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Thread: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

  1. #1
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    Default new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    I sold my Gibson TG-0 earlier this year to help out my niece, Ive looked at getting a replacement a few times, I really like playing swing and jazz on the tenor.

    I have been looking at some vintage arch tops, but have been either too little on my available funding or too late on my timing.

    Looking at something along the lines of a vintage harmony or Kay or a new Blueridge 40.

    If I honestly look at how I play, its mostly to entertain me and the dog (the wife tolerates it, but I dont know that I would use the word "entertain".... )

    The blueridge is cheaper than either vintage option (which would allow me to get that plectrum banjo...) But the archtop is a little more to my tastes stylistically...

    Anyone with either care to help muddy the water of my decision? Thanks in advance...

  2. #2
    David Deacon
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    I have a Harmony archtop Monterey and Blueridge 60. I play the Blueridge a lot and clean the dust off the Harmony occasionally. The Blueridge feels more solid and has a nice sitka top. I bought the BR a couple months ago from Amazon--at that point they seemed to be selling them off cheap. The 60 was cheaper than the 40.

  3. #3
    Work in Progress Ed Goist's Avatar
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    My Blueridge BR-40T is the most amazing instrument I've ever owned (in terms of cost/value ratio).
    It out performs guitars costing many times more.
    Now that I'm primarily a tenor guitar player, it has become my got-to acoustic instrument.
    Last edited by Ed Goist; Dec-03-2012 at 6:17pm. Reason: added stuff.
    c.1965 Harmony Monterey H410 Mandolin
    "What a long, strange trip it's been..." - Robert Hunter
    "Life is too important to be taken seriously." - Oscar Wilde
    Think Hippie Thoughts...
    Gear: The Current Cast of Characters

  4. #4

    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    Can we this TG-0?

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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    Quote Originally Posted by FL Dawg View Post
    Can we this TG-0?
    not sure what that means....

  6. #6

    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    Quote Originally Posted by Adam Tracksler View Post
    I sold my Gibson TG-0 earlier this year
    Just hoping to see some pictures of your old guitar. I think I left out the word see

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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)


  8. #8
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    I own 2 40's - one tuned GDAE and one tuned CGDA. I also own 2 banjos, 2 mandos, an electric tenor, an electric lap steel, an acoustic Hawaiian steel and a couple of 6 strings. The Blueridges are far and away the best sounding and most played in my collection. I don't think you can go wrong with Blueridge. If they're good enough for Ed they're good enough for me

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  10. #9
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    Anyone have any experience with the Kay Kraft Venetian tenors? Ow do they compare with the blueridges?

  11. #10
    Registered User MdJ's Avatar
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    Hey Adam

    I own a Kay Kraft style b tenor with maple back and sides- mine has a real tangy voice - not resophonic but part way down that path - a little banjo flavor with a woody character- great instrument - see and hear the great Lowell 'Banana' Levinger playing it here

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDCj1Wl47fc

    All the best

    MdJ

  12. #11

    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    My little 20's Regal sounds similar to the KayKraft. I think it's a combination of the small size and ladder-bracing. The ladder braced 60's TG0 has a bit of this character, and most other flat top tenors I've heard sound more like a guitar.

  13. #12
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    Found a great deal on a blueridge... So that's what I got... Should be here next week.

  14. #13
    Registered User pfox14's Avatar
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    I've never played a Blueridge, but have an old Harmony archtop tenor which is NOT a very well-made guitar. It's falling apart and I don't think it's worth fixing it.
    Visit www.fox-guitars.com - cool Gibson & Epiphone history and more. Vintage replacement mandolin pickguards

  15. #14
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    Default Re: new vs vintage tenors? (Harmony/Kay vs Blueridge)

    Blueridge arrived today. CAnt wait to leave work and try it out!!

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