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 Republic Resonators? (Page 1)
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Reson8r Member Posts: 294 From: Olinda, Maui Registered: Aug 2004 |
posted 01-09-2007 14:06
   
So, what's the deal with these? Seems pretty inexpensive for a "Made in The USA" guitar? Do they really mean "hand assembled in the USA from Asian made parts"? and what about those "German spun cones" Sounds too good to be true... IP: Logged |
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piebaldpython Member Posts: 185 From: phila pa usa Registered: Dec 2006 |
posted 01-09-2007 14:35
WOW!!! Nice tricone. Really, who cares if it's made with "ASIAN parts", so long as the tri is assembled and set-up here? German-spun cone sounds like a CONTINENTAL cone which are superb cones. Man o man, it sure is tempting. Any reviews on Harmony-Central for it? Keep us posted. IP: Logged |
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Reson8r Member Posts: 294 From: Olinda, Maui Registered: Aug 2004 |
posted 01-09-2007 14:50
What I meant was that it seems awfully inexpensive for an American made guitar.And anyone will tell you that no Asian made Tricone sounds as good as a real National Tricone the amount of time spent assembling and tweaking at the fatory to insure that they are set up perfectly as well as USA wages being much higher compared to China and the Far-East-that's why they cost four times as much. And to some there is the issue of being a good American and buying "Hecho in the USA", although with global manufacturing quality on the rise and the US economy making, as Ross Perot stated a while back,"That huge sucking sound" then this is no longer a big deal with many people. And does "Republic" mean PR of China, Republic of Czechoslovakia(Amistar?) or Republic of Texas? I own an early '90s Continental and yes it is a fine guitar as are the spun cones within it. Just wanted to see if anyone has any first hand, in other words, own one, experience. Thanks IP: Logged |
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Brad Bechtel Member  Posts: 583 From: San Bruno, CA USA Registered: Sep 2004 |
posted 01-09-2007 16:07
I don't see anything in that auction that says or implies that the guitar being offered was made in the USA or any other country. The seller does state that the cones are German made, which would seem to place it as coming out of the same country as the Regal tricone, but with a different headstock. IP: Logged |
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Knucklehead Member Posts: 229 From: Carefree, AZ, USA Registered: Dec 2003 |
posted 01-09-2007 17:20
That's the goofiest lookin headstock I've ever seen. IP: Logged |
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54merk Member Posts: 216 From: Connecticut Registered: Jun 2003 |
posted 01-09-2007 20:46
http://cgi.ebay.com/30s-STYLE-REPUBLIC-TRICONE-RESONATOR-GUITAR-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ140071188368QQihZ004QQcategoryZ2385QQcmdZViewItem This auction says they are made in Republic, TX by a group of 8 craftsmen. It does sound too good to be true. IP: Logged |
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pto Member Posts: 533 From: San Francisco, CA Registered: Jun 2004 |
posted 01-09-2007 22:50
I couldn't find any town called Republic in Texas. I couldn't find a guitar maker called Republic. Might it be made in Republic Texas in China? Peter IP: Logged |
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AJAzure Member Posts: 1150 From: MA Registered: Apr 2004 |
posted 01-09-2007 23:18
the German spun cones are probably Continental brand. those come stock in the Johnsons now. That's a Johnson with different headstock. that simple. Liberty guitars sell Asian made Johnsons and other resonators and assemble here. I doubt this is a USA made guitar. IP: Logged |
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Brad Bechtel Member Posts: 583 From: San Bruno, CA USA Registered: Sep 2004 |
posted 01-10-2007 09:20
It might be a decent guitar, but around $100 USD more than a Johnson tricone with a different headstock also offered on eBay. Good luck to whoever buys one. I'd be interested in hearing and/or playing one myself. IP: Logged |
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chameleon1 Member Posts: 255 From: Camdenton,Missouri, USA Registered: Sep 2004 |
posted 01-10-2007 09:41
The nut width states 1-3/4", that makes it NOT a Johnson, which come in at around 2". I've seen a lot of imports while looking for one myself, I thought that the corners would be a dead giveaway as all of the China-made guitars I saw were fairly sharp and hadn't been finished off nicely like the Dobro I have. But, when I saw pics of the NRP Tris, I saw the same thing. When put side by side, the bodies of the China guitars look identical to the others. Not having had the opportunity to hold an NRP Tricone, I can't say that for certain, just a long-distance observation. Anyone with a NRP Tricone, can you verify the finish on the edges? IP: Logged |
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Larry Stevens Member Posts: 313 From: Michigan Registered: Oct 2005 |
posted 01-10-2007 09:57
I played one of those two weeks ago. A customer of mine got in on E-Bay for a little over four hundred. I hesitate to say too much about Asian and other import guitars because they can change so much so guickly. However, I will say this guitar had good tone and sustain. Construction was clean and the neck was where it should be. I hate deceptive marketing but I'm not catching this made in Texas stuff and never mind the Czech crap. IP: Logged |
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elvisdog Member Posts: 173 From: Missoula Registered: Jan 2003 |
posted 01-10-2007 10:29
doesn't say it was made in Republic, Texas -- it just says that the company "Republic, Texas" has only four crafstmen . . . kind of like the mythical Japanese town in my 1950s upbringing that allegedly changed its name to "Usa" so they could say "Made In USA" on their products. IP: Logged |
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profound_d Member Posts: 33 From: london Registered: Sep 2003 |
posted 01-11-2007 04:13
I just checked the listing and guess he must have edited it as I can find nothing making mention of where they are made and nothing about a team of 4 or 8 people - it simply says they are located in Texas. I tried googling them and found one forum page where someone mentioned running into the distributor at an Arlington guitar fair and simply gave his email address and no further info. So I have emailed the seller to see what he says about where they come from. D IP: Logged |
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phil_doleman Member Posts: 33 From: Derbyshire, UK Registered: Jul 2006 |
posted 01-11-2007 05:04
I was beginning to think this was one of those 'lets name the company "Republic, Texas" scams', so it appears to come from Texas, but the back of the headstock seems top say "Trademark Republic, Dallas, Texas. That, and the suggestion that there are only a handful of craftsmen suggest to me that it is made from imported parts - I mean how could 4 men build tricones that could sell $698 unless they were just doing it for the fun of it? Note that I'm not saying they're no good - they might be great, I'm just curious (especially as I could get one in the UK for less then the price of a 'Vintage' or 'Johnson' at current exchange rates!(+tax & delivery). IP: Logged |
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phil_doleman Member Posts: 33 From: Derbyshire, UK Registered: Jul 2006 |
posted 01-11-2007 05:07
oh, I just looked at one of their other auctions, which states quote: IP: Logged |
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profound_d Member Posts: 33 From: london Registered: Sep 2003 |
posted 01-11-2007 05:56
Just had a reply form the seller and he said they are made by his partner in China in a small 4 man shop and then set up in Dallas if they need it before going out to the buyer. Hope that helps. D IP: Logged |
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Reson8r Member Posts: 294 From: Olinda, Maui Registered: Aug 2004 |
posted 01-11-2007 17:17
There ya go then- I thought that headstock looked pretty horrible too. On further inspection I found a completed auction for an engraved tricone that they sold and looked closely at the quality of the engraving-it looks very similar to that on a Johnson metal bodied uke, which is to say,"ok" but not to the standard of a real National. So, for their asking price-if they are in fact sold with upgraded cones and then set up properly, then the price is about right. Still, the Nat snob in me wouldn't allow it... IP: Logged |
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jomo Member Posts: 90 From: Registered: Sep 2004 |
posted 01-11-2007 20:49
Found on the web.... One exciting thing about the show was meeting Frank Helsley, a new friend who is just starting a company called Republic Guitars. Working with a partner in China, Frank is designing and importing custom made resonator guitars, O style and tricones, some engraved and some not, at ridiculously affordable prices. And they sound GREAT! We ordered a sample tricone and were duly impressed. Ever dream of owning a nice engraved tricone? How about for $529 with a semi-hard case? We wish Frank the best in his new venture. We’ll be getting in more Republic instruments as they come available, and we can hardly wait. IP: Logged |
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Larry Stevens Member Posts: 313 From: Michigan Registered: Oct 2005 |
posted 01-11-2007 21:16
For anyone who entertained the idea for even a second that these were made in Texas check out some e-bay seller named oko selling these tricones in Australia. For NRP snobs - objects in your rear view mirror may be closer than you think. IP: Logged |
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sugarinthegourd Member Posts: 115 From: Registered: Jun 2005 |
posted 04-06-2007 20:45
The guy who sells these on eBay now mentions in his listing "I now have this model available with a traditional slotted headstock with no veneer." I emailed him for pics & here is what he sent: Looks a lot better huh? [This message has been edited by sugarinthegourd (edited 04-07-2007).] IP: Logged |
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Waspman Member Posts: 219 From: Portland, Oregon Registered: Mar 2007 |
posted 04-06-2007 22:07
Musician's friend is selling a comparable Regal Tri-cone for $499/free shipping. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Regal-RC51-Tricone-Resonator-Guitar?sku=518038 They aren't trying to play games about where it's made, and they offer a 45 day return policy. Don't think I'd risk more money for this shady sounding ebay deal. My opinion only. IP: Logged |
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Russ Member Posts: 22 From: Illinois Registered: May 2004 |
posted 04-07-2007 06:15
I bought one of the engraved Tricone Republic models with the overlayed headstock. This guitar sounds great & the man was very up front & honest. Got the very nice 6 latch vintage type case as well. It's no doubt the same guitar as the Regal excpet the nut width is 1 7/8" which is very cool. IP: Logged |
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Frank Helsley Member Posts: 6 From: Rowlett Texas USA Registered: Apr 2007 |
posted 04-08-2007 03:18
I am the owner of Republic Guitars. I am very offended by being accused of being deceptive. My new company is located in Texas but I have said from the beginning where my guitars are made. I am a very honest person as any of my customers can tell you. Look at my feedback on eBay at the special comments about honesty. The big difference between me and the competition in my price range is: I personally inspect and play every guitar before I ship it. My guitars playability and sound is tested so that nothing goes out the door that doesn't play or sound as it should. Also, I have been playing and working on resonator guitars for 35 years. I am not some large corporation dealing in massive amounts of instruments where quality can't be monitored as it should be. At least Republic is a new name and not a revived American name from the past like Regal that's not even made here.
[This message has been edited by Frank Helsley (edited 04-08-2007).] [This message has been edited by Frank Helsley (edited 04-08-2007).] IP: Logged |
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peter Member Posts: 325 From: Tahoe City, California, USA Registered: Sep 2000 |
posted 04-08-2007 08:12
i saw one of these on ebay last week and was curious having never heard of them. cool to hear from the horse's mouth. frank, do you do squarenecks? IP: Logged |
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Frank Helsley Member Posts: 6 From: Rowlett Texas USA Registered: Apr 2007 |
posted 04-08-2007 08:55
Happy Easter to all!....I also have engraved square neck tricones. IP: Logged |
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Doc Member Posts: 43 From: SE Georgia Registered: Jul 2006 |
posted 04-08-2007 09:13
Mr. Helsey, do you have a website? The next time I'm back to visit my parents, I would truly love to come to your shop and meet you. They live in Forney, by the way. Feel free to email me at jr45acp@bellsouth.net IP: Logged |
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Frank Helsley Member Posts: 6 From: Rowlett Texas USA Registered: Apr 2007 |
posted 04-08-2007 10:29
Our web site is under construction as we speak. I would love to have you come visit when you are in town. We are about 15 minutes from Forney. You can visit my eBay store for product info. Republic Guitars IP: Logged |
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sugarinthegourd Member Posts: 115 From: Registered: Jun 2005 |
posted 04-11-2007 18:46
Just got a Fullerton Winslow from Frank via eBay...posted my thoughts in another thread, but let me just say Frank was a pleasure to work with, packed the guitar very well (and creatively!) and to say I am impressed by the guitar would be a real understatement. John IP: Logged |
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Gyde Member Posts: 175 From: Denmark Registered: Apr 2006 |
posted 04-12-2007 01:15
Well, the truss rod adjuster cover plate on my Fullerton is just the same as pictured on the slotted headstock on the Republic shown earlier in this thread (sporting different shape and different tuners though). Same factory or what is the connection? The Fullerton is surely a good bang for the bucks. /Christian IP: Logged |
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toon3rd New Member Posts: 2 From: Livingston, NJ USA Registered: Apr 2007 |
posted 04-12-2007 09:17
If you want to see something really spectacular, check out a totally new, real brass, handmade resonator guitar. It makes all the others sound like garbage!
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dmcentee Member Posts: 37 From: Hermann, MO, USA Registered: Nov 2006 |
posted 04-13-2007 13:38
Buying cheap cr*p made in Communist China or other third world slave wage countries is not "cool" no matter how well you strum it. This goes for guitars, shoes, pirated movies, Rolex clones and the myriad other rip off products. I would rather save a little more money and buy another National guitar - it helps keep an innovative American company in business and helps pay the rent for American workers. Do the right thing. IP: Logged |
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BluesMcGoo Member Posts: 267 From: Louisiana, USA. Registered: Mar 2003 |
posted 04-13-2007 14:23
If a particular product is what I'm looking for, the fact that it's made in China doesn't bother my conscience. I sleep good at night. ...and I'm sure that Chinese guitar factory worker sleeps good knowing he's getting a paycheck. I'm not convinced that his situation would be improved by shutting down the factory that provides him with - probably - the best income option he has. IP: Logged |
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slidnslim Member Posts: 239 From: Huntingdon Quebec Canada Registered: Nov 2003 |
posted 04-14-2007 07:04
quote:
Kenny, IP: Logged |
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Frank Helsley Member Posts: 6 From: Rowlett Texas USA Registered: Apr 2007 |
posted 04-14-2007 18:24
Excuse me Mr. Not Cool...Could you please tell me where your cell phone, television, stereo, and computer were made. IP: Logged |
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Frank Helsley Member Posts: 6 From: Rowlett Texas USA Registered: Apr 2007 |
posted 04-14-2007 18:33
My guitars were not made by a communist country. They were made by fellow human beings who happen to have been born in a foreign county. We are all Gods children and equal in his sight. I have a very nice relationship with the people I do business with and our friendship and business relations have nothing to do with where we were born or live. And furthermore it is ignorant to say something is a piece of cr-p that you have never seen or played. IP: Logged |
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slider bob New Member Posts: 1 From: allentown, pa usa Registered: Apr 2007 |
posted 04-14-2007 19:19
I must say that those of you who are dismissing these instruments out of hand without playing one are just fooling yourselves! I just bought a tricone from Republic and I could not be more pleased! Years ago my vintage metal body and engraved dobro was stolen at a gig. That instrument would cost me thousands to replace so I did without. Then I found Republic and thought that it was worth a shot. The seller has a great reputation on his EBay site and a money back guarantee so it was worth taking a gamble. I won the bet. The instrument arrived set up the way that I asked for, pristine workmanship, not a burr or bad fret anywhere and the intonation was spot on. It was perfect out of the case (which was also very nice). Frank sells one heck of a product and I strongly suggest that if you are in the market for a resonator you place an order with him and see for yourself. IP: Logged |
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AJAzure Member Posts: 1150 From: MA Registered: Apr 2004 |
posted 04-14-2007 22:04
Don't let the naysayers get you down Frank. they're just being knee jerk. it's pretty clear that your product is different than the mass produced stuff. Additionally., i think people politicizing forget that there are actual people behind it and it's possible that one situation is different than another. meanwhile this is soooo skirting off topic and the dark side of the forum! IP: Logged |
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PoBoyLongWayFromHome Member Posts: 188 From: Chicago Registered: Mar 2007 |
posted 04-15-2007 02:08
quote: no offense but who is this God fellow you refer to? IP: Logged |
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dmcentee Member Posts: 37 From: Hermann, MO, USA Registered: Nov 2006 |
posted 04-15-2007 10:06
Answers as requested: Motoroal cell phone - Malaysia In a separate thread I asked how the new National cones sound compare to the original National cones that came in my Delphi and Style 1. This thread contained the following reply, which was not very elucidating, and I'm not sure what drooling has to do with it. If anyone has heard both sets of cones I would be interested in the differences. "Same deal as,lets say drooling over some Hot Rod Cones! real cool,eh! IP: Logged |
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slidnslim Member Posts: 239 From: Huntingdon Quebec Canada Registered: Nov 2003 |
posted 04-15-2007 14:03
quote: Sorry for coming across like that! my point was that esentially your There all just copies of a real "National" guitar just my Kenny,
IP: Logged |
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