The Berkley Guitar

News: I just got back from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association convention in Joliet IL. (10-03-02 to 10-6-02) A good time was had by all!
I showed some Berkley steel guitars, and I took my new 8 string model with the Hipshot Trilogy multi-tuning bridge.

Here's some news from John Norris at Peterson tuners about his impressions of the event;
http://www.petersontuners.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=68 Check out their wonderful tuners while you're there.

Stay tuned to the HSGA web site for more information on that weekend and other news about Hawaiian steel.

Berkley Legacy 8 String Steel Guitars
Features:	Basic Legacy model: 8 string lap steel, 24.25" scale, 8 pole custom Jason Lollar pickups, Grover 14:1 Mini tuners. Controls: Volume, Tone, and a Pickup Blend. Solid ash construction, unique 'handle' which doubles as a bar and pick holder. (or bar holder that doubles as a handle?) Aluminum bridge and nut, aluminum etched fretboard. Trilogy multi-tuning bridge option.
Price (11/02)	Basic Legacy Model 8 string: $925 50% deposit required . Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.
Options:	Legs - I often use a keyboard X stand for sitting or standing. You can find them in most music stores for about $40. Sturdy and effective. However, we'll add traditional legs for Hawaiian standing-style playing (tripod arrangement) for $180. The Berkley Legacy is ideal for guitar players doubling on lap steel in country or rock bands too, just walk up, grab your picks and bar, and play. We can also do a Hipshot Trilogy Bridge option - (at cost). An excellent way to have one guitar work like a multi-neck console!
Cases:	I have them custom made by Bob Dell - of Dell Cases. Very solid construction! Custom case are $200 extra. (Gig bags coming soon!)
Hipshot	How does the Hipshot Trilogy bridge work?? Click here ---> for MORE Information
Color :	Your choice. . Click here ---> for MORE PHOTOS

I wanted to create a guitar similar to my 'Stringmaster'* that I can use on stage. The Stringmaster is a great instrument, but I only have one, they're hard to find, hard to repair, and I want to keep it in good shape. This single neck 8-string steel gives me tone and function reminiscent of the old Stringmaster in my studio, and it's durable, easy to play, carry around, repair and modify. I've met my goal!!

These guitars include the fine pickup designs of Jason Lollar. Custom cases are available from Bob Dell. I must also acknowledge the help and support of Michael Medeiros at Wood-n-Music in Loveland Colorado for his expertise in CNC and CAD design. And craftsman Tom Thompson of Joliet Illinois, for his help with body constructions and finish work.

We will be making some more in 2003. If you're interested in one let me know. Each guitar is custom made for you.

Call 970-204-1721 (studio/shop), or best yet - send email to cbk@seldomfed.com
Thanks for visiting!
Aloha - Chris

My middle name is Berkley. There is a district (neighborhood) in Denver, Colorado called 'Berkeley'. My grandfather Herbert Berkley Kennison was the first male child born there in 1891. They named him after that area. He later changed the spelling of his middle name. My father was also born near there in 1922, his name was Dr. Herbert Berkley Kennison Jr. So then I came along.... I'm Christopher Berkley Kennison. They're both gone now - the guitar name is for them. The I-70 highway goes thru that old historic neighborhood now - but it's still a nice area.

Berkley Steel Guitars - Fort Collins, Colorado