Melobar Guitar Kit Worth?

Mark Dershaw · From: Arizona and Ohio

I recently stumbled across an opportunity to purchase a 6 string Melobar Powerslide that was ordered as a kit. I can't seem to find any information on these kits and am unsure if they are of the same quality as ordering a guitar from Ted. Does anyone have intel on these guitars? Thanks!!

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

Ted made a couple of Lindley Flying V's out of kits. I grabbed the white one - https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=397458

I've had a couple of Melobars Powerslides over the years. I can't tell any significant difference between this one and the others I had, except for the pickups and maybe the finish isn't as flashy as the wood body one I had. Actually, one of mine was an Explorer body style with the cushion body, and I definitely prefer the solid wood body.

The old ones had Lawrence humbuckers. This one has two pickups that resemble Rickenbacker toaster pickups. I guess a bit lower output than the 705s in David's. But sounds good. If I really want a Lawrence in the bridge position, I have one I can pop in. I believe the parts on mine, modulo the pickups, are NOS. And I definitely prefer 6 strings over the 10 strings on the old ones I had. I don't think they made 6-string versions back in the day - I'm pretty sure David's had a 10-string headstock that he put 6 strings on.

Maybe Ted will pop in with more and possibly better info. You could certainly email/PM him via the forum.

Mark Dershaw · From: Arizona and Ohio

Thanks Dave! As I learn more about these guitars and their history, I've become more invested in obtaining one. I did reach out to Ted and he responded very quickly. He not only gave me the information I needed but also gave me a quick rundown on how he applies his finish coats (The kit guitars come in primer). It's refreshing to deal with someone so passionate about their product!

Peter Jacobs · From: Northern Virginia

Ted’s a great guy. Congrats on your new toy — should be loads of fun to play!

(I have a Melobar lap steel - always wanted a Powerslide)
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Peter
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JB Bobbitt · From: California, USA

There was a Melobar kit on Reverb recently.

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"Time is an enemy"
-Bob Dylan

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