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I'm looking for a nice used tenor in the 1K vicinity but not sure what direction I should go in. I had a Pono but disliked the wide nut. I'm used to the closer spacing of mando and guitar. i play mixed genre but heavy on bluegrass. I'm drawn to vintage but don't know enough to make a wise choice. I hear good things about Blueridge but my preference is to buy an US instrument. Any thoughts on some makes, models, yesrs to look at? Any tips?
Take a look at the Kala Tenor Guitar. Dirt cheap but well made. Sometimes their setup is iffy (I have two and a friend bought another one. One of mine had a horrible setup but was a great learning experience for me. The other two were fine). They do have an adjustable truss rod and a short scale of about 22".
And I do mean dirt cheap from the factory. With Kala always order from the factory.
For vintage I'd look for old Regal's from the late 20's but they might not really be that great for bluegrass. They are very lightly made and a hoot to play. The base models usually run from 250 to 400 and are fairly good sounding but not loud. There are better grades of the Regal but you really have to look for them.
I've got a small collection of 1930's era tenor guitars, and I haven't paid more than $1200 for any of them...that includes Gibson, Epiphone, National, and Dobro branded instruments. They're all great, though very different than each other. I find the National's most versatile...
d
I really like the short scale tenors and mandolas. djweiss.....that sounds like a trove to me.
The tenor range leaving off the high e is where I found home. What I have found is that if you don't play bluegrass you don't need the high e. You can snip it but still get to it when you need/want it.
As "they" used to say...YMMV.
If you want to play around with tenor/mandola tuning CGDA....those Kala's are a fantastic deal for 200-300. They are really nicely made.
I would look at a Martin O-17 tenor (all mahogany), they can sound very good and are usually less expensive then the O-18 (spruce top) tenors.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-195...4AAOSwxW9dxrxK
This Gibson made Kalamazoo looks pretty good...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Kal...cAAOSwBpJd-sBF
It is in FL but I don't know how close to you.
I would avoid Gibson tenors from the 60's and 70,s. They usually just stuck a tenor neck on a six string body and are way over built. I have never played one that would hold up in a jam session.
If you can find a National Triolian tenor they have plenty of volume, cool tone but often need to have the necks reset.
Good luck with your search.
I realize that the Martin O-17T is slightly above your stated price range but the condition looks very good.
funny, i just saw that kalamazoo pop up on ebay too. It's 3+ hrs away. He also has it on CL, but for $1200, which I thought was odd cuz usually you'd expect it to be less sold locally (no fees,shipping,ins).
Looks he removed his "buy it now" price of $900.oo from the ebay listing and now has it on craigslist for $1200.oo?
Me thinks he is reading this thread on the Cafe.
oh well, if it's meant to be, it's meant to beQuote:
Originally Posted by Charles E.
That Martin looks very nice. Too bad it doesn't have a "make offer" option on it. I sold my Pono for $800 and didn't want to have to kick in much more than a few hundred to replace it, especially with xmas expenses.Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles E.
I understand you want made in the USA, but I always hear great things about Blueridge Guitars. The BR-40 is supposed to be a great machine for the price.
The buy it now price went away because someone put a bid in on it. On eBay, whenever there is a buy it now in an auction, the buy it now goes away after the first bid.Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles E.
I see it also changed to local pickup onlyQuote:
Originally Posted by Tom Sanderson
Looks like I am wrong about this, he posted the craigslist ad well before this discussion.Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles E.
I'd keep your eyes out for a players grade pre 1967 0-18T. Set up ebay and reverb alerts and put a wanted ad in the classifieds here and on UMGF. They're out there, and I think the spruce topped 0-18T will suit BG a little better than a mahogany 0-17T, but thats just my guess.
Thanks,
Baron
Wow. If only they cost that in the UKQuote:
Originally Posted by djweiss
I'm in the hunt for a tg50 or ETG150 (prob more the latter)... I quite like the fifties ones as I'm not so into the banjo tuner look.Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles E.
Do these fall into your comments about gibson tenors or are you referring to flat tops?
I have a 59 O-18t which is beat up but rules!
My downside is lack of choice for resonators or archtops In the UK.
Mostly referring to flat tops. I had a nice Gibson TG50 with a floating DeArrmond pick up that was great. I should have never sold it. However it is the case that gibson took a tenor neck and put it on a six string arch top body. While it sounded great through an amp, acoustically it was to quiet in a jam.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord of the Badgers
Looks like the Kalamazoo sold, Bunnyf did you end up with it?
Charley, I did!Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles E.
It was way under my budget and in pristine condition except for a bit of shrinkage on the pick guard. I like the scale and the neck and most importantly, the sound. The neck was straight and the intonation good. I'm gonna lower the action a tad (plenty of saddle hieight). The The main factor that pushed me toward this one was the ability to try before I buy. The gentleman drove over to my house to show it to me. I guess it was meant to be.
Anyway, thanks to all you knowledgeable folks who gave me advice.
Congratulations! :cool:
Post a sound clip some time if you get a chance.
Congrats on that Kalamazoo tenor! That's real sweet looking. Would love to hear a sound clip too.
Thanks,
Baron
I took your advice (ajh) and ordered a Kala tenor and am really pleased. For anyone wanting to experiment with a tenor but not wanting to commit a ton of resources, this is a great option. My setup was great by the way - it was in tune when I took it out of the box! Thanks for letting us know.
Hi Dave, sorry to bring up an old thread, but I'm wondering if you're still happy with the Kala, and how it handles pick-strumming? Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Kirkpatrick
For the money, I still say it can't be beat. I've been really pleased. You should know I'm a basement picker and not a pro of any sort at anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by subby13