tony boadle - Posted - 09/08/2022:  08:43:41

Advice needed! I'm about to purchase my second Gretsch Boxcar square neck reso (seller's remorse after letting my first one go)

The Boxcar suits me well so I was about to press the 'buy now' button....but then I came across the Recording King Phil Leadbetter square neck.

After much reading and listening to samples, I'm tempted to spend the extra $100 I'd need to buy one

I can't try one, so I'm hoping the BHO community can guide my decision. The Gretsch or the RK?

Home hobby use only by the way, when I need a break from my b***o picking.

PS: The euro is about level with the dollar at the moment. Buying from European dealers, the Gretsch would cost me €504, the RK €599. Both including shipping.

Edited by - tony boadle on 09/08/2022 08:50:34

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 09/08/2022:  09:18:51

There's no contest - the RK Leadbetter is a much better guitar. And I'm not bothering to qualify the comment with "in my opinion."  I have played only a couple Leadbetters in stores, but I have played many of the Gretsch resos, and the differences are really obvious to me.  If you were able to do an A/B comparison you would figure it out in about 30 seconds. The RK compares favorably to the Gold Tone/Beard  PBS which sells for about $1000 these days. 

599 Euros for a new Leadbetter is a great price. Are you sure this is the same model? The next lower RK is the one which I believe is called the RR-60-VS and these sell for $600 in the U.S. I would also take that model any day of the week over the Gretsch. 599 for a new Leadbetter sounds too good to be true. 

The going rate in 2022  for the Leadbetter  when new in the U.S. is $749 vs. $449 for the Gretsch Boxcar. $300 goes a long way in these Asian import guitars. If you are in a store that carries  flattops from a huge company like Yamaha, the difference between the one that sells for say $450 vs. a $750 model is pretty dramatic. 

It seems strange to me that the Gretsch in Europe is 55 Euros higher than here, and the Leadbetter  is 150 Euros lower than in the U.S.  Something doesn't add up, unless this particular supplier is running some sort of special deal on the Leadbetter. 

If there is a negative to the Leadbetter, some people don't care for the 1 3/4" nut which is a little narrower than what is found on the typical reso. In the couple I have played in the past it didn't bother me. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 09/08/2022 09:33:18

tony boadle - Posted - 09/08/2022:  09:43:27

Hi Mark and thanks (as often before) for your input. It's definitely the Leadbetter, I was originally looking at the RR60VS (priced at €549!) but no-one has one for sale, (product discontinued apparently?)
My good fortune though, because searching for that model led me to the Phil Leadbetter.
Decision made, I'll place the order shortly. As an extra plus, by online purchase law in Europe, the dealer offers a full return/refund if it doesn't suit. And if sent back within 14 days, they'll even pay the shipping....so I've absolutely nothing to lose.
Thanks once again for the prompt and informative reply, stay safe and Happy Picking!

wlgiii - Posted - 09/08/2022:  10:35:44

If you need a second opinion....I second Mark's opinion.

tony boadle - Posted - 09/08/2022:  10:45:05

That reminds me of that old medical gag:
Patient to doctor "I want a second opinion"
Doctor to patient "Ok, come back tomorrow and I'll tell you again."
(I'm here all week folks!)

HotRag - Posted - 12/21/2022:  05:02:37

Hi! I new here, and found this thread because I am chosing between Gretsch bobtail square neck and the RK Leadbetter and searched for info.

I can see you think the RK is the better one, but in what way?

I am looking for volume (of course, chosing a reso at all) but I don't like a bunch of bright overtones or noice. Generally I like the old reso when some youtuber is demonstrating a vintage 30's reso to a similar newly built (and cheaper).

I would like to play old stuff, like 30's things ("easy" hymns or "easy" western swing) and am more into vintage sound than more modern folk or similar. I also want a 1930s look.

I live in EU and can get that RK for same price as Gretsch boxcar (bobtail cost more due to the pickup), free returns (probably same seller as TS writes about).

I THINK I like the RK sound better, but it's hard to tell from random Youtube clips. I can't find any clip where a Bobtail sounds better that any of the clips with RK though. But I like the looks on the Gretsch more.

Hope you can help some with the differences. Have you found any good videos where one really can hear the differences?

I have no guitar experience since before. This will be my first, coming from piano/church organ/cembalo and double bass.

tony boadle - Posted - 12/21/2022:  05:40:22

I've owned RK and Grestch.
RK all the way, better tone, volume and playability. Good luck with your purchase whichever you choose!

MikeS - Posted - 12/21/2022:  09:32:49

I really liked the tone of my Leadbetter (actually better than an Appalachian I had), but as Mark said, some have a problem with the relatively narrower neck. Unfortunately I was one of those. If that doesn't bother you it is a great reso. just my 2¢.

little ray - Posted - 05/29/2023:  09:57:55

This is a great thread and I’ve enjoyed reading it again!