RW - Posted - 11/07/2008:  10:19:14

I'm pretty new to the reso, my dad has a Johnson and I've learned a few simple things on it, but I'd like to buy my own. Funds are really short right now, but they won't be for long and I'm getting my research done now so that when the money gets here, I'll be ready to go. I'm looking for something in the $800-$1,000 and I've been looking online at the Gold Tone Paul Beard reso's and am considering the solid mahogany model, but I can't find one to try out. Have any of you ever owned/played one? If so, what did you think? Are there any other brands/models out there in that price range that are "a cut above the rest"? Thanks!

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Brad Bechtel - Posted - 11/07/2008:  13:24:50

I have played one and liked it quite a bit, but I own a Wechter Scheerhorn 6510F model myself. I think the Gold Tone Beard and the Wechter Scheerhorn are approximately the same price range and quality; either will be a good resonator guitar, one you'd be happy to own and play.

=================
Brad''s Page of Steel:
well.com/user/wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to electric and acoustic lap steel guitars

Stringnut - Posted - 11/07/2008:  16:22:56

I've played both the Wechter Scheerhorn and the Gold Tone, too. I think the GT has a bit warmer sound and maybe the finish is a bit nicer on the WS. Both play great and have pretty reasonable sustain. I plan on buying one or the other as soon as I can scrape the cash together. It depends on what is hanging on the rack at the music store when I walk in. I think the GT is priced a little lower but not much. Also you get a hard shell case with GT as opposed to the gig bag with the WS. That may not make a big difference as I think both are good protection for the instrument. I've been researching resos for about a year now and either way, I think these models are the best place to start. Just get in there and get to pickin'. Have some fun.

Dan

Things are more like today than they''ve ever been before. --Spiro T. Agnew

RW - Posted - 11/07/2008:  16:42:21

Thanks for the replies. That's some helpful info.


If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

MitchC - Posted - 11/07/2008:  17:39:29

You can't beat this deal right now IMHO. A W/S w/ hard case ... $599 free shipping

sweetwater.com/store/detail/6510RB/

---------------------------------------------
virtualstudiosystems.com/artis...istID=137

RW - Posted - 11/07/2008:  20:17:39

Wow, thanks for the link, that's a real beauty! If it's still available when I get the money together, it might be on its way to my house! Before I bite though, I'm going to try to find a music store within a reasonable distance to "test drive" some of each brand.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

RW - Posted - 02/19/2009:  14:40:25

Well, I'm still looking and trying to decide between the Gold Tone and the Wechter, but I've also been looking into the Red Line Ramblers which seem to be in the same price range. How do the Ramblers compare to the GT and the WS?...decisions, decisions

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Square Neck - Posted - 02/20/2009:  08:12:27

In my opinion........

There is no question....

Get the Red Line!!

Even if it is a little more money (that money will return back to you in many other ways).

Example: Is the builder in china going spend his money at the local butcher who might be your uncle? Or use his profits to tip the waitress who might be your sister or daughter?

I have never heard one in person (Red Line), but from what I have seen, as long as you start with a good box, you can set it up to sound however you want.

I myself would buy any American instrument over anything else. Even if the foreign one was a buy one get one free!!

I cant' say it enough, especially these days, buy American, help our neighbors. If we don't do soon we will not be able to in the future.

Sorry for a slight rant but it kills me to see everyone go with a lesser quality product. So they save 25% on a product that is actually 35% less in quality.

RW - Posted - 02/20/2009:  10:38:49

I hear what you're saying and I agree, but what I keep going back to is the Rambler is laminate and the Beard Gold Tone PBS-M is solid mahogany along with the exact same hardware as the American Beard's. And while I realize that solid wood construction may not be as big of an issue in resos as it is in guitars and mandos, it has to make some difference. I don't live but a maybe an hour and a half from the Red Line shop (they're just outside of Nashville, right?) so maybe when I get ready to buy I'll take a trip over there and check one out. I agreee that Americans should support each other especially during times like this, but I also want the most bang for my buck. Thanks for the input.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Preston Thompson - Posted - 02/20/2009:  10:45:18

But remember, the MAS is a laminate also. Quite a tone coming out of that one. Don't sell a laminate short.

Play it again, Sam. Over, and over, and over:

Square Neck - Posted - 02/20/2009:  11:54:51

RW & Preston......

You guys both make a very good, strong argument!!



There aren't to many resos that compare to the sound of the Beard MAS that I played.

I have a "hot rodded" plywood OMI that is also hard to beat, IMHO.

schellter - Posted - 02/21/2009:  21:09:24

Availability could also be a factor, the Rambler and the Wechter Scheerhorn's appear to be readily available. The GT PBSM set-up by Beard is not currently available.

Bradskey - Posted - 02/21/2009:  22:32:17

GT same hardware as Beard, yes, where it counts at least: spider and cone, maybe cover plate and/or tailpiece -- not so sure about those. The bridge inserts are good but not sure they're Beard parts. The tuners are typical GT Asian variety -- not bad but I'd expect better on a real Beard, the buttons on at least 3 of mine have cracked (and been replaced free of charge). Good bone nut, and I like the high action.

Solid wood resos, from what I can tell (might be wrong), have only gotten a lot of hype in recent years. I'm not saying it makes no difference, but people widely used laminate bodies for decades. I've even heard it posited that the Dopyeras intended it that way because the design is not meant to rely on the resonance of the guitar body, they wanted a rigid body that would simply reflect out all the sound produced by the cone. Still, having a real wood body resonating like a normal acoustic apparently adds something.

I play the PBS deluxe maple (laminate), and I think it sounds pretty good for what it is. I'm embarrassed to admit, but I do have some music files posted now where you can hear it just to get an idea. Then again, i hope my lousy playing doesn't throw you off the GT -- lol. Maybe somebody has a clip playing a W/S. GT has open soundwell where its similar to traditional except its fully opened up toward the screenholes. W/S, I think, had posts -- don't recall exactly. I have no doubt from what I hear that RedLines are pretty darn good, but don't know much about them.

If you get the GT or W/S from a good reputable dealer who will set it up proper (goes without saying if you get the GT from Beard) then you'll probably be happy with either one, just get the best sounding for the best deal you can find.

RW - Posted - 02/26/2009:  14:50:32

Well, the hunt is over. I came across a deal on a Beard Gold Tone PBS-M that I could not pass up. It is a brand new one and was cheaper than alot of the laminate models were. I sent my payment today, it will ship on Monday, and I'll have it by Wednesday (if not Tuesday). I appreciate everyone's opinions and input and would like to ask you all a few more questions. I was planning on continuing to use a Shubb-Pearse slide and the guy I'm buying this GT from told me that they were no good and I needed to get a Bradley, Lap-Dawg, or Scheerhorn slide. Now, I can't bring myself to pay almost $100 for a slide, but the Scheerhorn is about $55 from First Quality and that's a little more reasonable, but what is the best bet for least money? Also, I was planning on buying a Shubb capo, but he told me that the action was too high on the GT and the Shubbs don't work on them, so what kind will work that's in the lower price range? And lastly, what kind of thumbpicks and fingerpicks do you guys use (brands, gauges, etc)? Thanks again for your help and thanks for putting up with all these questions.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Edited by - RW on 02/26/2009 14:55:06

SGB - Posted - 02/26/2009:  15:02:27

The Lap Dawg is something like $20 at Elderly Music

Steve

9 out of the 10 voices inside my head are telling me to go home and clean my guns.

RW - Posted - 02/26/2009:  15:13:35

Yeah, sorry, I just noticed that after my post. How about the Beard capos?- elderly.com/accessories/items/BDC1.htm

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

jaykellogg - Posted - 02/26/2009:  16:09:41

Beard capos are OK. I wouldn't waste my time or money on the Shubb. I like the Scheerhorn or LENO (No longer made) or the Bradley. (I have a Leno.)

I have a SP-2 bar I like and I also have a Shubb GS and a Lapdawg. The Lapdawg is a little short. I don't like the Stevens, but a lot pf people do.

W. Jay Kellogg

Arrowsmit - Posted - 02/26/2009:  18:35:56

Not listed at many online stores, Dunlop now has a 'Long Dawg' that is a bit longer than the original. I got one this past Christmas & like it a lot.

I have a Shubb capo that I've used w/my F-60 for a few yrs, & it serves the purpose, but the Bradley capo I got for my maple E is really superb. No noticeable loss of tone or volume at all when using it. From all reports Mr. Bradley also makes great steels (chromed brass or hardened SS) & I'm prolly gonna try one of his hardened stainless ones before too long...

AFAIK, the only way to get Bradley stuff is directly from him. Here's the contact info & price list:

Elmer Bradley
15905 U.S. 50
Dillsboro, IN 47018

(812) 432-3205

Bars
Heat Treated Stainless $90
Chrome Plated $55

Capos
Chrome Plated Brass $65


Picks? Well, that's sorta like asking for a favorite flavor ice cream. There's a bunch of reading here on that, just do a search.

Vic



The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...

jaykellogg - Posted - 02/26/2009:  19:06:22

For Picks, I am using Dunlap on my fingers and a Zookie L-20 on my thumb. I have a pair of COBB finger picks, but I haven't been able to get good with them. I tried about 6 weeks.

W. Jay Kellogg

RW - Posted - 02/26/2009:  19:12:09

Thanks guys. Here's the picks I'm looking at-

elderly.com/accessories/items/...BRS-M.htm

elderly.com/also/accessories/i...43D-M.htm

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

jaykellogg - Posted - 02/26/2009:  21:10:12

Look at the Zookie for the thumb

elderly.com/accessories/items/...10-LG.htm


W. Jay Kellogg

RW - Posted - 02/26/2009:  21:23:36

Ok, thanks. I found one of those long lap dawgs and it's on its way.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

RW - Posted - 02/27/2009:  07:25:55

Don't mean to double post, but I ordered one of the zookies along with those others. They look like good picks.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Arrowsmit - Posted - 02/27/2009:  13:36:02

+1 on the zookie picks, the L20 is what I use too. Sounds like you're getting well set up RW. Be sure & let us know how it goes.

Vic



The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...

RW - Posted - 02/27/2009:  14:05:01

Sure thing.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

schellter - Posted - 02/27/2009:  19:05:00

quote:

---

Originally posted by RW

Well, the hunt is over. I came across a deal on a Beard Gold Tone PBS-M that I could not pass up. It is a brand new one and was cheaper than alot of the laminate models were. I sent my payment today, it will ship on Monday, and I'll have it by Wednesday (if not Tuesday). I appreciate everyone's opinions and input and would like to ask you all a few more questions. I was planning on continuing to use a Shubb-Pearse slide and the guy I'm buying this GT from told me that they were no good and I needed to get a Bradley, Lap-Dawg, or Scheerhorn slide. Now, I can't bring myself to pay almost $100 for a slide, but the Scheerhorn is about $55 from First Quality and that's a little more reasonable, but what is the best bet for least money? Also, I was planning on buying a Shubb capo, but he told me that the action was too high on the GT and the Shubbs don't work on them, so what kind will work that's in the lower price range? And lastly, what kind of thumbpicks and fingerpicks do you guys use (brands, gauges, etc)? Thanks again for your help and thanks for putting up with all these questions.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

---

RW - Posted - 02/27/2009:  20:22:39

On eBay from Pick and Slide music in Clarksville, TN.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

RW - Posted - 03/02/2009:  14:13:09

Well, it begins its journey here this evening. I have received the tracking number and instructions from UPS, and it said to let it set for 24 hrs. to acclimate to the temperature before opening. Is it really necessary to leave it for a whole 24 hrs? I mean it's not like its coming from Arizona or California where the humidity and climate are different, it's only two and a half hours away to begin with. I don't think I can stand to have it here that long without getting to check it out!

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Arrowsmit - Posted - 03/02/2009:  14:51:10

Congrats RW! It's really not a bad idea to just slightly crack open the case & let it sit awhile before tearing into it...

Vic



The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...

jaykellogg - Posted - 03/02/2009:  15:15:25

If the guitar is cold when it comes into the house I would let it sit in the case for a couple of hours to avoid cracking the finish. I don't open the lid till it has a change to reach normal temperature inside the case. I do this with mine when it has been in the trunk for a while. 24 hours seems like overkill.

W. Jay Kellogg

RW - Posted - 03/02/2009:  15:31:08

That's kinda what I thought. I thought 24 hrs was a little extreme, and an hour or two seems like enough. I've bought several instruments in the last few years, but this is the first that's ever been shipped to me. This process makes me more nervous than thinking about playing it in public for the first time...



If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Edited by - RW on 03/02/2009 15:34:31

Bradskey - Posted - 03/02/2009:  15:40:35

I see you already bought the long dawg -- some people do find the standard lap dawg too short but mine works fine with the spacing of the Beard GT neck. They're so cheap you might try one later and see if it works better for you. And yeah, the Shubb capo doesn't work worth a crap with the GT action. Its actually reversible so that it "almost" fits but still just didn't quite work. I use the Beard capo and like it -- there's really no such thing as a very good/great capo for squareneck but the Beard is close and fairly easy to use. I find I usually just play without a capo unless I occasionally want to do some open licks in A.

Edited by - Bradskey on 03/02/2009 18:07:46

jaykellogg - Posted - 03/02/2009:  16:18:56

If I couldn't find a used Leno, I would buy a Bradley. Here are a lot in one place. w1.865.telia.com/~u86505074/ca....htmThird choice would be the Scheerhorn (not the flux).

W. Jay Kellogg

Edited by - jaykellogg on 03/02/2009 16:55:12

RW - Posted - 03/02/2009:  16:30:10

Sounds good, thanks fellers!

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Arrowsmit - Posted - 03/02/2009:  16:40:52

Call Elmer.

Vic



The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...

Steevarino - Posted - 03/02/2009:  17:46:10

I have some Bradley capos for sale. They are the best in the world!

Let me know if you want one. I can send one off to you tomorrow.





Steevarino
RedLIneResophonics.com
CumberlandAcoustic.com

RW - Posted - 03/02/2009:  17:56:36

Thanks, I've already ordered a Beard capo and got it today, but I'll get in touch with you later on if I decide to go for a Bradley. How much do you get for them?

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Steevarino - Posted - 03/03/2009:  07:21:03

I am selling the ones I have in stock for $75, including domestic shipping, which is, I think, what Elmer gets for them. I help him sell them by taking them to festivals, etc., where I show my own line of instruments, parts, and accessories. I just haven't gotten around to putting them on my website yet.


Steevarino
RedLIneResophonics.com
CumberlandAcoustic.com

RW - Posted - 03/03/2009:  09:44:18

Ok, thanks.

My GT arrived this morning and I'm very pleased with it. Here's some pics-



check out the curly maple binding




sorry about the bad focus on this one


If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

Bradskey - Posted - 03/03/2009:  10:24:50

Very nice! I get comments about that same binding and tobacco finish on mine.

Arrowsmit - Posted - 03/03/2009:  13:34:13

Great looking guitar RW, you must be very pleased! How's it play/sound?

Vic



The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...

RW - Posted - 03/03/2009:  15:40:25

Thanks guys. Yeah, I'm tickled to death with it. The sound and playability is awesome! I can't imagine finding one that plays or sounds any better in its price range than this one does. I really think I picked the right one.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

schellter - Posted - 03/03/2009:  17:25:54

It looks great and I'm really stoked, right now mine is in the back of a UPS long haul truck on it's way from Maryland to Los Angeles, it should be here Thursday.

RW - Posted - 03/03/2009:  19:51:44

Congrats, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

dwood1611 - Posted - 03/24/2009:  21:23:01

My GT PBSDM will be delivered by ups tomorrow. It comes from Godltone not Beards shop. I hope it is as good as the ones set up by Beard.

RW - Posted - 03/25/2009:  07:55:06

That's what mine was too and I don't have any regrets about it. I'm sure it'll be fine.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14