Between the Radio E, Radio R and the GT Beard Signature, what tonal and playability differences can I expect between these 3 guitars? Pros/Cons of each.
Thanks
Edited by - HighLonesomeF5 on 05/19/2023 07:49:53
Your best bet would be to call Beard and ask for Denny, he can give you the full rundown.
I have played multiple R models and Gold Tones. Never played an R solid Mahogany that was less than excellent. The Gold Tone is a good guitar for the money - though the price has gone up significantly over the years. The R is much better as it should be, way more expensive and built at the Beard shop rather than a factory in China.
There are also three different Gold Tone/Beard models, to which one are you referring?
I have yet to play a RadioTone, and haven't even seen one in person.
quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonomaYour best bet would be to call Beard and ask for Denny, he can give you the full rundown.
I have played multiple R models and Gold Tones. Never played an R solid Mahogany that was less than excellent. The Gold Tone is a good guitar for the money - though the price has gone up significantly over the years. The R is much better as it should be, way more expensive and built at the Beard shop rather than a factory in China.
There are also three different Gold Tone/Beard models, to which one are you referring?
I have yet to play a RadioTone, and haven't even seen one in person.
Radio E, Radio R and the GT Beard Signature
In a nutshell, with MY right hand:
Radio Standard E - Very contemporary and aggressive (in the right hands)
Radio Standard R - Similar to the Radio E. Now with open body construction. Leans a tad "classic" in voice.
Gold Tone - My favorite is the mid-PBS-D with a bit of maple "aggression" and focused voice. NOT THE SAME fit and finish as the hand crafted guitars above.
All of this is somewhat suspect because YOUR approach to the guitar is different than mine.
Good luck.
h
quote:
Originally posted by HighLonesomeF5quote:
Originally posted by MarkinSonomaYour best bet would be to call Beard and ask for Denny, he can give you the full rundown.
I have played multiple R models and Gold
There are also three different Gold Tone/Beard models, to which one are you referring?
I have yet to play a RadioTone, and haven't even seen one in person.
Radio E, Radio R and the GT Beard Signature
All three have the Beard signature - so you are apparently referring to the PBS, or the entry level model.
I wasn't paying close enough attention (up too late) and it went over my head that the R is the Radio R. Haven't seen one of those either.
We do have one Beard dealer in NorCal, Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto and I see on their website they have a Radio R in stock. Except it's 85 miles south of my place and I rarely get down that way anymore. But if I do and it's still in stock I would like to stop in and give it a test drive.
Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 05/19/2023 11:41:18
Addition
Legacy R - Now open body. Typically warmer and more "complex" sounding than the Radio Standard R
Edited by - hlpdobro on 05/19/2023 13:22:50
One variable not yet mentioned is the cone. The Beard models have the Legend cone and the GT (unless set up at Beard's shop) comes stock with the BC-1 cone.
Not apples and oranges but I believe the cone type can make a discernible difference in this comparison.
quote:
Originally posted by Iceman6937One variable not yet mentioned is the cone. The Beard models have the Legend cone and the GT (unless set up at Beard's shop) comes stock with the BC-1 cone.
Not apples and oranges but I believe the cone type can make a discernible difference in this comparison.
Very true that the cone will make a discernible difference. Except trying to find a Gold Tone/Beard with a Legend cone and a genuine Beard setup isn't going to be easy, particularly one where the cone is still relatively "fresh" without a lot of playing hours on it and the Beard setup is still all dialed in.
It's been a few years since Beard has brought in small batches of Gold Tones and run them through the shop with their final setup and assembly including a Legend cone.
A GT properly fitted with a Legend cone can stand up to some guitars costing 2 or 3X as much.
In the interest of folks who may not have a big budget, a Legend cone upgrade to any GT is affordable, relatively simple and packs a helluva punch. YMMV
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