is Melobar back?

[Jeff Strouse]

I'm hoping (really, really hoping ) that an 8 string Melobro will be offered again. I didn't have a chance to get one before. From my understanding, Ted made a little bit larger neck to accommodate the extra two strings, rather than cram them into a six string neck like some manufacturers do. Makes it much easier on us folks who slant the bar! The Melobros were high quality, beautiful (especially the blue and white model), and affordable. It's almost impossible to find something that great for under $1500! Most of the 8 string resonators I've seen are anywhere from 2,500 to 4,000.

I wish the best of success for "the new" Melobar!

Ted, when you get a chance, please drop us a line some time. We miss hearing from you!

[HowardR]

<SMALL>Most of the 8 string resonators I've seen are anywhere from 2,500 to 4,000.</SMALL>

I believe that Greg McKenna, who is no doubt reading this builds an 8 stringer for not alot more than what the Melobro cost.

Yes, Ted did build a wider neck for the 7 & 8 string models. I really like those guitars.

[Mike D]

Played a 'glass Melobro and met Mr. Frost a couple weekends ago at a guitar show here in Phx. Nice man and the guitar sounded (from what I could hear at the show) very nice too.

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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

[Jim Frost]

Melobar is indeed back, but production will be limited for a while. John Bolin (bolinguitars.com) will be making the instruments for us, and it will take a while to get up to speed. John is one of the best luthiers in the world, but there is alot to learn about making the Melobro. Fortunately, Ted Smith is still with us on a part time basis to help with the transition.

Our first production run will be a dozen lap steels which will be a mix of Rattlers and SXL's. I have to resolve some parts supplier issues before we can run any 8 strings. The Melobro will take a while to get back into production since John is not setup to do fiberglass. Hopefully, we will have a full range of inventory by the end of summer.

Feel free to drop me a line with any of your ideas. I will be at the Dallas Guitar Show on April 17 and 18. If any of you are in the area, come by and say hello. I will have a demo Melobro and Skreemr with me.

[Lincoln Goertzen]

Welcome to the forum, Jim! I have been waiting for Melobar to come back for as long as they've been out of manufacturing!

(Maybe I can order a 7/8 string Melobro this time around.)

I bought a 6-string Melobro two years ago. Ted Smith really bent over backwards for me, and I will never forget that. Say HI to him for me. He is as fine a Christian as anyone will meet.

Lincoln Goertzen

[Jim Frost]

We have just started a batch of lap steels. I'm trying to see just how low we can keep the cost on an 8 string and give the world a solid sounding affordable 8 string. I think we will be able to sell an 8 string Rattler at below $500. Just how much below remains to be seen. We are also going to experiment with several different pickups on the 6 string. This could be fun. I'm especially looking forward to trying out Rick Turner's "Rick" horseshoe style pickup.

[Mike D]

I'm especially looking forward to trying out Rick Turner's "Rick" horseshoe style pickup.

Don't waste your time on the Turner, as I understand it it's simply a visual copy with some Ric-like qualities. Check out the Aiello/Lollar model instead and get the 'Real Thing'

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Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.