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The resonator guitar reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
265 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: K-Mate online (Australia)
Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 85 (Australian dollars)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I play the lapsteel like a reso. That suits this guitar well. I also like to bend the 2nd string to get a pedal steel effect; very easy on this guitar. I just use a cheap & nasty amp (Casino 15B). There is a very small buzz coming out of the amp, but you have to be trying to listen to hear it. Its not loud enough to worry about unless you were doing professional recordings. The guitar has a single volume & tone knob, but the sound still seems to be "tender" & rich.
Sound Rating: 8
Purchased this sight unseen from an Australian web site. It said that the retail price was $349 (Australian; about $330 USD). Also, the Karrera website said the same model was $295 USD. So to get it for $85 Aust. was an absolute bargain !. The action is nice.
Setup Rating: 8
Its very black !. The only dislike is there are no fret markers. Very frustrating. I had to put stickers on the fretboard, but what do you expect for this price ?. Other than that, it looks quite slick.
Appearance Rating: 7
Seems like it will last.
Reliability Rating: 7
This was shipped the same day, and received 2 days later. Ya can't argue with that !.
Customer Service: 10
Seems all OK. My only doubt is that the nut is wooden; not steel. But for this price, I still think it is outstanding value for money.
Components Rating: 7
A great buy. Feels great, sounds great. Looks great despite no markers on the fret board. Recommend especially for reso players who want to tinker with this great instrument (like I did. Now I am hooked, and an absolute fan). The ridiculously low price attracted me. I am very glad about that. Good value for money.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Gift
Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: Don't Remember (bought USED)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This is a 1968 Guyatone. Its a Japanese "sausage factory" make, however, it is an outstnading instrument. It suits country/hillbilly or Hawaiin styles. I play it like a reso and it sounds fine. The sound is rich & full.
Sound Rating: 9
This was my grandfather's guitar. He recorded with it in the 70's. The action is great. An interesting feature is the distance between the strings. They are a bit wider than my other lapsteel (Karrera), and this makes for easier playing. The strings have never gone out of tune.
Setup Rating: 10
Its easy on the eyes, however, its perhaps a little heavier than todays lapsteels.
Appearance Rating: 8
Very dependable. Sounds perfect given its age.
Reliability Rating: 9
Neutral rating given that this was a gift.
Customer Service: 5
This is a well made lapsteel.
Components Rating: 9
This 1968 Guyatone lapseel has stood the test of time. Its a shame they are out of production. It goes to show that production line instruments can still be high quality. It is a copy of the old Fender Stringmaster; and a good copy at that !. A great sound and nice to play.
Overall Rating: 9