Reso and dobro schooling needed!

[Hambone]

I'm interested in sticking my toe into the waters of slide. I love the look and sound of a National Tricone, but I want to give it a twirl before I drop big bucks.

I know nothing about these strange boxes. What's the best way to get started?

I play around in alt tunings sometimes, but don't use a slide much at all. I like blues and bluegrass, though I don't play much bluegrass on guitar.

Johnson? Rogue? New? Used? Instructional videos?

[Dug]

I'm interested in sticking my toe into the waters of slide. I love the look and sound of a National Tricone, but I want to give it a twirl before I drop big bucks.

I know nothing about these strange boxes. What's the best way to get started?

I play around in alt tunings sometimes, but don't use a slide much at all. I like blues and bluegrass, though I don't play much bluegrass on guitar.

Johnson? Rogue? New? Used? Instructional videos?




Hambone,

Welcome to the world of Blues and slide!

You are correct in wanting to go the route of lesser money to start with. Pick yourself up a Johnson or Rogue to start - used would be even better! The important thing is the set-up; take it to a guitar tech, or luthier, and have them do a set-up for slide. If you want to do it yourself, we can do that also.

For instruction, I highly recomend Bob Brozman's series of DVD instructional disks that can be found here:
http://www.homespuntapes.com/shop/product.aspx?ID=716

And, if you want, find a copy of Ry Cooder's Paris, Texas CD. Listen to that and you won't want to do anything but listen to this disk; it is amazing..........

Good Luck,

Dug

[jpbat]

Lot to be said on resos.
The convenience factor is tremendous. Can be bang all the way. No fear of dings. Loud. Impervious to humidity (well, it moves, but comes back fine)
Not happy with the tone ? Change the cone.
Bad intonation ? Move the bridge.
Want change the tone color ? Change the saddle and the nut.
Etc...
You'll have to like the tone and be OK with the weight.

I play fingerstyle, no slide. I choose the cheap way (Republic). Very happy.
Beware of addiction.

Jean-Paul Bataille
www.fingerstyle-guitar.com/jean-paul_bataille/

[JSDenvir]

I was in the exact situation. Just picked up a Gold Tone Paul Beard signature reso(made in China), along with Bob Brozman's DVDs, and I'm having a great time. Can't say enough good things about the Gold Tone.

[Hambone]

Thanks guys! I'm getting excited about this. Anymorre suggestions?

[macfawlty]

I bought a real nice Liberty all mahogany resonator from LibertyGuitars. The price was real good and it had a quarterman cone.

[DaveG]

I have a Rogue and I'm really happy with it for a cheap resonator. Sounds good, plays good, didn't cost much and you can return it if you don't like it. Also, Republic resonators are getting good reviews over on the Big Road Blues forum. If you want a step up from the Rogues you might want to check them out.

[Acoustic Rick]

I've got a Gibson made Dobro brand Phil Leadbetter signature dobro on order. It's not a cheap one but I have this thing about expensive guitars. Due to be in any day now. Check out lessonsbytroy.com for some cool stuff to get you started. I can't wait to get hands on mine.

[firelakekid2]

I would recommend McKenna dobro if you are interested in a square neck. They sound wonderful and are a very good value for the money.


http://www.mckennaguitars.com/

[L20A]

I love my Flinthill Reso.
It's another great Pac Rim guitar that is priced very affordable.
I use mine to play Bluegrass and Folk music.
Medium strings and a heavy pick makes her sing!