Visit Mastereso Resophonic Guitars

harlow
submitted 8/23/2010

Submitter

joewebb (see all reviews from this person)

Overall Comments


Just visited Frank Harlow's shop in Ohio and found the last of the master craftsmen. What a skilled and dedicated perfectionist! His best practices and artistic philosophy incorporate a formula that results in one of the finest instruments in the world.

Overall Rating

10


McKenna McKenna 7 String
submitted 8/10/2010

Submitter

spam (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Gregg McKenna Guitars

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


The main reason for getting a 7 string was to be able to play in a G6 tuning without sacrificing either the D or G strings at the bottom. This reso was perfect for the music I intended to play on it, Hawaiian and Western swing styles. I know it seems I'm in the wrong forum for these styles, but it's still reso music to me. The McKenna has a rich, even sound. Not as bright compared to my 6 string. But that's what I wanted.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


When I received it, it had a slight vibration when playing a certain string. Because the strings were loosened during shipment the cone/spider moved slightly. Gregg McKenna was great in helping me to re-seat the spider to the soundwell. I wouldn't make any changes to Gregg's setup.

Setup Rating

9

Appearance


It has a great lacquer finish. The finish he put on this guitar is immaculate and is better than any I have seen in this price range.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


The hardware is top notch. He uses only the best. It's built like an upper end instrument. Seems like it would be very dependable.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Gregg was a pleasure to work with. Very friendly indeed. I believe he will service it as long as he is around. I never had to call him. He answered all my emails promptly.

Customer Service

10

Components


Quarterman cones, Grover mini rotomatic machines, ebony cap maple inserts, high gloss lacquer finish and a TKL hard shell case.There are no cheap parts on this reso.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


If you have a need for a really great traditional sounding reso at a fair price Gregg McKenna can make it for you. There are some really great makers out there today and I'm not saying I'm going to stop here. But I'm really glad I have this fine guitar made by a great luthier.

Overall Rating

10


James D Magnum Body - J095
submitted 7/30/2010

Submitter

Twang (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Phone/Email

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


With the type of wood used i was expecting a higher based sound but i am delightfully surprised by a mid range to slightly lower sound. Assuming that as with all instruments age will do nothing but add to the richness that it already has. When compared to my Dobro, the notes from one end of the fret board to the other seem a bit easier to find and there is less final adjust to get the wavelength that pleases the ear best.

Sound Rating

9

Setup


Boned way up! Everything is as it should be, tight, no vibrations, clean, Harry does a great job setting up, in fact if he does retire, i hope he will consider maybe doing work on the side. Beard cone, Dobro 14 spider bridge, 8 Cherry Sound posts, Gotoh tuners

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Top: Curly Maple, Back & Sides: Palo Escrito, Neck: African Mahogany, Fret Board: Peruvian Walnut, saddles are Ebony capped maple.

I'm a hard critic in some ways, but a realist in all areas. Fact is you can hand me any guitar (martin,you name it) ever made and i can find something that could have been done better. When building guitars of any kind the up front investment is in your grill, you cant take it apart and start over, you cant throw it away... lumber is at a premium, so is cost. That being said the two things i noticed about this guitar are minor and will never effect the sound or the life expectancy in any way. Nor are they one of those things that is noticed easy. There is a few slight lacquer blemishes, perhaps a flake of dust or something along that line easy to fix if your in the mind set of perfection, i am not unless your referring to sound, and on the inside side of the saddle there is a slight blemish where the ebony cap and the palo escrito meet. If you aren't looking for it, one would pass it without catching it as part of the palo grain, its not until you hold it back and really take a long look that you find it. There is nothing poor about this guitar and absolutely nothing that would stop me from buying a another one from Harry for any reason. Little imperfections give character and life to an instrument and a builders style... Harry James is both a artist and a character, and that's just what you want in a musical instrument investment.

Appearance Rating

9

Reliability


I can see this Reso in the hands of my grandsons grandson. There is nothing i can say other than fantastic mechanical composition. Id take it to the center of Siberia, or the out-est of the Outback and never give it a second thought... although if your a professional, you will of course always have a back-up, you cant tempt fate!

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Harry and the Missus,.
If everyone in the world was as efficient, kind and reliable, the TV court shows would fade into history. You couldn't ask for a smoother transaction and support team. Sent funds express on Friday, received Guitar on Thursday following. Trust is NOT an issue here.

Customer Service

10

Components


Very little to say here... but i wouldn't change a thing, he knows what he is doing... I'm sure there are some who have preference on say machine heads, well then order them when ya order your guitar, don't ask Harry to read your mind. I'm sure Harry will accommodate any personal preference you have within reason or if he wont, you can bet your bottom dollar that he has a reason and he will be more than happy to explain to you as to why he wont.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


The experience and pleasure is all mine. I got more than I paid for, and may well have started a lasting friendship that i hold and will continue to hold very near. People like Harry and his wife are hard to come by these days and i cant say enough about the fact that if you want a really nice Reso Guitar, you can find one with your name on it fom Harry. Thanks Harry and Margaret !

This guitar is J093 not J095 as the review states in the heading...

Overall Rating

10


Appalachian Resonator Large Body Birch
submitted 7/21/2010

Submitter

Alan Rausch (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Tom Warner

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


Deep modern sounding like a post and baffle should be. Even tone up the neck, with good volume. Sounds great played soft to get that smooth tone. Can be played bright and loud, it responds well to right hand movement.

Sound Rating

not rated

Setup


I ordered with Scheerhorn cone and Schoonover bridge/spider set up. Ebonex/maple inserts. Tom contacted Kent Schoonover and they measured it up. It came with no adjustments needed. I usually like ej42 strings, but on this one the Scheerhorn cryogenics sound best.

Setup Rating

not rated

Appearance


I custom ordered the finish, olive green opaque with black sunburst over it. It looks almost black in dark room, but outside it looks green. Birch is a great overall tonewood. All the other parts came from Beard, so high quality and finish.

Appearance Rating

not rated

Reliability


I have never used a back up. I still have my other reso, but might sell it. I don't need more than this one. I expect it will last as long as any other out there. I have played it outdoor summer gigs without any problems.

Reliability Rating

not rated

Customer Service


Tom did everything I wanted at a great price, if there was ever a problem he would make it right.

Customer Service

not rated

Components


Visual: Color and high quality hardware.
Sound: Large open body with Scheerhorn cone and Schoonover spider/inserts.

Components Rating

not rated

Overall Comments


Why spend more than you have to get a quality custom American made reso. Call or email Tom and let him build a great instrument.

Overall Rating

10


Appalachian Resonator Large sitka spruce/Indian rosewood
submitted 7/17/2010

Submitter

ryusachi (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

From Tom

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


Rich and Full Biggest sound!

Sound Rating

10

Setup


By myself, I set it up in my preference.

Setup Rating

8

Appearance


Splendid wood is used.
I was worried about only one point, but it was not a so big problem. If the detailed fixtures become perfect, Dobro which he makes will become best of the best!

Appearance Rating

9

Reliability


Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


He thinks about a problem seriously and copes.

Customer Service

10

Components


With my favorite part, I had him make it.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


The sound is splendid first of all. In various Dobro which I played until now, it is the best sound.
It is the reasonable price that it can hardly compare with the other makers. I play it my main Dobro now.
I think that I want one another him to make it in the near future.
I played,Dobro,MGK,Roger Cain,R.Q Jones,Liberty,Rayco,Clinesmith,Meredith...........

Overall Rating

10


Goldtone PBR
submitted 7/12/2010

Submitter

charlies3 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Melodee Music

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


Great sound! Very loud and full. Even with the light dead strings in the store I could tell this was a good one. The nice folks at Melodee put on some medium EXP17s and Bam! A lot more sound.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


After changing the strings, the store adjusted the setup for me. Great service.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Beautiful wood and very tasteful even in the basic model. I was trying to decide between this and the deluxe appoinments and I found that I liked the simple fretboard better. As with many imports, too much glossy finish, especially on the neck. I would have preferred a satin neck.
A few places on the fretboard where the stain was uneven but no big deal.

Appearance Rating

8

Reliability


Seems very solid and well built. I'll give a 9 only because it's an import.

Reliability Rating

9

Customer Service


Nothing yet

Customer Service

not rated

Components


IMHO it's all about the cone. The Beard cone makes all the difference. I also like the chunky neck. Quite different from my electric archtop. The cover plate was not flawless but still looked good.

Components Rating

9

Overall Comments


No doubt in my mind that this guitar is a best bang for the buck in low cost resos. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating

10


Liberty "Copper Head" Copper Head
submitted 6/15/2010

Submitter

twodogs1952 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

eBay

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

375.00 ($US)

Sound


Delta Blues, Slide...The guitar is rich and has good volume. I like this guitar.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


The guitar was set up from the factory with a relatively low action, with the 1st & 2nd string set a bit higher the the rest.
I am satisfied with this setup and have done nothing to alter it. I would say that it would be easy to change the setup if needed.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Mahogany round neck ,Mahogany body,Bound Rosewood fretboard,
Beautiful Copper top and truss rod cover ,Maple spider bridge

Appearance Rating

9

Reliability


Yes the hardware is good. The finish is made to last & it is dependable.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


No I have'nt dealt with Bill Blue of "Liberty Guitars' ,but before I bought the guitar I did my homework & read other players reveiws that had personaly called him. It was all good!

Customer Service

10

Components


The copper overlay top on the body and the matt finish. It is not a goddy looking instrument.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


I recommend this guitar.

Overall Rating

10


Red Line Reso The Peabody # 39
submitted 5/24/2010

Submitter

bris48 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

from the Factory

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

$$$$.$$ ($US)

Sound


Very Rich , , all the way up and down the neck .Up high it is clear as a bell , it will get your attention, On the lower end it is like the thunder claps before a summer rain storm, It will get as soft and pretty as you want and as loud and forceful as you need

Sound Rating

10

Setup


The setup was done very very well. Steve even did little experiments (can't tell here) to enhance the characteristics of this Maple Cannon

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


BEST EYE CANDY I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Highly figured Maple
Rosewood finger board and peghead
Curly maple flush fret markers
Laminated neck Maple Walnut and ebony
Natural curly Maple binding with W/B backing
Fit, Finish are Exceptional

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


hardware all TOP Quality
I forsee no problems at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Steve and his RL Crew are probably the best to work with I have ever seen.... They even go the EXTRA miles to help and assist........................
Don't worry about a warranty, Steve stands behind his work! ! ! ! ! !

Customer Service

10

Components


Grover 18:1 tuners,
Quarterman cone, RLR own Spyder
Sunken maple ebony topped bridge inserts
Lyre coverplate
All parts top quality

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


I believe Steve and the folks at RL are making a reso to contend with....... These new Peabody Resos , I believe are right up there with Clinessmith, Merrideth, Scheerhorn, and the other top end Resos

Overall Rating

10


Recording King RM-991-S
submitted 5/19/2010

Submitter

Bunyan Bob (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Log Jam Music

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


It's beautiful. Fantastic sustain, clear notes, and very reactive. Very loud for a reso and has that cool retro sound.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


I just had to tune it up and go!

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Stunning, absolutely stunning.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Being a dealer, how much support we get from the manufacturer means alot to our business. The guys at the Music Link have been, and continue to be top notch.

Customer Service

10

Components


Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


Overall Rating

10


Morgan Monroe MSQ-100-SB
submitted 5/12/2010

Submitter

iluvresos (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Banjo.com

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

349.95 ($US)

Sound


This resonator suits my style very well, I play bluegrass, blue's, and rock on it, and it plays all very nicely. I don't use any effects. It has a very rich, bright sound to it.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


It was set up excellently, I love doing business with banjo.com, they take great care of everything they send. All I had to do was tune it a little bit and it was good to go. I think i will change to some better suited strings for it, but the one's that came with it will do for now.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Ah man it is beautiful, I love the tobacco sunburst, I started to buy the black voodoo resonator, but decided I liked the tobacco better. The whole guitar looks awesome.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


The hardware is excellent, I see no major foreseeable problems with any of the hardware or finish. I believe this guitar will be very dependable, If I where a professional musician I would rely on it as my main instrument.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


I just got this guitar 05/10/10, so I have not had to deal with the company yet. It comes with a lifetime warranty, which is pretty awesome.

Customer Service

10

Components


I think the resonator and cone's make this guitar, the way they stand out on the instrument is very cool, looks great. none of the parts seem weak or need upgraded as far as I can see.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


I love this resonator, I am very happy with it and glad I bought this particular brand, as I also have a Morgan Monroe banjo that is excellent as well.

Overall Rating

10


Wintergrass 2010
submitted 4/30/2010

Submitter

dodgedougak (see all reviews from this person)

Overall Comments


Another great year for wintergrass. 2009 and previous was held in Tacoma, WA. 2010 was at a new venue in Bellevue, WA. I was a bit skeptical going in, but the new town and venue really wanted us and were great hosts. The highlight was sitting at the Rayco Guitar booth listening to Mark, Chad, Orville and all jamming for hours. Great bands, great workshops and great people.

Overall Rating

8


Merlefest 2010
submitted 4/29/2010

Submitter

harperk31794 (see all reviews from this person)

Overall Comments


Best festival I've ever been to. The festival starts on Thursday but the jamming starts the Sunday before and continues throughout the festival. I will definitely be back.

Overall Rating

10


BLUE CHIP PICKS BCT 1L THUMBPICK
submitted 4/25/2010

Submitter

Bobro (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

from BlueChip

Overall Comments


Great pick for 4 months, it broke two days ago. Lots of hours of playing and hardly any noticable wear to be seen.

Overall Rating

7


Lapsteel Karrera
submitted 4/19/2010

Submitter

ukuleleph (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

K-Mate online (Australia)

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

85 (Australian dollars) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


I play the lapsteel like a reso. That suits this guitar well. I also like to bend the 2nd string to get a pedal steel effect; very easy on this guitar. I just use a cheap & nasty amp (Casino 15B). There is a very small buzz coming out of the amp, but you have to be trying to listen to hear it. Its not loud enough to worry about unless you were doing professional recordings. The guitar has a single volume & tone knob, but the sound still seems to be "tender" & rich.

Sound Rating

8

Setup


Purchased this sight unseen from an Australian web site. It said that the retail price was $349 (Australian; about $330 USD). Also, the Karrera website said the same model was $295 USD. So to get it for $85 Aust. was an absolute bargain !. The action is nice.

Setup Rating

8

Appearance


Its very black !. The only dislike is there are no fret markers. Very frustrating. I had to put stickers on the fretboard, but what do you expect for this price ?. Other than that, it looks quite slick.

Appearance Rating

7

Reliability


Seems like it will last.

Reliability Rating

7

Customer Service


This was shipped the same day, and received 2 days later. Ya can't argue with that !.

Customer Service

10

Components


Seems all OK. My only doubt is that the nut is wooden; not steel. But for this price, I still think it is outstanding value for money.

Components Rating

7

Overall Comments


A great buy. Feels great, sounds great. Looks great despite no markers on the fret board. Recommend especially for reso players who want to tinker with this great instrument (like I did. Now I am hooked, and an absolute fan). The ridiculously low price attracted me. I am very glad about that. Good value for money.

Overall Rating

8


Lapsteel Guyatone
submitted 4/19/2010

Submitter

ukuleleph (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Gift

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


This is a 1968 Guyatone. Its a Japanese "sausage factory" make, however, it is an outstnading instrument. It suits country/hillbilly or Hawaiin styles. I play it like a reso and it sounds fine. The sound is rich & full.

Sound Rating

9

Setup


This was my grandfather's guitar. He recorded with it in the 70's. The action is great. An interesting feature is the distance between the strings. They are a bit wider than my other lapsteel (Karrera), and this makes for easier playing. The strings have never gone out of tune.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Its easy on the eyes, however, its perhaps a little heavier than todays lapsteels.

Appearance Rating

8

Reliability


Very dependable. Sounds perfect given its age.

Reliability Rating

9

Customer Service


Neutral rating given that this was a gift.

Customer Service

5

Components


This is a well made lapsteel.

Components Rating

9

Overall Comments


This 1968 Guyatone lapseel has stood the test of time. Its a shame they are out of production. It goes to show that production line instruments can still be high quality. It is a copy of the old Fender Stringmaster; and a good copy at that !. A great sound and nice to play.

Overall Rating

9


Regal RD-40
submitted 4/6/2010

Submitter

KATMAN (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Ben Jacks Music

Year Purchased

2007

Price Paid

350 ($US)

Sound


This guitar sounds great.It came with light gauge bronze,but I prefer mediums on it.I play mostly blues and it handles great.Full loud tone.

Sound Rating

7

Setup


The setup was a little high when I got it.Over the years it has gotten better.I haven't done anything to it.It was playable when I bought it.

Setup Rating

6

Appearance


The finish and looks really got me. I love the nostalgic look to it.It didn't have any flaws at all.Still looks sharp after three years.

Appearance Rating

8

Reliability


The hardware looks to me like it will last.I'm not hard on my instruments,so it shoild last me forver.

Reliability Rating

8

Customer Service


Customer Service

not rated

Components


The guitar I bought had very good tuners,cones,etc.Most players will upgrade the cones,but I don't feel it should be neccasary

Components Rating

8

Overall Comments


I really love this guitar! I would recomend it to anybody who is starting out.

Overall Rating

8


Regal RD40 S
submitted 4/2/2010

Submitter

popsey (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

R. Q. Jones

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

400.00 historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


I could hardly believe how good it sounded and looked.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


R. Q. Jones knows how to set up a reso guitar.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Wonderful for the money. Looks better than my Goldtone PBSD.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


Reliability Rating

9

Customer Service


Haven't had to call anyone yet. Don't think I will.

Customer Service

9

Components


Great for the money I spent.

Components Rating

9

Overall Comments


Would highly reccomend this guitar to anyone wanting the most guitar all around for the entree level player.

Overall Rating

10


James D Magnum Body - J095
submitted 3/17/2010

Submitter

SlimPickins (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Directly from Harry James

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


This guitar is full of tone and volume. It has a powerful bass range, with a warm mid-range, and crystal clear highs. The tone reminds me of a rosewood guitar, but with the "bite" of maple. Very modern, contemporary tone. You can use this guitar for any style and it will hold its own.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


Everything was setup well right from Harry. No adjustments needed so far, though I might change the bridge inserts down the line.

Setup Rating

9

Appearance


The tonewoods used for this guitar were gorgeous. The difference in wood and finish colors used made for an outstanding looking guitar. It is not as cleanly built as some of the other builders out there today might do it, but not too bad. The only complaints are some flaws in the finish in some spots - hence the lower rating.

Appearance Rating

7

Reliability


This guitar seems to be a real tank. Though there are some cosmetic finish flaws, I don't think it's going to wear through. I would take this to a gig without a backup with no problem.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


A better man than Harry James you will not find. He was extremely friendly and more than helpful with any questions and comments I had throughout the building process. Harry's guitars come with a lifetime warranty to the original owner and he stands by it. I would definitely deal with Harry again in the future if the opportunity presents itself.

Customer Service

10

Components


Beard chrome plated hardware was used, so no worries about that failing anytime soon. The Gotoh tuners that were used are new to me, but so far they seem really nice and sturdy.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


I don't think you can beat the guitars from Harry James in terms of value, quality, and workmanship. Harry is a gem to deal with and I couldn't be more pleased with how my guitar turned out. I highly recommend Harry and his instruments to anyone.

Overall Rating

9


Mastereso Large Body / Curly Mahogany
submitted 3/10/2010

Submitter

gladgrover (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Resohangout Drawing

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


This guitar has a true clean sound. The upper two strings sing like a bell, the middle two are crisp and loud, and the bass roars. I have never played a reso with such sustain as this guitar has. It can hold it's own in a jam session. It is picked up well over a microphone also.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


Very easy to play. Some guitars take some getting used to, but Phil did a great job setting this one up. I would not change a thing.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


A beautiful piece of work! The curly mahogany has a high deep gloss finish which enhances the grain of the wood. The "snowflake" fret markers and the maple frets add to the appearance of the fretboard. The tuners and other metal parts shine. The poinsettia cover plate adds a lot to the overall look.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


Only quality materials were used in making this guitar. It is a very well built heavy guitar. The Schaller strap lock adds to the reliability.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Phil is a great guy to work with during the building process. He kept me informed throughout and asked my opinion on several aspects during construction. He made sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. Any question I had, he answered with no problem.

Customer Service

10

Components


It is equipped with a Quarterman cone, ebony capped maple inserts, and Grover tuners. It does not need a baffle system, posts only. Everything is top quality.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


I could not have designed a better reso for my style of playing. It has met and exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Mastereso Guitars to any player either new or seasoned. Great job Phil!

Overall Rating

10


Perfect Touch nickel, round face finger picks
submitted 2/24/2010

Submitter

crh1 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

JanetDavis

Overall Comments


Picks are fairly comfortable. I have trouble with getting string between pick and finger. (probably something I am doing wrong). They need to be heavier gauge material. I would prefer .025. Don't seem like I can dig in as hard.

Overall Rating

8


You are not logged in.
Log In


Not a member? Create an Account (FREE!)



98 RESONATOR GUITAR LOVERS ONLINE     HOME | FORUMS | MEMBERS | MEDIA ARCHIVE | TABS & LESSONS | CLASSIFIEDS | REVIEWS | LINKS | CALENDAR | TERMS OF USE | desktop