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Post by spikeymikey on Jan 26, 2012 10:10:26 GMT
Michael. When I was looking to buy a resonator I read somewhere that you were not a fan of Tanglewood guitars. Does that apply to Tanglewoods per se, or just their resonators?
Thanks
Spikey
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 26, 2012 10:23:49 GMT
Hi Spikey,
Welcome to our forum.
The review I wrote about a Tanglewood resonator guitar was a long time ago, it was probably in the late 90s. I have nothing against Tanglewood guitars whatsoever, they make some lovely instruments. My comments were only written about the model I reviewed, a wood bodied Dobro-style instrument that was a terrible guitar. It was designed and built with absolutely no understanding or care about how a Dobro should look, feel and more importantly, sound.
I hope that answers your question,
Keep in touch,
Shine On
Michael.
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Post by spikeymikey on Jan 26, 2012 11:14:51 GMT
Hi Michael Thanks for swift reply. That was what I thought. Resonators are a unique type of guitar and I guess not every manufacturer knows the black art. I have two Tanglewoods which (like some resonators  ) sound much better than instruments costing many times their price. I got the second (cedar/rosewood) for a bargain off ebay to use for alternate tunings. I must confess I considered treating myself to a Martin guitar when I retired but then realised I could have 5-10 perfectly good (pre-owned) guitars for that price. Not that I am that extravagant. Like most people I have a restricted budget (and a wife!). It would be interesting to hear peoples' views on that conundrum. One expensive named guitar vs several more modestly-priced guitars. Regards Spikey |
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Post by blueshome on Jan 26, 2012 13:04:14 GMT
It is a conundrum, but also an opportunity - Just think, you may not get another chance to buy a high quality instrument, whereas cheap ones may come your way later anyway, that is what happened to me.
I've had a couple of opportunities over the past 15 years (legacy, redundancy pay) to acquire high value instruments which would have been out of reach normally and I have not regretted it for one moment. I could never have had Mike Lewis make me a guitar without massive family sacrifices. The Fine Resophonic gets played every day and tone and playability are unmatched, quality really does not come cheap.
Whilst the instrument doesn't make the player, a great guitar certainly makes life a lot easier achieving the sounds you want and gives so much playing satisfaction over time and will retain a substantial part of its value over time should you tire of it. Go with the heart!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 20:58:36 GMT
Just to add to the confusion I'd like to tell you of my recent experience.
A few years ago I got into resonator guitars and my first one was an Epiphone steel bodied, biscuit.
It was a nice guitar but after trying different string gauges I deemed it to be a little quiet. I didn't know I could purchase a National cone in those days.
As internet purchasing was becoming convenient for purchasing guitars in resonator starved NZ and Elderly instruments had a good name, I subsequently saved up some dosh and bought a secondhand national Style O from them.
I love everything about this guitar and became convinced that this was the only way to go.
Last week a mate let me play his recently privately imported Chinese reso and it blew me away.
It was actually better than my National, especially the sound, and nicely set up straight out of the box.
These guitars have come so far in just 5 years it is unbelievable.
Good resonators are now within the reach of all of us!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2012 23:59:07 GMT
Just to add further to the confusion, I have one expensive National which sounds / plays superb and makes me feel like a big man, and some less expensive resos which suit different needs, at least one of which sounds almost as good. My answer to the conundrum is thus: get one expensive guitar to 'fill that hole' and then shop around for lots of cheaper resos. BTW, my wife has recently stopped moaning about the expensive guitar - but she has since bought several (costly) sheep, goats and chickens, and most of the 'joules' range to go with them.
TT
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Post by spikeymikey on Jan 27, 2012 14:18:01 GMT
Thanks chaps. I appreciate your thoughts. It's what I thought. An expensive guitar is like an expensive car - it's a 'treat' or indulgence. It pays not to apply too much logic to it! It may not be 5 times better than other guitars - but it feels REALLY GOOD to own!
Actually the car analogy works in other ways. You know when you get a new car - even more so if ts very expensive (I'm talking theoretically here) you worry about where you park it and fret about the least little mark. Whereas you don't care if the old banger gets knocks and scuffs - in fact it adds character to it. Same with guitars. You are scared stiff if the kids go near them. Whereas some people go to a ridiculous lengths to relic a perfectly good guitar.
Its a funny old world.
Spikey
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Post by blueshome on Jan 27, 2012 22:40:12 GMT
Ah! The thing is, once you've got that dream guitar, to use it for what it's meant for - playing and enjoying, and not to worry about whether you put a ding in it.
You will do that for sure, whether it's after one day or after 10 years, unless you leave it in its case all the time and never use it........
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) sound much better than instruments costing many times their price. I got the second (cedar/rosewood) for a bargain off ebay to use for alternate tunings.