Dean Heirloom Resonators

Red Eye · #1 10-01-2015, 03:22 PM

Any feedback on these?

I'm looking at buying the Brass version and wondered if anyone here owned one or had played one.

Thanks,

JJ

Earl49 · #2 10-01-2015, 06:03 PM

I don't own either, but I have played both. A friend owns the brass version, and he is pretty happy with it. It needed some set up work and a replacement cone to get its best tone. (Not unusual for low-end and mid-level resonator guitars). At these price points, there is some variability in quality control. Some are stellar, and some are marginal. I would not buy one without trying it first, or would make sure the seller has a good return policy. But if I were looking for a budget resonator guitar, this would be the leading candidate. For me it is a niche instrument, and I cannot justify the price of a National.

And FWIW, the copper is very cool looking. There are a lot of brass reso's out there, but only Dean has the copper. My personal preference.

Red Eye · #3 10-02-2015, 07:04 AM

Thanks Earl. Great info and very helpful. I was torn between the copper and brass and liked the idea of owning something a bit different. As you suggested, I will look to find someone who has them in stock to play before buying.

Thanks again,

JJ

Playin' poorly! · #4 01-21-2016, 08:33 AM

Good morning,I just joined the forum so I'm 3 months late! I bought a Dean brass body used that the first guy paid for a cone upgrade,and a lipstick pickup it sounds good and is a fun change was a decent price $500.00 I don't know the cone price but UPS or Fedx isn't cheap and the thing is heavy! I like the sound difference it ain't like my Martin!😃

Rudy4 · #5 01-22-2016, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl49

I don't own either, but I have played both. A friend owns the brass version, and he is pretty happy with it. It needed some set up work and a replacement cone to get its best tone. (Not unusual for low-end and mid-level resonator guitars). At these price points, there is some variability in quality control. Some are stellar, and some are marginal. I would not buy one without trying it first, or would make sure the seller has a good return policy. But if I were looking for a budget resonator guitar, this would be the leading candidate. For me it is a niche instrument, and I cannot justify the price of a National.

And FWIW, the copper is very cool looking. There are a lot of brass reso's out there, but only Dean has the copper. My personal preference.

The Republics (fairly inexpensive) are available in distresed copper.

http://republicguitars.com/shop/high...e-7107-14-fret