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fngrpepr - Posted - 09/03/2010: 18:45:51
Hi all,
Looking for recommendations in $500-700 range. This will be my first reso. I don't want to buy cheap, partly because I seem to keep instruments forever-- still playing a washburn acoustic I bought used for $150 over 15 years ago. At the same time I can't justify paying the prices for a top of the line model of an instrument I can hardly play yet.
I'm perfectly fine with buying used, I don't mind cosmetic issues, really care about playability and tone, since I plan to use this in some of my home recording projects.
I'm leaning towards square neck so I can dedicate it to learning lap playing (down the road I foresee adding a metal reso which I've always felt drawn to, but those seem to be typically round neck, so I guess it'll just be an excuse to pick up another axe at some point).
Some of the models I've seen in my price range include used beard gold tones (seem popular with folks on this site); also saw a Lebeda which purports to be hand made in Europe, but don't see find info on that); saw a 71 dobro on eBay go for about 700 the other day, didn't bid since I'm still trying to figure out what things are worth.
Any suggestions on what to look for?
Grizz - Posted - 09/03/2010: 19:07:45
Hi and welcome to the hangout. You will love it here. I read very well, but can you possibly squeek out $850? Go busking or something. You can get a custom made, brand new Reso from Tom Warner, and I don't think anyone here would dispute that it would be the best bang for you buck you will EVER find new. They are made right here in the USA in West Virginia with quality parts. Tom is also a member here and several members own his guitars.Here is his web site appalachianreso.webs.com/aboutus.htm If not there is a OMI Dobro for sale here by Chief Ten Bears here resohangout.com/classified/1985 He now has it down to $500, but I wouldn't wait too long, he has now garnered some interest. This is also US made. If neither of these peak you interest say so and there are many here besides myself that will help you find something. These are NOT opinions or recommendations just suggestions of what you can look at and information. Anything I can do to help just PM me.
Mike
Edited by - Grizz on 09/03/2010 19:11:57
fngrpepr - Posted - 09/03/2010: 20:36:56
Thanks for the tips. I'm preferring to stay with a used guitar for now, since I don't mind a lived-in look.
I've been doing a lot of research online over the past week (this site is a gold mine), but one of the things which is challenging with trying to learn and evaluate reso models is that a) it's not convenient to be able to lay hands on a variety to try first-hand and b) these seem like they tend to be made by lots of small boutique companies. So never having heard of most of the makers, it seems like I really have to rely on word of mouth and see which names keep popping up.
I see there is a wechter sheerhorn for sale in the classifieds asking 550, how does that compare to some of these other models?
Grizz - Posted - 09/03/2010: 20:53:14
quote:
Originally posted by fngrpepr
Thanks for the tips. I'm preferring to stay with a used guitar for now, since I don't mind a lived-in look.
I've been doing a lot of research online over the past week (this site is a gold mine), but one of the things which is challenging with trying to learn and evaluate reso models is that a) it's not convenient to be able to lay hands on a variety to try first-hand and b) these seem like they tend to be made by lots of small boutique companies. So never having heard of most of the makers, it seems like I really have to rely on word of mouth and see which names keep popping up.
I see there is a wechter sheerhorn for sale in the classifieds asking 550, how does that compare to some of these other models?
You are in the same boat as everyone. Of the "boutique" luthiers you will not find a better deal than Tom Warner, even used. There is no way short of traveling to venues where there are reso's for you to hear, but again the cost factor is going to be a lot more than you have to work with. Now, the W/S in made in Asia. I listened to Rob Ickes playing it on YouTube in two videos. The sound was a little bright for my liking. And who are you going to call if you should have issues, Asia? The OMI I pointed you to is American made now owned by Gibson. The other alternative is a Beard Gold Tone, although they are made in Asia Paul and company set some of them up here and they back them. They are just a phone call away. They have 2 that were trade in's available here. beardguitars.com/Merchant2/mer...Code=SGPD The top two are the square necks. You can see photos and descriptions of the models here beardguitars.com/guitargoldtonemain.html They offer the same program if you buy them, at some point if you want to trade up to a higher end model they will give you what you paid for it on trade if you keep it in good condition. You can't do that with any other reso that I know of. They are great people there. Call them and talk to them and you will see. Mike
Edited by - Grizz on 09/03/2010 20:58:46
fngrpepr - Posted - 09/03/2010: 20:58:21
Mike- I saw that deal that Beard offers on used models. That's definitely under consideration.
Grizz - Posted - 09/03/2010: 21:04:05
i tell you what, I haven't seen any there for a year. I would poop or get off the pot.  Initially that is what I wanted to do, but they never had any. Most people that buy them, even if they upgrade keep them. Rare to see anything there. If you ever look at one that doesn't come from them or one of their authorized dealers, be sure it is set up by Beard or you will probably be disappointed. There are a lot of Gold Tones sold that from my understanding are set up in Asia.
Preston Thompson - Posted - 09/04/2010: 05:12:41
I would suggest from my experence, considering I've been through the very same situation, don't stop at the figure you posted.
As you know the prices are all over the board. Used guitars are plentyful, but don't limit yourself to your figure. If your planning on keeping whatever you buy, set your sights a tad higher. I too spent the $700, and put an extra $300 on that to get it better. That didn't work. So I trade that one on another, a Beard GT, and it was so much better. But I saw pretty soon I wanted better. So I spent $1300, then $3000 and it just keep getting better.
If I had to have a do over, I would look at used around the $1500 to $2000, even if I had to borrow a little. Your are so for ahead of the game and won't have to waste the extra presious dollars trying to get the cheaper ones better.
That's my feelings on the matter anyway.
Preston
Edited by - Preston Thompson on 09/12/2010 05:01:35
Grizz - Posted - 09/04/2010: 07:18:47
quote:
Originally posted by Patrick Sylvest
resohangout.com/classified/1985
Best Bet!
Hey Pat, that's one of the ones I gave him and Chief has it down to $500 now. If I had the money I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Alan Walker - Posted - 09/04/2010: 08:38:12
quote:
Originally posted by fngrpepr
Hi all,
Looking for recommendations in $500-700 range. This will be my first reso. I don't want to buy cheap, partly because I seem to keep instruments forever-- still playing a washburn acoustic I bought used for $150 over 15 years ago. At the same time I can't justify paying the prices for a top of the line model of an instrument I can hardly play yet.
I'm perfectly fine with buying used, I don't mind cosmetic issues, really care about playability and tone, since I plan to use this in some of my home recording projects.
I'm leaning towards square neck so I can dedicate it to learning lap playing (down the road I foresee adding a metal reso which I've always felt drawn to, but those seem to be typically round neck, so I guess it'll just be an excuse to pick up another axe at some point).
Some of the models I've seen in my price range include used beard gold tones (seem popular with folks on this site); also saw a Lebeda which purports to be hand made in Europe, but don't see find info on that); saw a 71 dobro on eBay go for about 700 the other day, didn't bid since I'm still trying to figure out what things are worth.
Any suggestions on what to look for?
Hi, The Lebeda is made in the Czech Republic I think and is a very fine instrument. My dobro teacher has one and it is at least the equal of a Beard Goldtone. To hear her playing it check her site out myspace.com/thecarrivicksisters and listen to "Darling Corey". That or the Beard Gold Tone would be my choice. I don't think dobros from the 1970's stand comparison to modern instruments IMHO.
Grizz - Posted - 09/04/2010: 09:01:48
Alan, the Lebada basic is $1383 US plus shipping here. That is going to be more than double his budget. He can do a lot better by purchasing right here in the US.
Alan Walker - Posted - 09/04/2010: 14:53:09
quote:
Originally posted by Grizz
Alan, the Lebada basic is $1383 US plus shipping here. That is going to be more than double his budget. He can do a lot better by purchasing right here in the US.
Well he was looking at them so I assumed they would be in his budget. I have no idea how much these cost in America. Maybe he should have made it clear that the Lebeda was way over his budget. It's a testiment to Tom Warner that he can produce such beautiful instruments at such a great price. I would love to hear am MP3 comparison between a Beard Gold Tone and a Tom Warner reso playing the same tune so we can hear how they sound as I guess they are around the same money.
Edited by - Alan Walker on 09/04/2010 14:54:37
Patrick Sylvest - Posted - 09/04/2010: 17:13:52
I paid 1100 bucks for an '83 omi with quarterman cone about 4 years ago. Great Dobro!
Grizz - Posted - 09/04/2010: 18:49:00
quote:
Originally posted by Alan Walker
quote:
Originally posted by Grizz
Alan, the Lebada basic is $1383 US plus shipping here. That is going to be more than double his budget. He can do a lot better by purchasing right here in the US.
Well he was looking at them so I assumed they would be in his budget. I have no idea how much these cost in America. Maybe he should have made it clear that the Lebeda was way over his budget. It's a testiment to Tom Warner that he can produce such beautiful instruments at such a great price. I would love to hear am MP3 comparison between a Beard Gold Tone and a Tom Warner reso playing the same tune so we can hear how they sound as I guess they are around the same money.
In his defense, he didn't know, his post clearly stated that he couldn't find anything on them. Quote: "Some of the models I've seen in my price range include used beard gold tones (seem popular with folks on this site); also saw a Lebeda which purports to be hand made in Europe, but don't see find info on that)" I had the information so I posted it. I was thinking he may have assumed, for whatever reason, that they would fit into his budget.
Edited by - Grizz on 09/04/2010 18:52:34
fngrpepr - Posted - 09/04/2010: 19:03:27
Actually guys, there's a used Lebeda that was for sale on Ebay. Looks like it could be probably have been had within my price range, however there was a reserve on the auction so can't tell what the min is.
I appreciate all this feedback and advice. You guys have some serious symptoms of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).
Grizz - Posted - 09/04/2010: 19:55:03
quote:
Originally posted by fngrpepr
Actually guys, there's a used Lebeda that was for sale on Ebay. Looks like it could be probably have been had within my price range, however there was a reserve on the auction so can't tell what the min is.
I appreciate all this feedback and advice. You guys have some serious symptoms of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome).
A couple things, I finally got rid of my GAS, period. I am ecstatic with what I have and couldn't ask for any more even if I had the money. It feels great. I have been on e-bay since 1996 and of all the reserve auctions I have contacted the seller about, only 2 have ever not told me the exact reserve. They have nothing to lose and it doesn't hurt to ask.
otbreso - Posted - 09/04/2010: 21:46:55
quote:
[i]
A couple things, I finally got rid of my GAS, period. I am ecstatic with what I have and couldn't ask for any more even if I had the money. It feels great.
Ah Grizz...........tomorrow dawns another day  
Grizz - Posted - 09/04/2010: 22:18:48
I know but I really feel blessed to have what I do. Had it not been for the temporary windfall I would have been the one looking for something a WHOLE lot cheaper than what I have. And I got excellent deals on all my instruments. I will still look but I will not lust. 
badger - Posted - 09/05/2010: 12:26:34
It's like "getting rid of" alcoholism. You learn to live with it, but the urge is always in the background.
I own and play the two best instruments I've ever played, and I've owned just about everything. I'm absolutely delighted with them, and they sound better to me every time I play. I'm beyond overjoyed with them.
But I read the classifieds here, on R-N, and on Craigslist first thing every day.
You just never know.
And, Grizz, I'll bet you "sneak a peek" too, now and then, judging from your familiarity with what's for sale...
Grizz - Posted - 09/05/2010: 12:53:11
quote:
Originally posted by badger
It's like "getting rid of" alcoholism. You learn to live with it, but the urge is always in the background.
I own and play the two best instruments I've ever played, and I've owned just about everything. I'm absolutely delighted with them, and they sound better to me every time I play. I'm beyond overjoyed with them.
But I read the classifieds here, on R-N, and on Craigslist first thing every day.
You just never know.
And, Grizz, I'll bet you "sneak a peek" too, now and then, judging from your familiarity with what's for sale...
I got you beat, maybe. I do more than "sneak a peek". I'm looking several times a day, all over the net. hehehe With my current situation it has become a hobby or shall we say obsession (between being online and practicing in the same room). I am, like I said happier than I could have ever imagined. IMHO I just believe there is no way I can surpass what i hear from the instruments I have, exactly the sound I was looking for from each. On top of that they are beautiful. That is why i am so satisfied. Do I see instruments and drool at their beauty, most certainly, and i will continue to do so with these luthiers making such outstanding creations. But the GAS is gone, actually it has to be. Now, I am going to hazard a guess on which two instruments are the "two best". The Jumbo Cherry Harlow and the original Weissenborn. Did I guess right my friend?
Edited by - Grizz on 09/05/2010 12:54:58
badger - Posted - 09/05/2010: 15:42:42
I didn't even factor in the Weissies. Talking about the two Harlows, of which my favorite is the standard-body walnut. Haven't gotten used to the jumbo's huge sound and dynamic range yet, but having a great time learning about it. What a monster!
Preston Thompson - Posted - 09/06/2010: 05:37:17
Badger......how do you know what us drunks go through? :-) Lurking in the background?
badger - Posted - 09/06/2010: 08:57:05
I've got a brother...
otdobro - Posted - 09/13/2010: 06:26:42
You folks gotta watch Ebay. They just sold an 1986 OMI squareneck model 60D that was in new condition for $510 !!!!!
I don't know if it will still pull up but the # was 140449805434. Out of this world deal !
Grizz - Posted - 09/13/2010: 08:05:53
Hell Jim, you didn't have to leave the site. James (chief 10 bears) had his 83 OMI down to $500.00. It has since been sold.
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