Republic squareneck style "O"

ronmack · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 12:59 pm Post subject: Republic squareneck style "O"

Not too long ago some one the list did a very good job of explaining the tonal differences between a tricone and a biscuit bridge guitar. After thinking about that for a while I realized that I had to have a biscuit bridge reso and called Frank. I chose the reso-relic finish since I'm a low maintenance kind of guy. It came yesterday and I'm really pleased with it. It really has the sound that I was looking for. I was kind of afraid that it would sound similar to the Tricone that I got a few months ago, but it is totally different. For $450 including a case, I think it is a great instrument.

crocau · Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 321 Location: Quebec City

Please post a video or a sound clip !

DeltaBluesDawg · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 316

Republic has a squareneck Style 'O'???!!!???

I had no idea--Never saw any squarenecks but the Tricones on Frank's site. But he does tend to only show what he has in stock.

I'd love to hear what it sounds like--could you post a sound clip?

AJAzure · Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 1656 Location: MA

I was going recommend he carry them. Well I know what my next acquisition will be!

news from Frank
http://www.republicguitars.com/newmodels.html

DeltaBluesDawg · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 316

Man--Frank is on FIRE!!! No doubt he'll sell a few of those lefty tricones--I don't think anyone else is offering those.

Myself, I'm a righty, and I already have one of his fine Tricones, but I imagine I'll own one of those "Resolians" pretty soon after they come out!

AJAzure · Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 1656 Location: MA

yep lefty tricones are all his at this point unless you go custom. i want a squareneck resolian.

RonE · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 12:52 am Post subject:

NRP makes style 1 leftys!
A great American guitar..

AJAzure · Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 1656 Location: MA

but, that's a custom request. I didn't doubt they did it upon request and at an additional cost. As far as American guitar, no one went there. SO let's not as it's an unnecessary part of the thread.

RonE · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:01 am Post subject:

Aj,
Its not a custom request.
Whats unnecessary about clearing up your false statement?
Everything you said is unnecessary, seeing that Frank is promoting your CD on his site...

I just wanted to throw in, that I dont think about the trade deficit, I drive a Toyota, I dont agree with Chinese politics, my gov. is not innocent, I like the look of some of franks guitars, Im not looking for a fight.
Being a lefty, I talked to Don Young about a year ago to get a lefty tricone.
He told me they have been available for 1 year by then. Yes, it would have cost me an extra 10%
If I couldn't afford the Nat, I would of course look at Franks guitars.
If he comes up with an all aluminum "frypan" lap steel, Im on the list!
I do prefer to buy from single luthiers, and small companies, but thats just me. I dont carry a grudge as to what others choose to buy. You guys were doing a little promoting, and said something that wasn't fair.IMO

AJAzure · Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 1656 Location: MA

Sharpie · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 3:39 pm Post subject:

Eskimo, wearing his barrel and suspenders outfit, has been busking with his new Republic ukulele on the corner of Woodward Ave. and Eight Mile Rd. on weekends. I do believe he has painted on the the barrel the words "New World Order".

AJAzure · Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 1656 Location: MA

lol the real question is does the barrel have a tap?

Sharpie · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 4:36 pm Post subject:

Yes, and it's quite convenient.

crocau · Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 321 Location: Quebec City

Could we go beyond the emotions related to buying chinese products ?...

Let he who is not looking at this on a made-in-China computer cast the first stone...

Sharpie · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject:

But it was designed in California, or that's what is printed on the box.

RonE · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 7:57 pm Post subject:

Right on AJ,
Im glad we didn't go there...More power to you and your career.
I will say that frank seems to be a nice guy,(from what many say)
and I have to commend him on his salesmanship. It looks like he puts quite a bit of effort in with his business, and he has an open mind to trying to get what people want. I do care about NRP, I've actually been there and met the guys, Jason is great to work with, and they are very talented guitar makers..You know, the lefty guitar market is a sad deal for everyone involved..The makers cant spend too much to "tool up" for a couple of orders per year, and as players you have to search around, and really define what you want, because you have to pay more, and you cant always get what you want..I asked NRP for a tricone cutaway, they said no...So Donmo made me one..While it did seem like you were pumping "republic" pretty hard, what the hell, you like their stuff...I didn't want a Chinese fight either..it never ends, and I dont know anything anyway.. Smile

AJAzure · Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 1656 Location: MA

MrCrump · Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 508

What matters to me in all this is that Republic has raised the bar in respect of budget resos, to where they're not poor copies but good ones ( I'm the happy owner of a Duolian - the cones they use are very good) - the same manufacturer is behind the upcoming Michael Messer models ( & he certainly wouldn't get involved with a less-than-excellent quality product); & I continue to believe that present-day NR guitars, however good, are still 'copies', just like the Asian ones - more choice, at higher quality, yes please!

JMAC · Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Denton, Texas USA

Well said: Republic has raised the bar for budget resonator guitars. I own three Republics, all purchased, and I really like them. I own six NRPs so I know how the two compare. There are differences (the NRP reputation is well deserved) but for an import Republics are pretty darn good. Republic owner Frank Helsley is a great guy (and a picker) and he’s working hard to put quality resonator instruments within reach of all musicians.

Players agree – I saw Frank at the Dallas Guitar Show last month and he nearly sold out on Saturday. The people that bought Republic guitars had many others to compare with including new NRPs and vintage Nationals. Frank is doing something right if he can clear a booth of inventory in a setting like that.

karlsliderman1950 · Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Posts: 178 Location: France

I'm In total agreement with the last two posts...... Frank is not just selling guitars at very affordable entry level prices , they are guitars of absolute quality, not entry level guitars in my opinion, so much better than the likes of Johnstons, Regals etc. He has listened to what people want and is supplying superb guitars to many satisfied customers like myself