NRGD: Gold Tone Beard PBS

BoneDigger · #1 04-02-2023, 11:25 AM

I've been wanting to learn something new and add some interesting sounds to my recording. This is a standard square neck GT Beard signature PBS. I was able to get it used for $600 and it seems quite fun, if challenging, to play. I think I'll have fun with this anyway! I'm trying to learn what I can through videos and online resources.20230331_231246.jpg

Br1ck · #2 04-02-2023, 04:18 PM

When I cried Uncle and sold my pedal steel, I bought a guitar just like yours and have been really happy with it. You won't do better unless the fat wallet comes out. The finger picks alone are a great challenge, along with the bar and learning to palm mute. The Beard Gold Tones have the Beard cones.

BoneDigger · #3 04-06-2023, 02:48 PM

It really is quite an interesting instrument and although it's shaped like a guitar, it certainly is a totally different concept all together. Luckily, I am used to using finger picks and doing roll patterns from playing banjo, so that part doesn't bother me. However, getting the left hand/slide down is a challenge to say the least. At least it's a fun challenge though! I have some instructional material to help me along.

Rogerblair · #4 04-06-2023, 04:22 PM

Those are great guitars….especially for the moderate cost involved. Congrats!

Roger

nostatic · #5 04-15-2023, 10:47 AM

I bought a Gretsch square back last year as I was curious, spurred in part by playing with a great dobroist (I'm on bass in the band). Didn't take that long to wrap my head around it, but if you're not used to open tunings that can be confounding. I play fretless bass so the aspect of quickly finding a note and using some vibrator was fairly second nature.

Short story is I like it so much I ordered a Beard with a Hipshot. Got that last Sept, have done gigs playing that while singing. Great alternative to a traditional acoustic/archtop/electric guitar. It has its limitations (eg maj7 chords aren't easy), but it presents other options that are cool to explore and perform with. Enjoy!

BoneDigger · #6 04-18-2023, 10:10 PM

I do agree that it is taking a bit to get used to. I am familiar with using finger picks and rolls, but the left hand aspect is totally new to me.

Rad · #7 10-20-2023, 07:44 AM

I’m new to Square neck resonators having just made the transition from decades of traditional guitar due to Arthritis.

Here is the most important thing I have learned about using metal finger picks in my week and a half of playing a lap style slide guitar. When practicing in the morning don’t try to pick up your coffee cup with your right hand…

FanoFan · #8 11-10-2023, 01:37 PM

Congrats, that's a great looking Reso. I purchased an older Regal square-neck a while back and just love the sound of a resonator. Went to see Jerry Douglas at a small venue last year and was just blown away. I have to admit that I do struggle with finger/thumb picks. I ended getting a 1947 Gibson lap steel so I could play without finger picks, but still trying to get the hang of them. I've been using lessonswithtroy.com a lot and really enjoy his lessons.

Charlie Bernstein · #9 11-10-2023, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I've been wanting to learn something new and add some interesting sounds to my recording. This is a standard square neck GT Beard signature PBS. I was able to get it used for $600 and it seems quite fun, if challenging, to play. I think I'll have fun with this anyway! I'm trying to learn what I can through videos and online resources.Attachment 90023

They're a blast. I'm on my third. Hoping my fourth will be my last.

I like Jimmy Heffernan's tutorials best.

One thing worth knowing: The rapid-fire banjo-like rolls are a relatively recent addition. The earlier styles are easier to get the hang of and sound great. For a beginner, they're a godsend.

And a tip: It's easy to get stuck in G or capoing so you're playing everything like its in G. Don't be lazy like me. If you can start learning your C scales, they're a good entry to all the other keys.