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Topic: New Chandler 8-string lapsteel |
Todd Weger
From:
Safety Harbor, FLAUSA
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Posted 1 Feb 2005 10:44 am |
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Here's a pic of the new Chandler that was unveiled at NAMM. According to the spec sheet, the switch is a 3-position tone switch. It has premium electronics and Roto-Tite tuners, and includes an ivory Tolex case.
TJW |
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Tim Tweedale
From:
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Posted 1 Feb 2005 12:03 pm
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I've heard from a fellow steeler who owns a 6-string Chandler that the tuners were lousy (he replaced them right away). I wonder if there's a difference on the 8-string model? Did you notice a price?
I dig the sho-bud fretboard!
-Tim[This message was edited by Tim Tweedale on 01 February 2005 at 12:14 PM.] |
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Dana Duplan
From:
Ramona, CA
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Posted 1 Feb 2005 12:21 pm
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This model lists for $1000. It has upgraded tuners. (there is also a deluxe 6-string, with upgraded hardware). I didn't play it, but commented at NAMM that the string spacing looked ample. The Chandler folks indicated they have consulted with Brad and others, and that it was the consensus that they needed the wider spacing, rather than just cramming 8 strings on a 6-string neck. The pickup on the Deluxe models (including the 8 string) is also a Humbucker--stacked I assume since it looks just like the single coil on the old model.
DD |
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Gerald Ross
From:
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Posted 1 Feb 2005 12:56 pm
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IMHO I feel the fingerboard inlays are a mistake.
The body of the guitar suggests a Weisenborn and the inlays suggest 'Viva Las Vegas'.
Mixed messages, not a cohesive design. Just my 2 cents.
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Gerald Ross
'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar'
Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website
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Andy Volk
From:
Boston, MA
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Posted 1 Feb 2005 12:58 pm
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| I have one of the old 6-string mahogany models and its string spacing is a bit tight even for a six-string steel. The tuners were not the best on the market but I always found them acceptable. One of the unique aspects of these guitars, IMHO, was the pearloid fretboard with its art deco graphic elements. This new black Shobud-inspired fretboard does nothing for me. The pickups were kind of P-90-like and quite lively idf not particularly voiced for steel. Except for the string spacing, I've always felt the Chandlers were a good budget instrument. I'd be interested to learn what people think of their new 8-string models. |
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Jeff Au Hoy
From:
Honolulu, Hawai'i
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Posted 1 Feb 2005 2:13 pm
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I'm currently 'visiting' in CA right now and got to play a Chandler last week at the local Guitar Center. I agree with Andy about the voicing of the pickups.
I think one is much better off finding an old MOTS Magnatone. Better tone for probably less money.
Aesthetically I feel like the Chandler is way out of balance--narrow and cluttered on one end, bulbous and sparse on the other.
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Steinar Gregertsen
From:
Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
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Posted 1 Feb 2005 3:21 pm
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There's a 6-string 2005 'studio' model on eBay now, here, one thing I notice is that it has a humbucker pickup with two rows of polepieces (ie, not stacked) and it features a three-way switch for parallel, series or single-coil operation. It also has the standard art-deco fretboard.
One of the things I liked the least with the Chandler I had was the lack of debth to the tone,- perhaps this new pickup takes care of that?
Steinar
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www.gregertsen.com
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