Fourchimney - Posted - 07/21/2023:  11:30:18

Hey people. I'm new here. Nice to meet you.

I've been playing guitar for a million years, and have recently decided to add a little "resonance" to my bag of tricks. So after 2 weeks of watching reviews and looking at prices, it is time to jump into the deep end!

I need a roundneck suitable for my weekend winery/brewery gigs. It needs to be electric and sound good amplified. I don't think I'm fussy on what it looks like, just that it performs well and is not cheaply made.

BTW - Yesterday I tried out a Gretsch 9421 at a local shop to see what they were like. Are all roundnecks that small? This one is parlor sized and seemed like a starter guitar.

I can spend around $2500 or a little more. Used is always preferred. Any recommendations?

Thanks all.

wlgiii - Posted - 07/21/2023:  13:14:25

You have a good budget. A buddy I play with has a modern National O style with a 14 fret neck and hot plate pickup; I'd look for one of those. Have a look online here, at Reverb, and believe it or not Guitar Center. (I found both my National tricone and Fender Dual 8 steel on the Guitar Center website.) Note- this assumes you've checked locally and struck out. But maybe you won't you're only 23 miles from Haggerstown, and Beard guitars; it's worth the drive.

Brad Bechtel - Posted - 07/21/2023:  15:23:22

Go visit Beard Guitars in Hagerstown, Maryland. beardguitars.com

Fourchimney - Posted - 07/22/2023:  09:38:40

That is a great idea. I will do that very thing. Does anyone know if they have a showroom?

hlpdobro - Posted - 07/22/2023:  13:33:18

Best to call to see what they might have available to play at that moment.

301-733-8271

wlgiii - Posted - 07/23/2023:  13:33:23

PS- cool for you. I'd have a 2019 mile drive. (But only 1600 miles to Gruhn Guitars. woo.)

Fourchimney - Posted - 07/23/2023:  17:24:23

Hah! Thanks ebbybubby!

Tom Jr. - Posted - 07/25/2023:  07:23:14

Paul Beard sold me one of his roundnecks 20 years ago and it revolutionized my playing. You absolutely can not go wrong and you are fortunate to live in the same state as Beard Guitars.

Fourchimney - Posted - 07/31/2023:  10:51:17

Great advice.

I went to Beard Guitars last week. Denny and I played 7 or 8 in-stock guitars and I found a winner. I came home with an all-mahogany Trailhead roundneck in black. I'm in love. 

Now I have an embarrassing number of questions for this forum!

Final adjustments.

Ben adding the strap button.

Lounge Primate - Posted - 07/31/2023:  11:40:33

Congrats! that is one bad-ass looking guitar.