jetongue - Posted - 09/06/2010:  20:31:34

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New to the hanogut, and soon enough, new to reso playing. BUT i need to purchase one first...

I am looking for a decent roundneck for bluegrass and old-timey finger picking...not much slide. I've been cruising online for weeks, and seem to be leaning toward the Dean RCE.

Anyone own or have previously played one of these puppies? I love the look, and what i can tell from the 2 youtube vids i can find that sample it, it sounds pretty decent.

OR, can anyone suggest a few decent guitars in the $400ish price range? I know probably can't find anything STELLAR for that, but one that i can be happy picking on for a good while if i find that playing reso suits me is all i'm asking for. Good intonation is the only thing i'm a stickler about....could care less about it being an import as long as it plays like it should.

Thanks for any input you guys (and gals) could share...

Grizz - Posted - 09/06/2010:  20:44:51

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Welcome to the hangout. I can't help you with the round neck but there are many players here that can. Be patient they WILL be by to help you. These people here are absolutely the best. I wish you luck and happy pickin'.

Mike

jetongue - Posted - 09/07/2010:  00:25:56

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Thanks! I love that everyone on all of the "hangout" sites are always willing to help a fellow musician in need...i'm a regular over at the Banjo HO.

I completely understand that I can't get too picky for the introductory level price range I've stated, BUT - If it narrows things down:

I'm looking for a wood bodied roundneck...I'm an old-timey clawhammer banjo player, so I'm a sucker for a rich woody plunk. I won't be playing any slide guitar, so the lower the action, the better. And (as mainly a banjo picker, i can't believe i'm about to type this) i have to be able to plug in: acoustic-electric (as true-to-cone-sound as possible) is a necessity for shows where a touch of distortion and/or reverb is needed.

Thank you again for anyone who can point me in the right direction. I don't mean to place a tall order, and understand I can always upgrade hardware and tweak setup.

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Edited by - jetongue on 09/07/2010 08:27:19

jaykellogg - Posted - 09/07/2010:  09:02:54

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Beard Guitars has a PBRD trade in they are listing for $510 including a hard case. If you like Beard guitars, later you will have the option of trading this back in.

beardguitars.com/Merchant2/mer...Code=SGPD

Grizz - Posted - 09/07/2010:  10:04:36

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quote:

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Originally posted by jaykellogg

Beard Guitars has a PBRD trade in they are listing for $510 including a hard case. If you like Beard guitars, later you will have the option of trading this back in.

beardguitars.com/Merchant2/mer...Code=SGPD

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Walt, your right, I forgot all about it. Only one thing he wants amplification but Paul would fix him up and he would have an OUTSTANDING instrument for the money. The upgrade and customer service, which is second to none, also makes this a serious consideration.

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Edited by - Grizz on 09/07/2010 10:05:21

jetongue - Posted - 09/07/2010:  22:42:21

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I've heard good things about Beard, I'll definitely be looking into them...Thanks guys!

rmodel - Posted - 09/09/2010:  09:03:16

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quote:

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Originally posted by jetongue

I've heard good things about Beard, I'll definitely be looking into them...Thanks guys!

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I think you would be very happy with the Beard Gold Tone. I started out with a square neck, neck and body separated after a short while, I bought it directly from Beard and they were very helpful and responsive to my problem. I ended up trading it toward an "R" model Beard. I noticed that Howard has since posted on this site that they have changed the GT's to a bolt on neck like the "real" Beard guitars instead of the pin and dowel system that was used previous. For the money they are probably your best bet.
Bob

Banjo52 - Posted - 09/09/2010:  10:08:24

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Howdy, i'm new to this stuff and need some help. I am a fairly competent Banjo picker kooking to learn the Reso for Country, Bluegrass and other acoustic styles of music. First Question; any advantages/disadvantages to knowing the banjo? Second Question; I borrowed a Regal RD-40 to decide if I want the adventure but I am looking at moving up to the RD-52 Black Lightning if I decide to learn Dobro. Any help is appreciated. Thank You

jmb3450 - Posted - 09/09/2010:  10:53:12

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Hi Banjo52, welcome to the hangout.

Playing banjo will definitely help, especially with your right hand. I played banjo for many years before starting on the reso. guitar. However, I found that rolls on the reso are a little different. There's no 5th string to catch with your thumb so while there are similar licks on the reso and banjo, your right hand has got to do something different to make it work. Also the very different wrist position and angle with the right hand on reso is something that's taken me a long time to get used to, I'm still adjusting after 1 1/2 years. Maybe if I just gave up the banjo it'd help. :) As far as your left hand it's like starting over, playing with a bar above the frets instead of on the frets with your fingers. I can't help you with the Regals as I have no experience. I can vouch for the Gold Tone Beard Signature guitars since I've got a PBSM model. I'm very happy with it and it's a much better guitar than I am player at this point. I've seen used Gold Tones go for as little as $400. Good luck and happy picking.

Jim

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Edited by - jmb3450 on 09/09/2010 10:54:59

Banjo52 - Posted - 09/09/2010:  12:07:06

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Sorry about my first post, I did not realize that it would like I was taking a thhread, sorry. Thank you for your reply jmb.