Cheap Vintage Treasure: Unearthing Square Neck Guitars ★ Acoustic Tuesday 301

Can you believe these three vintage '40s beauties cost less than $1000 in total?
In this episode, I'll take you on a tour of my personal collection of vintage square neck guitars. Now these aren't your typical acoustic instruments-these guitars are specifically designed to be played on your lap. And guess what? You can often find them at a bargain price.
I'll showcase three unique models that I personally own and adore. First up is the beautiful Bronson's Radio Grand, a charming piece of musical history that's got some serious personality. Next, we'll take a closer look at the Oahu Square Neck Guitar. This gem is well known for its mellow tone and vintage vibe. And last but certainly not least, I present to you the Regal square neck guitar, a model known for its robust sound and great playability.
What's exciting is that these three guitars don't typically get the spotlight they deserve, and I'm here to change that. I've chosen them not just because they're in my collection (although I do get asked about them a lot!) but because they represent a fascinating corner of the guitar world that's often overlooked.
Here's the kicker-the combined cost of these three instruments? Less than $1000. That's right! Vintage doesn't always mean expensive, and these guitars are proof of that.
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!
airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b
Featured in this episode...
-‪@chicagomusicexchange‬
-‪@noelgallagher‬
-‪@BGHandmadeGuitars‬
-‪@jakeeddy6768‬
-‪@JoeBonamassaTV‬
#slideguitar #vintageguitar
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - What's a Square Neck Guitar?
02:15 - Bronson's Radio Grand
05:57 - Oahu Square Neck Guitar
10:02 - Regal Square Neck Guitar
13:35 - Vintage Guitar Market Insights
18:09 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 1
32:01 - TAC Guitar lick Challenge
38:54 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 2

[@abates226]

Tony, as much as I have no attraction to playing ‘that way,’ I suppose e am mesmerized by it when someone like you does. Wow! Gosh!

[@davidharris7431]

Now I can see / hear why you have the square neck in your collection . Man , they sound incredible . Nice playing too BTW. Peace ✌

[@chicagomusicexchange]

🤘🤘 Such a cool day at the shop!

[@dharmaofdog7676]

Wow. what fantastic Playing - they sound SO amazing! - no desire to learn how to play a Square Neck (I struggle enough with other Acoustics thank you very much) but for sure I love to hear you! PS - been LOVING your 30 Day Challenge, Skill Courses, Routines & heck, ALL of the incredible Information packed on that Site! Your Generosity is unparalleled !

[@duanerykhus9425]

Thank you :) I have a resonator square neck I should realy play more.

[@trollstjerne]

Nice collection of vintage square neck guitars. Sounds pretty good! Remember you always need one more 😃

[@sammaynard5773]

MONSTER EPISODE!!!!!!- good one!!..I want one of those B&G's...cheers! Re-excited for Acoustic Tuesday show.. : )

[@robertdievendorf3312]

The Bronson sounds gorgeous! And your slide playing is fantastic.

[@gregweber3387]

Some nice guitar playing Tony. I can't say I've ever realized these square neck guitars existed. I've seen videos online of guitarists playing guitars in their laps like this; but I just thought it was a regular acoustic guitar. I didn't realize that it most likely was one of these square necked variants.

[@MashaT22]

I “think” you can setup a round neck to play like a square neck. The string action would need to be set much higher than normal. This can be done with a nut and saddle that are much taller than they’re typically setup for a round neck. It begs the question why a lap steel requires a square neck at all - why not just make them all round and set them up with a higher or lower action depending on a player’s preference? I’m guessing some of it has to do with tone because more wood mass will make the guitar resonate more and sound fuller. I am also guessing some of it has to do with reduced production costs since it’s probably faster and easier to make a square neck than a rounded one. I’m sure Tony could delve into that further sometime. I think he may have once did an episode that compares both types of guitars, now that I think about it. Maybe you can search his KZbin channel for words like “square neck” or “lap steel” to find it. 😉 👍🏻

[@corporalrich]

OK Tony, I've really got to say the B&G mahogany sounds the best. You should of included the Martin D15 in your video a couple of months ago. That B&G is a monster.

[@TommySG1]

Hey Tony! Your acoustic Tuesday show is what got me to become a tac member and eventually becoming a lifer 🤙 I look forward to your shows each week man, anyhows, I don’t see me ever getting a square neck myself but this episode was certainly an education man. On a side note ( And I know I’ve mentioned this already ), your newly added daily challenges are excellent man, don’t stop making them 🤟😄

[@zeeb0w]

hi tony! i'm super excited - i bought my day pass for fretboard summit on saturday - what are you plans? hopefully we can meet, you're my guitar hero!!!!!!!

[@robertdievendorf3312]

I shouldn’t have praised the Bronson (?) so early. The ALL sound great.

[@danielmaese4839]

My mind is blown, Tony. I have only ever seen lap steel guitars or dulcimers- never these square neck guitars and they sound AMAZING. I’m still figuring out how to play guitar vertically, I wouldn’t even know where to begin trying to figure it out horizontally. 😅 I personally loved the Oahu best.

[@VicktoreBeskor]

Tony please do a show on nylon guitars

[@LoveMyHoodie]

HeyYa Tony, It's always inspiring to watch you play squareneck. I've always been curious about your thoughts on tone bars. ? care to share, or... share to care, I know you do!! Thanks

[@patricialapointe6470]

Also, if you converted to a round neck, how would you alter the action for it to playable in the normal way

[@jeffreyfortney9180]

Tony, I am having shoulder replacement surgery on 31 July. I won't be able to play for @ 2 months. I am looking for some theory (brain) work study materials that I can use to learn something new. Of course, nothing that is too expensive or free on the internet. Thanks in advance for your input and expertise.

[@chickenlickin3820]

Hasten to say this, but forget the guitars! who makes that Microphone dude?

[@AbeHouck]

Please do a sode on your small body guitars!

[@claudiamauro5624]

what is the tuning on the Bronson? Beautiful. And I so understand that cat! Although the cat makes that metronome groove

[@dharmaofdog7676]

You might have mentioned & I missed it, but wonder the Tunings they are in ?

[@petercook160]

Hi Tony I live in York England I would like to add a square neck acoustic guitar to my collection. I have searched the universe to try and obtain one. Any idea where I can lay my hands on one? Best wishes Peter Cook.

[@MashaT22]

🤔 The idea of playing a guitar with the bottom laying on one’s lap seems totally mind boggling and unnatural. Then again, the idea of playing a guitar on its side seemed awkward impossible to me going back before 3.5 years now too, lol. 😂😂😂

[@garyjones783]

Your thinking too much. Learn to be submissive when learning to play any instrument. Choose the best players and listen to their advice. You will save yourself years of frustration and you will progress in record time.

[@9thenumber]

What type of slide are you using, Tony? Is it a bullet slide?

[@patricialapointe6470]

Do you use open alternate tuning?

[@adkBanjo]

Umm @14:54 " maybe considered unpopular..." Really? Ever hear of bluegrass? How about Jerry Douglas of Alison Krauss and Union Station? Just saying...

[@mintonmiller]

This makes me want to cry. I am a small man with weak hands and prone to tendinitis so I no longer play steel string round necks anymore. I do have a couple Chinese Gretch square neck resos. Please DO NOT put round necks on these vintage instruments. It makes me want to cry at the thought. Since even $300 is not in my budget right now (unless on the installment plan), I plan to take a couple of guitars that were given me with broken necks and make square necks for them. I am not a luthier, but they are already broken so if it does not turn out right, I have lost only time and gained experience.

[@MashaT22]

So then why does that idea make you cry? I play round necks, have been disabled for 20 years and sick for 5 . . . and can’t afford such a beautiful vintage (let alone a cheap new one, lol). A square neck can help someone in a monetary pinch get something really cool and vintage that’s more attainable - and with a neck that’s just right for their needs and preferences. Otherwise, money squares just sit around unplayed collecting dust in someone’s attic, degrading without proper care. If you can take a round necked guitar and turn it into a square neck, why can’t people do the opposite with a square? To tell people not to do that is not only selfish, but makes zero sense when you’re literally doing the same to a round neck. I think it’s an amazing idea to convert square necks that are largely not being played due to a lack of popularity. It’s an amazing idea Tony suggested that could help loads of people. 😊

[@mintonmiller]

​@@MashaT22 reason being that vintage guitars to remain vintage, should (in my mine) not be altered unless absolutely necessary. The guitars I am thinking of modifying are cheap guitars that are not worth the cost of a proper repair. When a guitar is at that stage, it is worth trying something on your own because nothing of value is lost. And I said, even if it turns out badly, at least you have learned something.