jacknj - Posted - 08/21/2024:  09:00:28

I know that many of us have had one of the vintage Oahu squareneck guitars, from the basic model up to the larger M65s. Some builders had similar guitars in their inventory of models but not too many of late. I'm trying to gauge the potential interest in these style of guitars. I have built a Roy Smeck Inspired model and another one with a duolian sized body. (See pics). The basic models can be done efficiently and with a good price point. Any feedback regarding interest will be appreciated. Jack

Roy Smeck Stage DeLuxe inspired model

Duolian Size Squareneck Acoustic

wlgiii - Posted - 08/21/2024:  14:01:55

Count me in. I do love my Oahu...when played alone. But it lacks the oomph for jams, and being played alongside a resonator.

Stylewise- That ersatz Roy Smeck looks great, but given a choice I'd go with the Duolian, since it has more of your personal artistic detailing.

SlimPickins - Posted - 08/21/2024:  14:16:51

I don’t know if my contribution really means much given that I already own the duolian-sized guitar built by Jack, but maybe this will help folks that are on the fence about getting a guitar like this or aren’t familiar with them.



I had looked for awhile to get a squareneck acoustic built, but like Jack mentioned in his post, there aren’t too many luthiers out there building these as a regular thing and many are just as content to keep building the guitars they are known for. I was pointed in Jack’s direction by an acquaintance of mine as Jack builds both resos and Weissenborns. I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask and Jack was more than willing to give it a try. He already had a form ready for a duolian if I was willing to try a guitar with that body shape/size. I gave him some ideas that I wanted to see in a guitar built for me and he made it happen. The body size actually worked out great for an acoustic slide. It projects well without being boomy or muddy and has great volume. It has a slightly shorter scale than my resos and lap steels, but it’s very easy to adjust to. I keep it in E tuning (E-G#-B-E-G#-B) so it’s also a quick transition from G tuning. It really is an ideal instrument for reso players that want a more Weissenborn type sound, but still has a dobro feel. It’s also easy to stand with and you don’t have to worry about the fragile, hollow neck.

Edited by - SlimPickins on 08/21/2024 14:17:57

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 08/21/2024:  14:35:34

I've played some really nice squareneck flattops, and I've also played some junkers. When I was a kid taking lap steel lessons in the sixties before we plugged in and played electric, for the first several weeks they gave us squareneck flattops from the likes of Kay and Harmony that were built like a Sherman tank to be able to withstand the abuse from young steel guitar pupils.

Paul Beard has built some, and he also had the imported Gold Tone/Beard version which I thought was great bang for the buck, but it was discontinued after several years because apparently the sales weren't there.

I never bought one because I didn't know how often it would get out of the case though it would have been nice to have around.

Tim Scheerhorn has made a few, and I've played a couple by luthiers Scott Walker and Sven Gonstead - they were beauties - but big bucks. And there's the one John Monteleone made for Ben Harper several years ago - Lord knows how much that one would sell for. 

The guitars I played from Scott Walker (of Santa Cruz) and Sven Gonstead (Michigan - but also worked for Santa Cruz Guitars at one time) were at the no longer Healdsburg Guitar Festival here in Northern California. A friend of mine bought the Walker guitar. Photo below of the Gonstead guitar. This guitar was selling for $4500 in 2006 - and I read that Sven closed the doors in 2008. He also made some nice resonators. Maybe things got too tough during The Great Recession and he had to throw in the towel.

Once of the reasons I wanted to share the photo is for the tailpiece. In looking at your guitars Jack, you have them built with a typical flattop bridge and saddle. Is it safe to tune these to GBDGBD? No one would ever mistake me for a luthier, but I would think a dobro-like tailpiece or one for an archtop would be the ticket. As I recall, the Beard designs had this stye of tailpiece as well. Click on photo to enlarge.

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 08/21/2024 14:36:49

 

jacknj - Posted - 08/21/2024:  19:04:22

Yes, the squareneck flattops I've done have pin bridges. The internal top bracing is my modified V- brace design. This will accommodate a high bass G tuning but I would not use the standard .016 - .056 string set. I would lighten up the top strings a bit and the bottom to about .054 or so. My personal view on high bass G tuning on an acoustic flattop or Weissenborn style guitar is it is too "tight" and doesn't allow the guitar to resonate as well as Open D or Open G. This is just me.. With a tailpiece design, there should be a greater arch in the top to handle the downward force at the bridge.

wlgiii - Posted - 08/22/2024:  09:59:53

This has also been my experience with the sans tailpiece Oahu- D (or E), or low bass G resonate more.

PS- I almost got one of those Gold Tones a few years ago. It was indeed a great bang for the buck, and better than the Oahu but not significantly better.

jacknj - Posted - 08/22/2024:  11:25:05

Any acoustic steel guitars I build have solid linings, an arched back, and a modified V braced top (excluding resos). Building lower priced squarenecks will still have the same design.

badger - Posted - 08/24/2024:  07:16:33

MarkinSonoma - It's been 15+ years, but I still regret passing on that Sven Gonstead guitar at the Healdsburg festival. The damn thing practically played itself. Just an exquisite instrument. Thanks for posting it.

JC Dobro - Posted - 08/24/2024:  09:58:16

I’ve scratched the acoustic flat-top itch over the years with Oahus, Weissenborns, or Martin Dreads set up lap style. Hadn’t played any boutique luthier-built flat-tops, so I don’t know what I’m missing out on.

One of the challenges for a builder, IMO, is the easy availability of Oahus on the used market at bargain prices.

15 years ago I bought a large sized M65 for about $400.  Lo and behold, they're still available for about the same price.  I've been happy with mine.

reverb.com/item/83013189-oahu-...el-guitar

Like some others, I've found Open D to be the ticket on acoustic flat-tops and Weissies.

Brad Bechtel - Posted - 08/25/2024:  14:17:33

I used to own an Oahu square neck flat top, like your M65 but with a fancier decal on the bottom. I know Pete Grant has the fanciest version, but I'm not familiar enough with the model numbers to tell what's what. It had a very good tone, but was very, very quiet.

I sold it because the band I was in switched to electric instruments and there was no way at the time to keep up with the volume. I probably could have installed a pickup, but I had plenty of other electric lap steels.

JC Dobro - Posted - 08/25/2024:  19:20:53

quote:

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Originally posted by Brad Bechtel

I used to own an Oahu square neck flat top, like your M65 but with a fancier decal on the bottom. I know Pete Grant has the fanciest version, but I'm not familiar enough with the model numbers to tell what's what. It had a very good tone, but was very, very quiet.



I sold it because the band I was in switched to electric instruments and there was no way at the time to keep up with the volume. I probably could have installed a pickup, but I had plenty of other electric lap steels.

---

I recall Pete's Oahu and I played it a couple times.  I believe it's a spruce top - he always called it a Teacher's Model back in the day, and I'm not sure what the actual model name is.  Ornate decals or maybe stenciling on the lower bout.  He typically would play it with a bullet bar, and get this amazing sweet tone with the bullet bar vibrato.

For me personally, I opt for resonators when jamming or performing with a band.  The acoustic flat-tops are great for solo arrangements or picking in front of the fireplace, but I agree there can be volume challenges.

Again, I don't have experience with custom luthier built flat-top square necks, so i don't know what I don't know.

I HAVE seen Weissenborns (pickup assisted) rumble an auditorium.  Exhibit A:  Lindley.

wlgiii - Posted - 08/26/2024:  16:00:52

Has any one ever come up with a reproduction of Bob Dunn's pickup? That would give you volume on the flattop and a killer tone.

Lounge Primate - Posted - 08/26/2024:  17:59:14

Not sure about the Dunn pickup, but the Seymour Duncan SA-6 Mag Mic is pretty nice.