(new addition-Josh Swift standard black ice)Beard Blackbeard and Deco Phonic Model 27
 

i play a Jason Bowerman Weissenborn and love that thing. In years past i've had opportunity to go see Red Molly a couple times and those ladies always blow the top of the roof off. Saw Abbie Gardner on YT early spring and got the dobro fever.

Researched and decided i wanted a Beard but none were available-all sold out due to the pandemic and production was backed up for maybe a year. I get emails each week from Gryphons and one morning noticed they had a Deco Phonic Model 27. I called and spoke with a young fellow there and he told me it was a great dobro. The price wasn't bad either. grabbed it up and it does not disappoint in any way.

I really like the look of the BlackBeard with that bubinga fretboard. The translucent black over solid mahogany just has this aura, and tone. I checked around and it appeared it would be at least 9 months before one would be available. A week or two went by and one day, "just like that", i noticed an ad on the Cafe for a 2019 Blackbeard inexcellent condition. The price was good, i emailed and got the info and everything lined up. It has a different tone being mahogany where the 27 is finnish birch veneer with a maple neck. Beard quality is present in both in every way. both sound and play wonderful, tuners work as they should, nothing is misaligned, all high quality USA made instruments. I can't remember exact but i think each one weighs around 6lb 2 oz or thereabout. Both came with very well fitted TKL cases with a dark navy interior. The Blackbeard has Fishman Nashville electronics as a pickup.
I can't say enough good things about these dobros.

I visited their shop (the old one, I understand they've moved, maybe?) in 2015 to drop off a Gold Tone PBR-CA for some love, and again when I picked it up. Go the tour, talked guitars with Paul, he showed me his lathes, it was great. Nice to hear they have as much work as they can handle, that's a nice way to be. Nice guitars, I love the contrast between olde-tymey and modern.

Very, very nice.
I have been looking for a new squareneck. I had decided on the Decophonic 37 that was supposed to be in stock and kept getting delayed... now not available at all :-(

There is "supposed" to be a Blackbeard in stock (same retailer) in 2-5 days... I am tempted, but hate to get too excited again :-)

Check musicemporium and gryphons, I think both had some 37's in last few days.
I noticed prices on my 27 are $300 more than what I paid in spring.
National is having or just had increases as well.

Love my 27, you'll really be impressed with a 37 I think.
Oops, saw you are in Germany, maybe check them anyhow, maybe cost would be close enough for you.
d

Ya, selection here is quite slim. I am also considering a couple smaller builders here, Markus Koch and Berg Zupfinstrumente, neither is terribly close however and would not really be a day trip to visit.

i can tell you the 37 sounds the same as the 27, its only cosmetic difference. but i totally understand if you want a 37 thats what you want. i think they look great. the musicemporium had three 37's the other day, just got'm i think. two had f holes and really nice bursts. i would think they would ship to you, great shop with high reputation. they check things out before it leaves.
https://themusicemporium.com/search?...oduct&q=beard*
and although i have the blackbeard which is a great guitar, the 27 is just as nice, it has a real distinct tone vs the all mahogany blackbeard. i'm sure you know all that. just letting you know the 27 is no slouch just because its the cheapest model-its a great guitar, very responsive, and exceptional build and wood quality as one expects with a beard.



good luck
d

Thanks for the feedback! I had focused on the 37 initially only because there was (I thought) one available here in Germany.

I might consider shipping from the US, some companies are great (Stewmac - after your package arrives, you get a customs bill from FedEx), others are a pain right now, you have to make an appointment with customs, get a virus test, and then drive into the customs office to pick up and pay.

Good score Daryl! The same love and attention that is going into the resonators is also finding its way into their Deco Phonic line of flattops. Like you, I did a bunch of research last year before diving into a Highball 137. Same amazing Beard build quality, and it has quickly become my go to instrument among some really good ones. For whatever reason, they are flying under the radar. But I can't recommend them enough.

Daryl, congrats on the great reso! BlackBeard is my dream guitar, someday I’ll order it, with a custom top =)

another killer Beard in the house.

Josh Swift standard model. transparent black ice on high grade finnish E style body, different shape headstock, distressed hardware,ebony fretboard, real nice tone. there's something different they've done inside, with an internal upper bout scoop and soundposts. this has a very distinct difference in tone vs my other two Beards. they all sound different. they all play so easy and sound fantastic. black gotoh tuners. fit, finish and attention to detail is top shelf.

https://tempbeard.com/josh-swift/ (click "standard version")