Deep Blue - on a National El Trovador

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Hi folks! This is a National El Trovador from 2007, Mike Dowling's signature model. I was noodling around, trying to decide what makes it sound the best, and started playing a song of mine from last year called Deep Blue, named after that huge great white shark filmed off of Hawaii. This resonator gives the song a whole new life to me. I can't imagine playing it on anything else now. Thanks for watching friends!

[rémy64]

Very nice sound, excellent Larry

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Originally Posted by rémy64

Very nice sound, excellent Larry

Thanks Remy! The El Trovador does has a very unique sound!

[Glennwillow]

That sounded wonderful, Larry!

I really enjoyed that! What a cool sound!

Do you mind if I ask what tuning you are using? It does not sound like standard to my ears, but I could be fooled by that resonator's overall sound.

Thanks for sharing that song, Larry! Well done!

- Glenn

Awesome Larry!

[Kerbie]

Wow, Larry... that was super schweeeet! I loved that. Wonderful feel... superb dynamics... great bluesy groove going on.

Hey, I've played Mike Dowling's guitar. I think it's a '34, isn't it? It knocked my socks off... easily the warmest, richest sounding reso I've ever heard. Very sweet guitar and fun to play.

My only complaint is the usual, Larry... you keep us waiting way too long between tunes!

[TomB'sox]

Put me down as a big YES too. That was a great song and a wonderful sound coming from that resonator. I agree, hard to imagine that song on a regular acoustic now.

[TBman]

I really liked that Larry, great tune! I love the sound of the resonator.

I should have gotten a wooden one instead of the metal Republic tricone I bought (and sold).

[islandguitar]

HI Larry!!
Well, Deep Blue ROCKS on that guitar!!! I can readily see why this would be the guitar choice on this tune.
Those lower strings really resonate with that strumming pattern as you combine the trebles.....thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Play on! And.....best wishes always,
Fred

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Originally Posted by Glennwillow

That sounded wonderful, Larry!

I really enjoyed that! What a cool sound!

Do you mind if I ask what tuning you are using? It does not sound like standard to my ears, but I could be fooled by that resonator's overall sound.

Thanks for sharing that song, Larry! Well done!

- Glenn

Thanks Glenn! This El Trovador does have a cool sound, doesn't it? You have a good ear - this is in DADGAD.

I hope you're safe up there in WA. Here, I woke up to another day of orange skies and ash floating down. Fortunately, none of the fires are close by. Be well!

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Originally Posted by J-Doug

Awesome Larry!

Hey Doug. Thanks!! These resonators are fun, aren't they?

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Originally Posted by Kerbie

Wow, Larry... that was super schweeeet! I loved that. Wonderful feel... superb dynamics... great bluesy groove going on.

Hey, I've played Mike Dowling's guitar. I think it's a '34, isn't it? It knocked my socks off... easily the warmest, richest sounding reso I've ever heard. Very sweet guitar and fun to play.

My only complaint is the usual, Larry... you keep us waiting way too long between tunes!

Hey Kerbie, thanks my friend! I've got to hear the story about when you played Mike Dowling's guitar! I've never seen him play other than on YouTube, but I've become a fan of his. What strikes me about the El Trovador is how deep and reverby (is that a word?!) that it is. Almost feels like its underwater, but it maintains some crispness at the same time. Its a cool instrument to have in the collection.

Thanks and take care!

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Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Put me down as a big YES too. That was a great song and a wonderful sound coming from that resonator. I agree, hard to imagine that song on a regular acoustic now.

Hi Tom, thanks! Yes, this guitar doesn't work for all songs or music, but it seems to fit perfectly with this song. Regular acoustics just sound too thin now! Thanks for commenting!

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Originally Posted by TBman

I really liked that Larry, great tune! I love the sound of the resonator.

I should have gotten a wooden one instead of the metal Republic tricone I bought (and sold).

Hey Barry, thank you! I agree that you might like the wood resonators more than metal ones. They have less zing and more warmth. The El Trovador in particular has so much depth due to its deep body. Its never too late to try another...

Thanks for your comment!

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Originally Posted by islandguitar

HI Larry!!
Well, Deep Blue ROCKS on that guitar!!! I can readily see why this would be the guitar choice on this tune.
Those lower strings really resonate with that strumming pattern as you combine the trebles.....thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Play on! And.....best wishes always,
Fred

Hey Fred, thanks! I bet this guitar would sound haunting and powerful with some of your great compositions! Its a different sound for sure. Thanks so much and I hope that you are well out there, best to you and the family!