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Topic: Tricone for Hawaiian...Regal/Republics any good? |
Nic Neufeld
From:
Kansas City, Missouri
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Posted 3 May 2018 4:27 am |
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Hey all...I know next to nothing about resonator guitar. As a lap steel guitarist I'm an "enthusiastic beginner". But I do have vague intentions of someday adding a tricone squareneck to the stable for a nice acoustic Hawaiian guitar upon which to start to chase after Mr. Ho'opi'i's music...
Now, I've noticed there tends to be a pretty big variance in prices. Vintage ones in good condition are way out of my price range, and the new Nationals, likewise. Then there is a big gap to some of the cheaper resonators like Regal and Republic (and the single cone resonators also tend to have more inexpensive manufacturers, but I'd like to stick with a tricone if I can).
For the style of music I want to play on it...swinging Hawaiian 20s/30s music...is it a good idea to go for one of those less expensive tricones, or is it something where you really get what you pay for? I'm not too much of a tone snob, but I've spent enough time trying to talk people out of buying the cheapest available instrument for their own good (sitar is particularly bad in this area, the cheap stuff is just garbage firewood) that I figured I should ask the experts.
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 3 May 2018 7:12 am
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I have a Republic tricone, but if I'm not mistaken, it's a round neck.
I believe I had to put a nut riser on it. |
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Michael Maddex
From:
Northern New Mexico, USA
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Posted 3 May 2018 7:40 am
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I picked up a Used Republic Tricone Squareneck a few years back and don't see how it could be improved on without replacing it with a Very Expensive Model, vintage or new. I have played some recent Regals over the years and I never cared for any of them. The Republics don't turn up used very often which says to me that people like them and tend to hang on to them. I was set to buy a Recording King Tricone just before I picked up the Republic. You might want to look at them as well.
HTH. Good Luck with your Search! 
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"For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert." -- Arthur C. Clarke |
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Joe Burke
From:
Toronto, Canada
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Posted 3 May 2018 5:51 pm
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| I vote for the Republic. Great guitar. Though I sold mine to buy a used National. But if I had the money, I’d now own them both. |
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Jouni Karvonen
From:
Helsinki, Finland
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Nic Neufeld
From:
Kansas City, Missouri
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Posted 4 May 2018 9:52 am
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Thanks all! I was leaning Republic anyway.
For my intended style of music, do you gents recommend steel or nickel plated brass for the body? I've heard the latter is "warmer" in tone, but for 20s Hawaiian, what actually suits it best, in your opinion(s)?
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me |
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David Knutson
From:
Cowichan Valley, Canada
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Posted 4 May 2018 10:48 am
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I would lean toward the plated brass versions. In my experience the steel bodies are great for that "chunky" kind of blues sound, while the brass bodies have a longer, warmer sustain that I, at least, would prefer for Hawaiian. I don't have a Republic, but I've heard good things about them.
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David K |
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Sebastian Müller
From:
Berlin / Germany
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Posted 4 May 2018 11:04 pm
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The best bang for the buck is a Republic Tricone Squareneck and swap out the cones with National Resophonic ones.
I have this setup and although it does sound different to my original Tricone from 1931 it is a good sound, I can recommend it.
Other option would be to get a used NRP.
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https://hawaiian-steel-guitar.com |
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Edward Meisse
From:
Santa Rosa, California, USA
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Posted 19 May 2018 3:22 pm
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I was very pleased with my Republic.
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Amor vincit omnia |
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