HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 03/05/2022:  05:59:20

Has anyone played the new Radio E guitars? Wondering what they sound like.

chuck hall - Posted - 03/05/2022:  08:15:37

I think that is just the name of the coverplate.

HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 03/05/2022:  10:50:26

resophonicoutfitters.com/produ...NBLK.html

New from Beard Guitars RADIO STANDARD Series.

Beard Radio Standard E Model Squareneck

Black – Serial Number 1301-21

Our classic E-Body shape, the Radio Standard-E combines the fullness of an open bodied instrument with the clarity of Finnish birch. The result is a rich sounding instrument with the sparkle on the high end that is perfect for any squareneck player

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 03/05/2022:  12:02:40

The first time I have seen or heard of this, but Paul is apparently reviving a concept he had going a number of years that maybe didn't really  "take" at the time.

He had a sort of stripped down, no frills E Model at one point some years ago. But I don't recall off the top of my head if it was solid wood,  or laminate Finnish birch like this one.    

Aside from the fancier MAS, this Radio E would seem to have a lot in common with the Deco-Phonic Model 57, and the Josh Swift Standard model since they apparently all share the same body dimensions and I'm guessing have the open body design inside. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 03/05/2022 12:07:25

kevin t - Posted - 03/05/2022:  12:12:57

To my understanding after speaking to the Beard shop, these are the same guitars as the Deco. Just Beard or USA made hardware and different color options. They have inlayed frets as well. But other than that, the R body is the same as a Deco model. I can't speak for the E body. Kinda pricey if you ask me. Around $1000 more for USA parts. Just my 2 cents. I was hoping for the Vintage R to be replaced but I guess that's not in the works.

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 03/05/2022:  14:31:31

On the website regarding  Deco-Phonic specs, the only hardware items that aren't specifically designated as Beard, which indicates  they might be imported are the tailpiece, coverplate, and screens. Most of us would prefer U.S. made, but those three items swapped out for actual Beard components - it might be nearly impossible to discern any difference in the overall tone of the guitar. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 03/05/2022 14:31:51

Iceman6937 - Posted - 03/06/2022:  05:04:13

I would add the Deco-Phonic tuning machines to Mark's hardware list; Golden Age I believe are made in Korea.

hlpdobro - Posted - 03/06/2022:  06:16:25

All will be revealed. ;-)

h

HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 03/06/2022:  06:32:18

quote:

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Originally posted by hlpdobro

All will be revealed. ;-)



h

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Can you elaborate?

hlpdobro - Posted - 03/06/2022:  06:51:19

I am presently not authorized to elaborate.

h

kevin t - Posted - 03/06/2022:  10:41:45

Can't wait to hear about it Howard! I did snag up one of the last Deco's. It's a model 37 with the upgraded turners. It's extremely loud for a R body guitar. I imagine if the new Radio has any improvements over the Deco line it would have to be parts. I stated that I wanted the Vintage R to be replaced, sorry but I misspoke. I want Beard to come up with more sound well guitars, not less. And to my understanding the Vintage R is out. I truly believe there would be a market for a 'Hotrod' soundwell guitar like the R bodys. Maybe available in different wood types. Look across the board and hardly anyone is building those. Having said all of that, I'm sure the Beard guys know what people want and its probably not soundwell guitars. :) looking forward to more news on the Radio!!

hlpdobro - Posted - 03/06/2022:  10:50:19

I think there is still the standard R, usually mahogany but, Paul's built lots of custom variations. That guitar model has "only" been around since 1991 or so.

h

kevin t - Posted - 03/06/2022:  11:38:42

quote:

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Originally posted by hlpdobro

I think there is still the standard R, usually mahogany but, Paul's built lots of custom variations. That guitar model has "only" been around since 1991 or so.



h

I dont know why I thought that was a mahogany only guitar! Good to know that he does custom R bodies! 

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 03/06/2022:  15:40:28

quote:

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Originally posted by Iceman6937

I would add the Deco-Phonic tuning machines to Mark's hardware list; Golden Age I believe are made in Korea.

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That would make sense. A set from StewMac is ballpark $72. StewMac of course has also owned Waverly for many years, and  the Waverlys on my Martin that have  snakewood buttons  as I recall are around $183. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 03/06/2022 15:42:33

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 03/06/2022:  15:51:42

quote:

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Originally posted by kevin t

I did snag up one of the last Deco's. It's a model 37...

Are you saying the Deco-Phonic line is going away? That strikes me as really odd. Paul and company have put a lot of energy into promoting these guitars, and it certainly helps to have Jerry playing one when The Earls of Leicester put on their suits. 

And Beard has expanded the line into multiple Deco flattops. 

I might be  misunderstanding your post Kevin,  but taken at face value - something doesn't add up. 

kevin t - Posted - 03/06/2022:  16:14:46

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkinSonoma

quote:

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Originally posted by kevin t

I did snag up one of the last Deco's. It's a model 37...

Are you saying the Deco-Phonic line is going away? That strikes me as really odd. Paul and company have put a lot of energy into promoting these guitars, and it certainly helps to have Jerry playing one when The Earls of Leicester put on their suits. 

And Beard has expanded the line into multiple Deco flattops. 

I might be  misunderstanding your post Kevin,  but taken at face value - something doesn't add up. 

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According to the Beard shop it's going to be. Maybe I've let the cat out of the bag and shouldn't have..not sure. I spoke with them a few weeks ago and that's the info I got. Plus the music store confirmed it when I ordered my 37. If I've started something that wasn't supposed to be out yet I certainly apologize! Didn't mean to do that! 

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 03/06/2022:  16:50:56

Well if they spoke to you about it a few weeks ago then it's probably not "top secret." I still don't get why, but maybe as the next chapter is revealed it will make more sense. 

The only Beard dealer within a couple  hours of me is Gryphon Strings in Palo Alto. The others are an all day drive at minimum on the west coast.  I haven't been there in the past year or so, but the only Beard squarenecks they have typically carried over the past several years  are Deco-Phonics, and they have had a Vintage R now and then. I've known the buyer for years and he doesn't like to take a chance on E Models and above - doesn't think he can sell them. But they sell $6K+ flattops all day long to Silicon Valley  guitar players with fat wallets. 

The Deco-Phonic line is a good intro to Beard quality, I look at it as sort of an "entry level drug."

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 03/06/2022 16:52:18

Iceman6937 - Posted - 03/07/2022:  11:48:57

A Beard Radio R model roundneck showed up on Reverb:

reverb.com/item/47904940-beard...cco-burst

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 03/07/2022:  13:33:58

Link below to a new Radio web page at Beard:

tempbeard.com/radio-standard/