Regal Squareneck

[Niek]

I am planning on buying a Regal Squareneck guitar. Which model of Regal is a good choice? I saw the new RD-52 Black Lighting with Quarterman cone. It's not a cheap one, but it looks great. Don't just judge a guitar only by the looks, but also on the overall quality like, sound and manufacturing. Is this model a good choice or are the cheaper ones also good ones?

[LouisianaGrey]

I've sold a couple of Black Lightnings and they are nice guitars, Nick. Because they come fitted with a Quarterman cone and a bone nut already the sound is better than the others in the range and they seem to be well made. I've got one in that I'm converting to a left-hander at the moment so I'll post some photos of the inside over the weekend if you like.

I've upgraded a couple of the cheaper Regals too and although they are OK (I think Regals in general are better than the other Chinese imports) in my opinion the Black Lightning is a better guitar. It doesn't require as much work to make it sound good.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Nick,

I would go with Pete's advice on this one.

Shine On,
Michael.

[Niek]

Thanks for the advice. I've read some reviews of the Regal RD-52, and you can't make a mistake on buying this one.


I really would like to see the inside of this guitar, so the photo's are very welcome.

[LouisianaGrey]

Before I take it to bits I've recorded it, Nick. You can hear it at www.petewoodmanguitars.com/shared/Black%20Lightning.mp3

My playing is as scrappy as usual but it should give you an idea of the sound. I recorded it through a USB interface straight into the PC, no added effects, using an SM57.

[LouisianaGrey]

Here you are. Very tidy inside, as you can see, especially for a Chinese instrument.

[Niek]

Hello Pete,

Thanks a lot for the pictures and the song you played on the Regal. The guitar sound great to me and by the way, I don't find your playing scrappy The inside of this guitar looks really well made. I am sure I'm gonna buy one next year januari.

Can't wait to get one! Thanks again Pete for all your help and advise.

Nico

[lee Holliday]

The Spider on the one you have Pete is of a Heavier design than the one I had pass through my hands a couple of years ago, mine was thiner with round balls on the end of the legs and painted gloss black !

But for the money it was a great little guitar with an authentic Honk!

Regards Lee.

[LouisianaGrey]

I remember those spiders from other instruments, Lee - I've still got a couple lying around somewhere. Here in the UK Resound used to sell them separately as "high density" spiders, although I never thought they had any advantage over the usual imports soundwise.