6stringTom - Posted - 01/04/2010:  18:18:31

---

I'm an acoustic guitar player of 45 years, just getting serious about lap style reso. I'm currently playing a 1972 metal Dobro roundneck with a nut extender but I'm thinking about getting a wood squareneck. I'm attracted to the Crafters guitars in part because they are often described as having a traditional sound. I've found a few used ones--maple (Virginian), walnut (Californian), and mahogany (Tennessean). I've also talked with Crafters and know what I could get a new one for.

These guitars are not readily available to try out in my area, so I can't easily compare them to other brands or one Crafters model to another. I did read the one ecstatic review here on Reso-hangout, and I've read a few comments in old forum posts. Most are positive, but I don't get the impression these are that common among forum members as there aren't that many posts about them.

Does anyone have first-hand experience comparing the Crafters models to one another or comparing these guitars to other brands? Are these quality guitars that will satisfy for life (well, I'm 62, so take that into account ). Or will I find myself as I improve wanting something else? I play Martins and Gibsons for my acoustics, so I am used to pro but not boutique instruments.

Any comments are most welcome, and thanks for all the great information available at this site.

Grizz - Posted - 01/04/2010:  21:21:25

---

I like you am 62 and just getting into reso's. I will put in my 2 cents worth from what I have found from over 2 months of hours and hours a day doing research. The Tut Taylor retails, as you probably know , close to and over $3000. From what I have seen they do not hold their value anywhere near what some of the other higher end reso's do. There was a "mint" Tennessean on e-bay for $1150.00 that didn't sell and another a couple weeks ago one that sold for $850. There is also a nice Virginian on RN for $1100. I have been told that the sound is more "old style" as they use a sound hole design. Most players now want the more "modern" sounding sound post and baffle system. I believe they are a quality instrument however. I have a LOT of research information if you are interested but it would be better if you e-mailed me directly. It's not for this forum. You can e-mail me at griz@speednetllc.com if you want. I would be happy to pass along what I have found. MIke

---

Edited by - Grizz on 01/06/2010 18:17:16

resopluker - Posted - 01/05/2010:  03:21:43

---

Mike,

WOW ! ! ! this forum reminds me of the gift that keeps on giving! And 6string Tom, like you I am on the hunt for a squareneck Reso. The Crafters (just ran across them yesterday) do seem very nice. After seeing the retail prices I did not look much any more -simply out of my reach. Hearing the price range they drop to gives me some hope although that is still out of my initial "thinking what I can spend range." I need to do more research in the traditional (sound well) -vs- modern (post & baffle system) to be more comfortable. Wishing you the very best.

Anywho, just my $0.02 worth as well as a hearty welcome aboard for me as well.....

6stringTom - Posted - 01/05/2010:  07:08:43

---

Resopluker, one thing I have learned so far is that the posted retail price doesn't mean much. If you are interested in these new, give Mark Taylor a call at Crafters and he'll give you real prices. I'm not sure why people establish these inflated "retail prices," but it's common in a lot of merchandising, not just guitars. Maybe someone somewhere actually charges these amounts. I've seen a shop or two that had Martin acoustics at list, although they are available readily for 60% of that amount.

Anyway, Mark was a nice guy to talk with--very open and friendly.

Mike, thanks for your response. I'll contact you.

bmizell - Posted - 01/05/2010:  07:12:02

---

Hi fellows, I am also 63 yrs old and have been playing Bluegrass for a quite a few years, I got into dobro's about a year and half ago and haven't looked back<G>
I have two TuT Taylor's The Tenneseian(Mahogany) and the Virginian(Maple) bodies. I am totally satisfied with the sound. Yes its more the traditional sound, but hey thats what we like. Don't let anyone tell you they won't stand up in a Bluegrass Jam, Thats a myth. They are crafted well also. They do have a high retail value because they are a quality instrument, They do have a lower resale because of the myth that one has to have the modern sound to be heard. Don't get me wrong folks about the the newer modern design sound posts etc. they are great also and both still perform.
For the money you can't go wrong if you are especially looking to get into a good quality used reso for a working man's price.
If anyone would like to email me privately with more questions and discussions, please do.
Bobby
bmizell@coastalnet.com
ph 252-728-5195

Alan Rausch - Posted - 01/05/2010:  07:35:55

---

I have a Mahogany Tut Taylor/Crafters of Tennessee. I bought the body on ebay and finished and set it up myself. I modified the soundwell to copy a soundpost design, put in a Scheerhorn cone. It still sounds somewhat traditional, but sweet and mellow too. I have seen good used ones on ebay that are priced right around $1,000 or less. That's a good price for them, I do agree the usual retail on these are a bit high, you can get more modern built and sounding guitars for the same price. However if you want more traditional sound and size they are great and well built. I like the fretboard inlays over most "dot" inlays on more expensive guitars. I would buy one used, if the price was right, you can also find other traditional sounding guitars from Mckenna, the Beard R vintage for not much more money.

Alan Walker - Posted - 01/05/2010:  16:23:54

---

I may be wrong on this, but I think the Beard R Vintage is a sounpost/baffle design. The standard R is a traditional soundwell design which is a little confusing.

Apologies for hijacking this thread but has anyone played/owned both the Tutt Taylor and the Beard R and if so, how do they compare?

---

Edited by - Alan Walker on 01/05/2010 16:27:28

Dean Upson - Posted - 01/05/2010:  17:16:49

---

I have had a Crafters Virginian (maple) for the past couple of years and I have been satisifies with the sound. I will get a more modern design in my next guitar (s). I think the workmanship in the Crafters is well above par.

Dean

6stringTom - Posted - 01/05/2010:  17:38:44

---

wyattu, will you get a modern design next time just for a different sound, or do you actually prefer it?

resopluker - Posted - 01/06/2010:  04:39:16

---

I have recently seen a few hi res pic of the Crafters work and listen to every sound file I can find --they do sound and appear to be of fine quality! WOW! there are so many great choices out today!

bmizell - Posted - 01/06/2010:  06:18:14

---

Allen Walker Asked if anyone has played both, the TT or Beard. Yes I have played both. They both are good sounding instruments for the money. They both have thier own sound. But in my opinion and one other person there that played both
The TTT was the better sounding reso.
As I have said earlier, I have the TTT and the TTV so I may be a little partial, but the other guy doesn't own either one.
I don't want to start a war over which is the best since its just opinions of each persons ear sound., The important thing is the proper setup. Bobby Wright (setup pro) once took a Morgan Monroe import of mine and made a outright CANNON of the thing.
Bobby M

Dean Upson - Posted - 01/06/2010:  06:35:29

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by 6stringTom

wyattu, will you get a modern design next time just for a different sound, or do you actually prefer it?

---

I actually like the sound of the modern instruments better, but I will not sell my Crafters because I will continue to play it and quite frankly, they are not bringing much in todays market place. My first reso was a very cheap Chinese piece of junk,. I realized that I liked the instrument and I bought the Crafters and it was a far superior instrument.

Many of the players that I like, Lou Wamp, Roger Williams, Mike Wicher, Ivan Rosenburt, Randy Kohrs, etc are playing Clinesmiths, Merediths and Scheerhorns with the newer type construction and I just like the sound better. I guess it is a matter of personal preference.

Dean Upson

Grizz - Posted - 01/06/2010:  06:45:06

---

Like "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", so is sound. You have to choose what YOU like. Tut makes a fine instrument. One thing, it's made right here in the USA. I had looked at them early on but opted for what I bought based on the sound I was looking for. When you are talking about set up it is the same way, opinions are like a**holes every on has one.as to who is the best. Go to RQ Jones website and listen to the $460 Regal he set up. He has it for sale for $1000. It sounds incredible Rudy has been building and setting up reso's for close to 40 years. If memory serves me correctly, I read somewhere he was the first to use sound post and baffle design. He set up my Zebrawood. Bobby is right. Here is what I found is the general consensus on sound: 80% cone, 10% Set-up, 10% Build. There are those that pretty much everyone agrees on, that are outstanding, like say the Scheerhorn.
Tim is taking no orders, last I heard he was 44 months out, they start at $6000.00. If you can find them used I have seen them for $7000 -$10000. I'll take one

Hey Dean!!!!!!!!!!!! wyattu??????????

---

Edited by - Grizz on 01/06/2010 18:16:31

Dean Upson - Posted - 01/06/2010:  08:01:49

---

Hey Mike,

I have 3 Golden Retrievers,Woody will be 12 in June, Wyatt will be 4 in April and Waylon turned 8 mos yesterday. wyattu seemed like a good username. The dogs are my biggest fans, they gather at my side when I play and never complain.

Dean

Grizz - Posted - 01/06/2010:  08:53:52

---

Dean,
Absolutely beautiful dogs!!!!! Kinda nice to have a audience that listens huh? Its gettin closer. The James Zebrawood should be here in a month. I cant wait. Have a good one.
Mike

resopluker - Posted - 01/06/2010:  09:13:07

---

Bobby said "The important thing is the proper setup. Bobby Wright (setup pro) once took a Morgan Monroe import of mine and made a outright CANNON of the thing."

And this is part of my thinking because I have seen / played / heard very entry level instruments setup well that just smoked! At least to me they were great! Being curious on the setup and having no Res-Oh setup experience perhaps I should start a new topic on that for some feedback. I better do some searching and such first.....

Great site folks!


p.s: I agree, those are some more beautiful dogs!

bmizell - Posted - 01/06/2010:  11:04:19

---

Just to add one more thing to what I said earlier about setup. It has to have the right components. When I had Bobby Wright setup the Morgan Monroe, it sounded OK with import cone and spider, but when he replaced the cone with a Quarterman and number 14 Spider , new maple and ebony bridge, bone nut ,it just rocked and was a joy to play.

Bobby