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Post new topic Electric Steel Makers
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Author Topic:  Electric Steel Makers
Edward Meisse

 

From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
Post  Posted 21 Dec 2006 11:46 pm    
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I've been looking at new electric steels on the web for a few months now. The two people producing the best value for the money as far as a playable guitar with a basic good sound seems to be Remington and West Coast.
Two others that stand out are Chandler-whose 8 string costs $999.00-no legs and Asher-whose 6 strings cost over two k-likewise with no legs.
Someone must be buying them. Can someone who has explain the higher value/cost basis?
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Gary Boyett

 

From:
Colorado
Post  Posted 22 Dec 2006 4:16 am    
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Georgeboards make a fine steel at a reasonable price. I own one and love it.

The MSA superslide is also on the high end.

My guess it is just supply and demand. If you can try a few different ones before you but it it would be worth your time.

Good luck in your search, that's half the fun.

------------------
HSGA & RMSGC member
Play it with "Glass"
Boyett's Glass Bars


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Keith Cordell


From:
San Diego
Post  Posted 22 Dec 2006 5:25 am    
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The differences in price reflect the quality and detail in the instruments' build. The Asher, for example is as well made as any boutique Les Paul style guitar. Frankly, I am surprised they aren't more expensive.
Some of the guitars out there are not nearly as good as the cost, (Fender FS52?) but others are well worth twice the price! Just gotta look, read and find the best one for you. For what it's worth the Sierra 8 string is the best I have played, there are other good ones out there.
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Stephen Wells

 

From:
Jackson, Mississippi
Post  Posted 22 Dec 2006 5:54 am    
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You should also check out Lapking. Jason Dumont is building some great guitars, like the recent ones for me and some guy named Jerry Douglas.
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Gary Lynch

 

From:
Creston, California, USA
Post  Posted 22 Dec 2006 6:51 am    
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Also, do you want a full on console, or a lap style? There are more lap style builders than console builders. If you buy used you get the rig at a decent price.
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Michael Johnstone


From:
Sylmar,Ca. USA
Post  Posted 22 Dec 2006 9:51 am    
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I gotta take this opportunity to plug CruzTone steels. To my ear they're the best sounding new lap/console steel currently being built.The tone is simply HUGE. Mighty fine to look at too.
I sure love my black 3-legged 8-string which you can see in this recent thread:
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/009177.html

They're built by Colin Adler in Santa Cruz, CA. Check out his operation here:
http://www.cruztonesteel.com/
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Mark van Allen


From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
Post  Posted 22 Dec 2006 10:11 am    
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On the lower end of the price scale, I've really enjoyed the Fouke Industrial designs. They have a unique tone (hollow aluminum bodies), and are very eye-catching. The tone might not appeal to "Fender traditionalists", but I've sold a whole lot of 'em. More details here: http://www.markvanallen.com/store_electric_lap_steels.html
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Gary Lynch

 

From:
Creston, California, USA
Post  Posted 22 Dec 2006 12:22 pm    
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Michael

Is that a faux horseshoe pickup or the real deal, like a Rickenbacker?

I like the string through body, the metal top, a wide area to rest you hand, and nothing in the way of your tone bar. All these are great for sound and longevity.

The only downside is the price!

[This message was edited by Gary Lynch on 22 December 2006 at 12:28 PM.]

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Colin Alder

 

From:
Santa Cruz, California, USA
Post  Posted 23 Dec 2006 4:34 am    
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This is the photo Michael was talking about , plus a current link to a CruzTone album click here

[QUOTE]Is that a faux horseshoe pickup or the real deal, like a Rickenbacker?[QUOTE]

Both:
The 6 string has the Rick Turner hot rod Model T pickup that has passive shoes. It is powerful and hi-fidelity giving clear tones with high note definition. I have a new model that add a Lollar Chicago Steel as a second pickup w/series/parallel switching.

The eight string has the older Lollar/Aiello that combined powerful magnetic shoes around Jason's winding. The new eights will have the same pickup,with the same magnets in a slightly shaped chrome different cover.

Happy Holidays,
Colin
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Gary Lynch

 

From:
Creston, California, USA
Post  Posted 23 Dec 2006 12:08 pm    
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These look well made. Very well thought out. Like the builder is a player. If those pickups sound as good or better than the old Rick's you have a home run going.
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