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Help selecting a resonator guitar
I've been thinking about a dobro (well, a square neck resonator guitar). I don't play, yet, but, in our family, at least three of us want to start playing, so I'm ok 'investing in' a quality instrument.
I saw Mike Witcher play last night, and he was performing on a Scheerhorn that had what I think of as THE sound I'd want in a resonator. A quick bit of research tells me that Scheerhorn's resonators are a pretty penny, so, here are my questions: First, does anyone know the specs of Mike's guitar? Second, what domestic makers of resonator guitars should I consider that doesn't put me into the Scheerhorn price range? I really am not knowledgable about resonator guitar makers, so, please, tell me who makes a great instrument for the price. Thanks! |
#2
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You could look into a Dobro branded one. Also National is something to look into. I recommend going used... More bang for your buck. Might not be your cup of tea, but a hollowneck weissenborn style instrument might also fit the bill.
Don't forget to pick up a slide bar (the Lap Dog is a nice entry level one), and personally I use finger picks as well. Totally optional of course. A few leads. I don't know your price range but these fall between 1 to 2k : https://reverb.com/item/10272521-dobro-om-27-1980s https://reverb.com/item/10267607-pri...esonator-dobro https://reverb.com/item/8777101-orig...end-tim-pierce Hope this helps, and good luck on your search!
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#3
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The price range is right, so I'll take a look. Thanks again. |
#4
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I play a Bearcreek weiss built by Bill Hardin. Beautiful instrument. If you're interested in going down that path here is an example of a nicely priced Lazy River:
https://reverb.com/item/7162055-lazy...-mahogany-2017 Cheers
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#5
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funny this subject came up, as this morning I saw this National Model D pop up on reverb and it even has a pickup in it...
https://reverb.com/marketplace?query...al%20mODEL%20d I have no affiliation with the seller, I just like the model D (I own a Western D) |
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Hi, I have a Gibson built Dobro given to me by a dying pal (I paid his wife).
Loved the look of the Model 27 deluxe but couldn't play it accurately , then discovered that Gibsons built (assembled) Dobros with a 1/4" error in intonation. So common is this issue that Beard supply an off set spider to compensate. There are two methods of suspending the cone - the original is with a "drum inside but later innovations are without vthe drum and suspending the cone on small "shelves" (there are better terms for both but I forget them. I would suggest a Goldtone set up by and bought from Beard. Excellent quality for the cost.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#7
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So you want a Scheerhorn without paying Scheerhorn prices? Don't we all. But someone mentioned a price range of 1 to 2 thousand US, so I will go with that. A good price range that will give you a good quality instrument a step or two up from entry-level. Dobros are good. Look for used one's that pre-date Dobro's buyout by Gibson in 93 if you can. Tut Taylor's can be very good value. Made by Beard. Beards are also good, abet the solid wood one's can be priced like the Scheerhorns but the laminate bodied instruments fall into your price range. (although there is a nice used Mahogany Beard at my local Dusty Strings, except that I just bought a Weissenborn, so I am out of the market for a while) Now I love me a Weissenborn, but something to keep in mind is what tuning that you will use. Some Weissenborns are not braced heavily enough to withstand the GBDGBD tuning that is common in country and bluegrass. Weissys have a hollow neck, which is one reason that you get the resonance that you get, while Dobro's (Generic useage on the name) have solid square neck, so can withstand more tension. If you are not sure, I'd go with the Dobro-style which will allow more experimentation. Another consideration is volume. Weissys are not overly loud instruments, while Dobro-style Resos are. If you are planning to play with others, you might want the latter. Another consideration is the type of cone. If you don't savvy spider, biscuit and Tricone, well, google is your friend. Most Dobro-style's are spiders. Particularly if buying used, be aware that Resos can be subject to annoying rattles and squeaks. All that said, you might also want to just pickup something to get started, and if you get into it, find out what is in the weeds later. Have fun Last edited by Mycroft; 03-08-2018 at 10:41 AM. Reason: typo repairman |
#8
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Beard Odyssey.
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#9
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You might study up on the Gold Tone line of imports, both square neck and round neck.
https://goldtonemusicgroup.com/goldt...neck-resonator |
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Thank you for this information--it is very helpful. I apologize about the assumption. Yes, I am looking for an instrument made in the USA. I'm new enough to this that I don't know what I don't know yet. I can't say that I'm looking for a Scheerhorn sound for half the Scheerhorn price. Rather, of all the resonators I've heard played in person, only two have made me sit bolt upright and focus in on the player/instrument combo. The first was Jerry Douglas and the second was Mike on his Scheerhorn. I've heard plenty of fine playing and good instruments, but those two just captured what I'd want for sound. (Yes, I know that half of those equations are Jerry and Mike!) It sounds, from this thread, like a pre-Gibson Dobro might be a good place to start looking, while still keeping my head up and playing and listening to other instruments as well. |
#12
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I have a chrome-plated, brass-bodied pre-Gibson Dobro 33H like this:
It's a round neck which I play both "under arm" and lap style. I think it has the stock O.M.I. cone which I've always wanted to upgrade to something more resonant that puts out a little more poke and honk. Does anyone have recommendations & specs on a replacement cone for this particular heavy-bodied model? Also, does anyone have experience fitting a raised nut on a round neck in regard to spider bridge height?
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