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MikeS - Posted - 12/18/2020: 15:08:45
After a lengthy layoff due to hand issues, I started up playing again about 3+ months ago. I bought an old beater Regal (RD 38). I still experience hand cramps every so often, but would like to move up a bit from the Regal. Don't want to spend more than $1K just in case the cramps return with a vengeance. There are a bunch in the Marketplace right now. Here's what I see as my options: hot rod the Regal for about $150 or so, buy a Gold Tone PBS, buy a RK Phil Leadbetter or one of those in the classifieds-if so which one. No local outlets to buy from so have to buy on-line from someone with a return policy. I've never been able to advance beyond upper level beginner so just looking for overall decent tone and good playability (better than the Regal which is honestly not bad). So, advice sought......
Thanks!
MarkinSonoma - Posted - 12/18/2020: 16:17:08
I would look real hard at the one in the link below - slightly used Leadbetter. I finally got to play one awhile back and I was very impressed, particularly for the price (it wasn't this one).
And since it's in Palo Alto the shipping charge to Bend shouldn't be too horrible. You might also contact Phil and go through him if you want "new guitar smell," instead of slightly used, he seems to be able to go a little lower than retail.
In looking at the Gryphon site I see a new Gold Tone PBS now priced at $930. Yikes! The last time I was actually at Gryphon I played a Recording King that was the model a notch lower than the Leadbetter and I preferred it over a Gold Tone that was next to it in their resonator section.
shop.gryphonstrings.com/produc...ure-58405
JC Dobro - Posted - 12/18/2020: 16:27:46
Gold Tone PBS square necks go for $969 new on Amazon. Seems they’ve crept up just a bit in price. You should confirm, but fairly certain they have a standard 30-day return policy. I’ve owned one...it is a fine instrument for the $, and resale is not a problem should you either abandon ship, or choose to sell / upgrade down the road.
You may find used ones and save some bucks, just watch for return policy like you say.
I haven’t scanned the forum marketplace lately, and I’m sure there are some fine, hand built choices there. I don’t know enough about those brands to weigh in.
JC Dobro - Posted - 12/18/2020: 16:45:17
Yeah Mark, the Gold Tones are going up in price...wonder why?
This is the one I saw on Amazon...it’s actually a vintage mahogany.
amazon.com/Gold-Tone-Signature...mp;sr=8-1
Free shipping and generous returns policy. But I'd feel better about these in the mid-$800s range, unless my thinking is dated.
Edited by - JC Dobro on 12/18/2020 16:45:54
MikeS - Posted - 12/18/2020: 17:38:06
quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonoma
I would look real hard at the one in the link below - slightly used Leadbetter. I finally got to play one awhile back and I was very impressed, particularly for the price (it wasn't this one).
And since it's in Palo Alto the shipping charge to Bend shouldn't be too horrible. You might also contact Phil and go through him if you want "new guitar smell," instead of slightly used, he seems to be able to go a little lower than retail.
In looking at the Gryphon site I see a new Gold Tone PBS now priced at $930. Yikes! The last time I was actually at Gryphon I played a Recording King that was the model a notch lower than the Leadbetter and I preferred it over a Gold Tone that was next to it in their resonator section.
shop.gryphonstrings.com/produc...ure-58405
Mark,
Thanks for the tip! It is now mine
Mike
MarkinSonoma - Posted - 12/18/2020: 18:18:52
Cool deal!
We'll need a full report once it arrives. A nice Christmas present!
MikeS - Posted - 12/23/2020: 15:57:06
Amazingly, the Leadbetter arrived today. Now, I’m not really qualified to discuss tone in a meaningful context, but here goes anyway. It is way better than my beater Regal. More sustain, clearer individual notes and overall seems not as harsh overall. In the past, prior to my forced layoff, I had a Tom Warner Appy, an Adams base model and prior to those a Redline Rambler (Floor Sweep Model-made from some odds and ends and some weird laminate). Of those the Appalachian was probably the best. I don’t clearly remember it’s sound, but seems like this RK is just as toneful.
It was well set up by Gryphon, so it plays pretty easily. It does have a narrow neck and the strings are closer together than I’m used to, but I have small hands and small diameter fingers. I think once I get used to that, it will actually be a benefit.
Anyway, that’s a brief review. I’m happy initially.
