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Post by starboards on Jun 23, 2010 12:34:19 GMT
I was interested in the Beltona info from Phenix.
But maybe you can clear this one up for me Michael. Phenix quotes Steve Evans as saying Clapton's Beltona must have been the fancier engraved model. Well I was in Chandlers the previous day to Clapton, checking out that very guitar, and comparing it to a Continental they had in as well. I seem to remember it was a very early Beltona, with no engraving and a painted black neck.
Nevertheless it was an amazing guitar, imho much superior to the Continental. Didn't quite have the money then, to purchase the Beltona. I had to wait quite some time before I could afford to buy a tricone direct from Steve, but it was worth the wait, so much so that as soon as I had the do ray me I was back up to Leeds to purchase one of Steve's single cones.
Still got them both, and still marvel at the craftsmanship, I couldn't imagine Steve was making much profit, even at the price they cost back then.
I know some of the forum members here own Beltonas, any more info on them would be very welcome.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jun 23, 2010 13:48:15 GMT
Hi Starboards,
I can confirm that Beltona Tricone serial number T028 is a plain non-engraved Style 1 with a black painted neck and mother-of-pearl slotted headstock.
Shine On Michael.
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Post by Gerry C on Jun 23, 2010 22:45:55 GMT
Waaaay back I can recall attending a Steve Phillips gig in Bradford (at Brother Eamon's famous Melborn, alas no more) and Steve Evans brought in a VERY early Beltona prototype for Mr Phillips to have a look at: if I recall aright (I was still a drinking man in them days) it was a single cone model, and I think a 12-fret with a slotted headstock. Steve P played it for a while in the interval and Steve E said "Well, what do you think?" to which Steve P replied "I'll tell you what I think: I think you're not getting this back!" I've played two or three Beltonas since (including Steve P's electric 'Les Paul' prototype) and been mightily impressed by them; but the only single-cone model I've played I would not swap for my MM Lightning...
Cheerily,
Gerry C
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Post by Ian McWee on Jun 24, 2010 8:05:50 GMT
Mmmm - Beltona's I'm sure i've told this tale here before, but it'll certainly jog a few memories.... When National Reso-Phonic re-introduced the Tri-Plates back in 1995, i was working (supplying bottlenecks & general noodling on guitars in the shop....it's a hard life ) at "Slide & Pickit" ~ a.k.a. National In The U.K. in Worcester. We arranged an invitation only 'open day' in May, '95 to officially launch the new National Reso-Phonic Tri-plates to a select bunch of cone-heads....the guest list read the definitive 'Who's Who' in the reso-world ~ Michael, Mark Makin, Bob Brozman, (was Mike Lewis also there...?) et al., and the new Tri-Plates were lined up in the shop looking stunning! During the proceedings, Steve Evans & Bill Johnson from Beltona arrived carrying a Style 1 Tri-Plate, & Richard Atherton (shop owner) strategically placed this at the end of the line.... At the end of the afternoon we got into a huddle & discussed the comments from the invited folks ~ all of the positives & negatives of the instruments on show that day....... .....and from all the information gathered i've owned Beltona Tri-Plate #104 (Style 1 body with a Style 4 neck) since 1997 & it's a definite 'keeper'. Steve shaped the neck profile to be an exact match to 'Eric' (my '33' Duolian'), so when i change-over from one guitar to the other there's no difference in 'feel' regarding the neck at all...a classic instrument with a wonderful tone. Slide On! Ian.
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Post by Michael Messer on Jun 24, 2010 8:34:57 GMT
I remember it as if it was last Tuesday Mike Lewis wasn't there. But you are correct that Mark, Bob and I were. Shine On Michael.
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