8-string recommendations

Michael Miller · Post by **Michael Miller** » 4 Aug 2019 12:28 pm

I am thinking of getting an 8 string to expand my horizons. Currently play dobro/lap steel/guitar. Any advice on how to find out (somewhat inexpensively) if this will work for me?

I see SX 8-stringers for about $200 are they junk? How about the Goldtone LS-8?

I am a long scale type of guy.

No vintage here so please spend my money carefully!

Thanks.

Russell Taylor · Post by **Russell Taylor** » 4 Aug 2019 1:59 pm

Can't go wrong with a Melbert. Love mine. Great price new or sometimes find a used one on here for a steal...like I did!

Doug Taylor · Post by **Doug Taylor** » 4 Aug 2019 2:49 pm

I have a Melbert on order, while I do not have it yet the customer service has been really good. Give Bob a call and see what he can do for you.

K Maul · Post by **K Maul** » 4 Aug 2019 3:40 pm

I think some SX guitars are OK. I had a dobro and Strat copy that were decent for the $$.
CAD programing on milling machines is a good thing.

David M Brown · Post by **David M Brown** » 5 Aug 2019 5:56 am

Michael Miller wrote:
I see SX 8-stringers for about $200 are they junk?

Mine was pretty decent for the money - soft bag, legs, a solid bridge not taken from electric guitars, and the only thing I had to do was raise the pickup and adjust the screws and it sounded nice.

Is it as good as the much more expensive instruments? Perhaps not, but for what it is, it's quite a good value.

Since my double 8 is in A6 (or B11) and E13, I usually tune the SX to C6 with a Bb on the 7th string and low C on the 8th.

Michael Miller · Post by **Michael Miller** » 5 Aug 2019 6:10 am

Thanks everybody! I found and bought a Melbert on Reverb with a Bill Lawrence 705 pickup in great shape.

David M Brown · Post by **David M Brown** » 5 Aug 2019 6:53 am

Michael Miller wrote:Thanks everybody! I found and bought a Melbert on Reverb with a Bill Lawrence 705 pickup in great shape.

You should be very happy with that instrument!

Nic Neufeld · Post by **Nic Neufeld** » 5 Aug 2019 2:19 pm

Have an SX 8. My only qualms with it were the pickup...everything else with it is fine, its a well designed instrument. I replaced the pickup with an Alumitone 3.5" bass bar (much like the tone bar) and I have no complaints. Do I prefer my CS frypan? Yeah, but one was definitely cheaper, and I've gigged with the SX and it did just fine.

Joshua Clements · Post by **Joshua Clements** » 7 Aug 2019 6:44 pm

I was going to suggest a Melbert for lap steels. Since you bought one, I hope it treats you well. They are great guitars and don't cost a fortune.

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8-string recommendations

8-string recommendations

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