Great steel guitar on a budget
Posted by gcdbanjo from Nevada on Sep 28, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Very active hobbyist
Reviewer's Play Style: Bluegrass, Hawaiian, country
I am a dobro player that wanted to experiment with a steel guitar. I wanted a quality instrument that I could have pride of ownership. This is a wonderful instrument. It is simple but it is also quality. The sound is full and very pleasing. The wood is very attractive and the metal parts appear to be well plated and substantial. Buy the tolex case, it is like the old Fender cases, well made and provides protection for a very nice guitar that I know you will enjoy. This is more than just a good guitar for the money-this is a good guitar.
Pure Simple Perfection
Posted by Mr. Slide from Nashville, TN on Feb 23, 2009
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Professional
Reviewer's Play Style: Country, Western Swing
This USA-made guitar doesn't have a lot of frills and fancy features, but it has everything you need to make the best music possible.
The wood is high-quality, light and resonant. The Chandler pickup is toneful, powerful and unique, kind of like a P-90 with more of the clarity of a DeArmond pickup.
The build quality, (of course,) is excellent, with great attention to detail.
Straight out of the box, this guitar is ready to gig. It's solid and will last and last.
It plays easily and the controls are perfectly positioned for swells.
The tone reminds me of my 50's Gibson lap steel, and the body shape is very comfortable.
This is simply put, a perfect lap steel. You're supporting a small American company, and the price is just fantastic.
The only possible complaint could be getting some 60-cycle hum from the single-coil pickup if you play in a lot of bars or use a lot of overdrive and effects.
This hasn't been a problem for me, but if it is for you, for a small price you call Chandler and they'll send you a humbucking version of this pickup that installs very easily. The sound is a bit fatter and less clear, but it's very quiet with no hum.
Chandler is a great company, and this is a perfect lap steel at a bargain price.
superlative
Posted by lazyslide 13 from California on Oct 7, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist
Reviewer's Play Style: blues, country (real country), bluegrass
What more can I say? I simply love my Chandler. Beautiful instrument, warm and rich tone, excellent feel. I looked at a few others, namely the Gretsch, which I also liked quite a bit, and the Artisan, which I didn't, but got a deal on a Chandler and couldn't be happier. Only trouble I had was finding a case in short order (I was on the road), but fitted a Pelican M16 M4 rifle case to fit it.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with this wonderful guitar. Plus, it is 100% USA made, which means a lot to me.
Quality and a decent price
Posted by lodgepole from the white lodge on Oct 4, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: professional musician
Reviewer's Play Style: psychedelic folkly stuff
Like many who buy this I'm new to lap steel, I've been playing guitar for over 20 years and I have always wanted to play lappy. Then there's the Chandler. Will it blow you away? No. Are you getting a well made solid instrument made in the USA that will do just about anything you ask? YESSSSSS. This is one of those products that's not overly fancy, but actually sounds good at a good price. Very good tone. Use it through a 4x10 deluxe, with a red witch trem and OH HEAVEN! I've been brought up on high end guitars (thanks DAD!) and know quality and good tone (thanks again DAD!) and this guy just has it. SOLID. I have used it on many recordings that people pay for and have gotten nothing but good words about it. Is it a 50's Fender, Gibson or National? NO! But again it's a solid performer that sounds GOOOOD.
Sweet little guitar
Posted by Housepope Michael from Akron, OH on Jan 3, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Semipro musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Americana, jamband
This is a starter lap steel for me; I've played straight 6-string for decades, and wanted to try something different. The Chandler RH-2 seems perfect for someone like me. The tone is really strong and warm (I like to play it through a Fender Hot Rod 4x10 on the lower "drive" setting and through a Boss tremolo). It seems pretty versatile, and offers good (U.S.-made) quality for the price. On the cosmetic side, the fingerboard is eye-catching. My only complaint is that the knobs should be switched. As it is, the volume is the one to the left when you are playing and it is hard to reach with your pinky. I just use a volume pedal instead.