melbert steel

Eddy Hupp · From: Idaho, USA

anyone playing a single or double neck from bob allen, best set up for pickups, etc. I am a first time buyer/player for steel, any info would really help.

David Mason · From: Cambridge, MD, USA

Good solid, basic steels. He uses good wood, tuners that tune, piokups that pick-up - there's a George L's in mine. I have a couple of much fancier, modern-type lap/console steels with 10 strings... but they ALL have great chunks of aluminum, and they're shiny in both appearance and sound. When I get the need for woody-ness, just regular, wholesome note-y type notes, I go Melbert. I've never heard a complaint. When you do see them used, it's usually because of upward mobility. They seem to hold a fairly decent resale value, and EVERYBODY knows what they are.

I just started recording some stuff (a talent I'd been AVOIDING for a while (I DON'T WANT TO BE A COMPUTER DUDE!) So I've put in quite some time trying to REDUCE the MSA Superslide's treble - the little Melly takes to recording with no fuss, tantrums, mood swings etc. I wouldn't be too surprised to hear that he's the stealthiest biggest builder right now - EVERYBODY'S got one...(?)

Michael Greer · From: Ontario, Canada

Eddy

I highly recommend Bob Allen and his Melbert steels.

It is a reasonably priced, quality guitar that will serve you well.

Bob is a fine gentleman as well.

I would not waste your money on a cheap offshore guitar.....for a little more money you can have a fine,handmade instrument.

Ed Baker · From: Connecticut, USA

I've owned a Melbert since May 2017 and am very, very happy with it.

Bob Allen kept in touch with me during the entire build as I had some requested customizations I wanted.

We swapped photos and emails dozens of times to make sure he was incorporating my requests.

He had an extra George L pickup and offered it to me at no extra charge.

The instrument is stable as a rock, tunes easily and sounds great.

My recommendation is "don't hesitate". You won't regret it.

Michael Lester · From: Illinois, USA

I will say without reservation that you will be pleased with the work Bob does. He's built me a couple of models over the years (one with legs that I wish I hadn't sold Sad

.

Old world craftsman and service the way it should be.

Michael Lester

Larry Lenhart · From: Ponca City, Oklahoma

I agree with everyting said...i have two of them and am very pleased...highly recommended
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Zum Encore, Remington D8 non pedal, Hallmark Mosrite clone, Gretsch 6120 DSW, Gretsch G5210T-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90,1976 Ibanez L5, Eastman archtop, Taylor Dreadnaught, Telonics pedal, Squire Tele, Squire Strat, Fender Tonemaster, Gold Tone 5 string banjo, Little Wonder tenor banjo, 3 Roland cubes 30s and 80, Carvin combo bass amp

Eddy Hupp · From: Idaho, USA

thanks for all the feedback, really helps a lot. next question from you all; thinking of the peavy 112 80 watt for the amp, good choice or look into a fender??
thanks again, glad I spent the five bucks for membership.

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

That's WAY too much amp for home use - even for most band situations unless you played large venues.

For the best tone you want the lowest-output amp you can crank up. ALL amps - especially tube amps - sound best when the speaker(s) is pushed hard enough to hit full frequency response. With a high-output amp that's nearly impossible at "home" level.

A small tube amp with a single 10" - or preferably 12" - would be FAR better for home/practice use, and even many gigs. Power is generally a terrible indicator of "volume" - speaker type and sensitivity is far more important - but as far as practice amps go, a 4-15 watt tube amp will be MORE than enough.

And a decent tube amp will sound far better than a budget solid-state amp. However - if you buy one used and it's over 10 years old, plan on having a qualified amp tech go over it immediately.

ALL tube amps must be serviced periodically - Filter capacitors have a service life of 15v years and any amp over 10 years old should just have them replaced if it's never been done - mainly so you don't forget or put it off!

A Fender Princeton Reverb, Vox AC10 (or AC4 with a 10" or 12" " speaker), a Fender amp clone with 10" or 12" and others along that line will sound great and last a long time.

Personally I'd avoid the cheap Laney, Monoprice and similar tube amps. They sound good but the build quality is very low. they are fun amps for amp techs to fool with but less so for players.

Hope that helps!
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No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

Jack Hanson · From: San Luis Valley, USA

Agree with everything Jim said. My favorite low power Fender tube amps are (in order):

Princeton Reverb
Musicmaster Bass
Pro Junior
Blues Junior

All sound awesome with any and all of my lap steels.

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