Jim Gilliam
From:
Durham, North Carolina
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Posted 16 May 2011 4:31 pm
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Hey Guys,
Just wanted to say how much I appreciate all the advice you seasoned players have given me. I just pulled the string and bought a Gold Tone blem on Ebay for $525, which fits my pocketbook really well. Link to auction on eBay.
I will keep you all posted on my progress as I delve into the 8 string more. Thank you all again!
Jim |
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Brad Bechtel
From:
San Francisco, CA
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Posted 17 May 2011 6:53 am
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I hope you enjoy your new guitar, Jim!
_________________
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars |
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Jim Gilliam
From:
Durham, North Carolina
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Posted 17 May 2011 7:24 am
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| Thanks, Brad. Really looking forward to it! Jim |
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