Weissenborn

[doubleg]

Hi there,

I am considering investing in a decent Weissenborn style acoustic lap-steel, but as a newcomer to these instruments would appreciate any advice. My research so far has given me Gosden guitars, and various makers in Australia, so any thoughts on these instruments, or other makes I may not have come across, would be most welcome.

DoubleG

[Michael Messer]

Hi Doubleg,

There are many luthiers making copies of Weissenborn and Kona acoustic Hawaiian guitars these days, so there is a lot of choice out there.

I know that a few forum members have bought instruments recently and it would be good to hear their recommendations.

The most well known builder of this type of guitar is 'Bear Creek Guitars'. Their instruments are beautiful and are the closest I have seen to the real thing. (I have no connection to Bear Creek at all and I do not own one of their guitars. My comment is based on what guitars of this type I have played)

I am moving this thread into TALKING BLUES as it is more appropriate in this section.

Shine On
Michael.

[honeyboy]

Besides Gosden Guitars, the only other UK maker I know of is Pete Howlett He made some truly great Weissenborns a few years back (including the late Jack Rose's Koa Weissenborn), but he now specialises solely in world class Ukuleles. He will probably build you a one off (but it won't be cheap - around £1700+ at last ask).


The late Jack Rose's Pete Howlett built Welsh Weissenborn

Ermanno Pasqualato in Italy makes excellent Weissenborns, has very good prices (and before the recession had quite a long waiting list). He speaks very good english. He charges between 630 - 1000 euros depending upon exact spec.

Other than that your choices are:

1. A Goldtone Weissenborn (Frank from Frailers of Runcorn always has a few in stock that you can try out in the shop - From £500 - £1000 depending upon spec)

Spanish importer Weissenborn.es sell the full range of Goldtones, and occasionally have Vintage Weissenborns for sale.

2. Buying from the US.

Rance White from Lazy River Guitars makes excellent instruments (around $2200 ish for a Blackwood model), but you do have to pay about 24% extra in import taxes on top of shipping and the quoted purchase price for any instrument purchased from the USA.

Top of the range new instruments come from Bear Creek and Asher Guitars, depending upon your preference. Dont expect to have much change from $4500 - $5500 + shipping + 24% import taxes.

Finally, try a search on gbase.com - it is still possible to pickup original koa instruments from the 1920's for between $2500 - $4500+ depending upon spec and condition. (Obviously you have to add on shipping and import duties).

Good luck in your search!

[growler]

HI Doubleg
I can certainly vouch for Ermanno as I have just received a really nice Style 4 made from Koa, there is a picture of me playing it on his home page. I am thinking of getting him to make me one of his Custom models out of Italian Spruce for the soundboard , Rosewood for the sides, in a couple of years time.
One advantage I found of getting one from him is NO massive import tax duties and shipping costs. Not sure about his long waiting list.

Regards

Growler

[Michael Messer]

Honeyboy's information should help you Doubleg.

Pete Howlett built me a Weissenborn copy in 1997. It was the same as the one in the photo. It was well done, but never really floated my boat and I sold it in 2001.

I have played a few original Weissenborns and Konas and so far nothing I played (IMO) apart from a Bear Creek compares to them.

Shine On
Michael

[daddyslide]

Weissenborn?

In the way like Martin Harley does?
Martins one was built here:
www.cuntz-guitars.info/
and yes, it is a normal german name, you dirty mind.

also in germany, there is Manzanita, which are played by Lindley
www.manzanita.de/slide.htm

[daddyslide]

to expain:
Martin Harley about his Guitars and names from german luthers

[Michael Messer]

Honeyboy,

There is a well written article about the late Jack Rose in this month's Acoustic Magazine. If you are into his music it is worth reading.

Shine On
Michael

[honeyboy]

Michael,

Thanks for the heads up - I'll try & grab a copy tomorrow when I'm out..

Issue 51 (March) I guess?

H.