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Mastereso Large Body / Curly Mahogany
submitted 3/10/2010

Submitter

gladgrover (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Resohangout Drawing

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


This guitar has a true clean sound. The upper two strings sing like a bell, the middle two are crisp and loud, and the bass roars. I have never played a reso with such sustain as this guitar has. It can hold it's own in a jam session. It is picked up well over a microphone also.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


Very easy to play. Some guitars take some getting used to, but Phil did a great job setting this one up. I would not change a thing.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


A beautiful piece of work! The curly mahogany has a high deep gloss finish which enhances the grain of the wood. The "snowflake" fret markers and the maple frets add to the appearance of the fretboard. The tuners and other metal parts shine. The poinsettia cover plate adds a lot to the overall look.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


Only quality materials were used in making this guitar. It is a very well built heavy guitar. The Schaller strap lock adds to the reliability.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Phil is a great guy to work with during the building process. He kept me informed throughout and asked my opinion on several aspects during construction. He made sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. Any question I had, he answered with no problem.

Customer Service

10

Components


It is equipped with a Quarterman cone, ebony capped maple inserts, and Grover tuners. It does not need a baffle system, posts only. Everything is top quality.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


I could not have designed a better reso for my style of playing. It has met and exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Mastereso Guitars to any player either new or seasoned. Great job Phil!

Overall Rating

10


Perfect Touch nickel, round face finger picks
submitted 2/24/2010

Submitter

crh1 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

JanetDavis

Overall Comments


Picks are fairly comfortable. I have trouble with getting string between pick and finger. (probably something I am doing wrong). They need to be heavier gauge material. I would prefer .025. Don't seem like I can dig in as hard.

Overall Rating

8


Mastereso Large body rosewood/spruce
submitted 2/21/2010

Submitter

wjr1244 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

custom from Mastereso

Year Purchased

2008

Price Paid

$2000 ($US)

Sound


I play in church and around the house. The type of music is bluegrass to country. This guitar is loud and very bassy. I have recorded in a studio with it and it has a nice warm presence with clear mids and highs. I chose East indian rosewood and sitka because I wanted to play unplugged and be heard as back up to a singer.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


It has the same set up it came with. Although I think I would like to try an osage bridge.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


The appearance was very good. I had a semi satin finish on it with maple binding. There are no inlays beside the fret markers. All the metal hardware came shining like a new dime.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


It has excellent hard ware. Beard cone and maple ebony capped bridge insert. There was a ball end snap on end pin that I thought was a great design to keep your strap locked on.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Phil is a pleasure to work with. He assured me that he stands behind his product and has never turned my questions away.

Customer Service

10

Components


I like the baffle system that he placed in my guitar. It seems to project the sound out the screenless sound holes nicely.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


I am well pleased with my reso. I would have no problem trusting Phil with a future build and I might just do that.

Overall Rating

10


Rogue Classic Spider
submitted 2/13/2010

Submitter

TNslider (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Musicians Friend

Year Purchased

2009

Price Paid

199 ($US)

Sound


Sounds great for the price. Really couldnt believe it. I play mainly bluegrass and I am just starting the dobro, I picked this up to see if I could do something with it. Something was rattling inside or on the cover, couldnt tell

Sound Rating

6

Setup


Set up was basically non-existent, but adequete for learning. Something was rattling under the tailpiece. Probably could use some felt or something underneath it. Cone was dented.

Setup Rating

5

Appearance


I was very pleased with the look of this guitar, finish was great. The burst is a little cheasy, but still looks good. The mahogany veneer is beautifull. Tuners look really cheap, but seem to stay in tune

Appearance Rating

7

Reliability


For the price, seems ok, works so far

Reliability Rating

8

Customer Service


not sure, Musicians Friend is pretty good about service from my experience

Customer Service

10

Components


the cone is pretty crappy and is not seated properly. The spider needs to be leveled, but I already broke on trying to get it level. - Setup is super crucial with resonators- I now know this. Nut was a little short and my bar would sometime hit the frets> it was also not the standard width, it was like 1/4 inch so a stock replacement reso nut would not have worked - it would be too thin.

Components Rating

6

Overall Comments


I bought this guitar and played it for about a month until I decided that upgrading would not be worth it. It feels cheap and I was always thinking about it's shortcomings. The nut is not the standard height, rim that cone sits on was crooked, A proper setup was going to cost me like $150 bucks - i decided to return it and I am now waiting on a Redline Rambler - Made in USA. I also tried a Gold Tone PBSM, but it did not have the beard setup, I wasnt too impressed with the sound for 975 bucks. Bottom line - for 200 bucks, it is an amazing deal and for a couple hundred more, you could have a nice guitar with a proper setup.

Overall Rating

8


Crafters of Tn. Virginian/Tenneesean
submitted 1/21/2010

Submitter

bmizell (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Reso hangout adds and ebay

Year Purchased

2007/2009

Price Paid

1000.00 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound


The mohogany has the warmest sound and the Maple is much brighter. They both have great tone and sound and are loud enough in a jam. The Maple is the loudest.

Sound Rating

9

Setup


The mohaogany was setup when purchased, probably needs a new setup but it stillo sounds great. The Maple was setup by Bobby Wright and is a cannon in a jam.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


All TTT and TTV's are easy on the eyes from the factory and the craftsmanship is is very good from Crafters.

Appearance Rating

9

Reliability


great

Reliability Rating

9

Customer Service


Mark Crafter has always been helpful

Customer Service

8

Components


Lyre coverplates come standard which are nice

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


Overall for the money they are the best buy out there. They have the old sound which some people prefer and some don't. They do have a lower resale when used, which makes them a good bargain.

Overall Rating

9


Goldtone PBS Laminated Mahogany Standard
submitted 1/15/2010

Submitter

YodelingDobros (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Eldery

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

599 ($US)

Sound


I dont know if its the best for bluegrass,but it is very bright and full sounding.
I am very pleased with the sound and tonal quality.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


Setup by Beard guitars! From what i've read a beard setup is the only way to go.
now that i have one i agree!

no buzz or other setup problems.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Its the most beautiful guitar i own.
Mahogany laminated,glossy finish.Finish work is with no imperfections!
reso was spotless!! Elderly handles the instruments well.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


Up to now holding up good, no reason to believe other wise. Seems strong built,heavy and well constructed.Im not into gigging just playing in the rocking chair on the front porch kinda guy. but im sure it could handle gigging.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


ordered it via internet on sunday shipped tuesday from michigan, arrived to me friday.
didnt have to speak to them,i order it online and they shipped it fast. just the way i like it.
Eldery seems to be a stand up company +1 btw they have there pbs gold tone SETUP BY BEARD GUITARS!!!

Customer Service

10

Components


From my past experience the tuners might need to be upgraded. but they seem fine now.
every thing else seems fine as of now.

Components Rating

9

Overall Comments


good

Overall Rating

10


Rogue Classic Spider Resonator
submitted 1/12/2010

Submitter

scottbow (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Musicians Friend

Year Purchased

2005

Price Paid

139 ($US)

Sound


Bear in mind, this is the least expensive reso available...
I play gospel bluegrass.
The Rogue is louder than many more expensive instruments. Tone is very good, did I say loud?!
I use a condenser mike (Nady CM-90) over the resonator, with the instrument on a Morell "dobro" stand, as I also play banjo.
Expressive - responds well to pick and bar. Good thing, since I cannot "work the mike" with this setup.

Sound Rating

9

Setup


So-so and very cheap hardware - see "Reliability"
Added John Pearse strings.
Replaced tailpiece and nut - both broken.
Used hot-melt glue, sparingly (6-8 BB sized drops) between resonator and cover to reduce buzz.
Still has slight buzz, a pleasant sound to me!

Setup Rating

2

Appearance


Black laminate body, plastic off white ivory binding, chrome hardware -reso cover is tarnished from play.
Looks good under lights, if you don't look too close!

Appearance Rating

8

Reliability


Poor hardware - plan to replace tailpiece, nut, and possibly bridge saddle. Tuning keys (slotted headstock) are cheap but holding up so far.
Otherwise is structurally sound, I have played 4+ years w/ medium gauge strings.
Cone sounds good as any, spider and cover haven't broken yet.

Reliability Rating

5

Customer Service


Sent the first one back with a broken tailpiece; MF replaced the instrument no questions asked.
When the second tailpiece broke, I decided it was more time and cost effective to fix it myself. Had fun doing it!

Customer Service

9

Components


Spider bridge, wood saddle, aluminum cone, slotted headstock, open brass geared tuning keys, plated tailpiece, plastic nut, sound hole screens.

Yes, weak and cheap is the order of the day, see above.

Overall rating would be worst, except for the cone/spider sounding so good!

Components Rating

5

Overall Comments


If you are reasonably competent doing your own repairs and setup, the Rogue is a great value, even at the current $199.99 price.
I learned a great deal by DIY Rogue repairs.
The end result is better than most middle-of-the-road instruments.

If you pay someone else to change your strings, it's not the instrument for you.

Overall Rating

8


Mel Bay Rob Ickes: Contemporary Dobro Artistry
submitted 1/11/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Eagle Music UK

Overall Comments


Stunning DVD in every respect. Jazz, country, Blues, Bluegrass... It's got it all, and then some!

Overall Rating

10


Gibson Hound Dog import Deluxe
submitted 1/10/2010

Submitter

jamie_t123 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

GC

Year Purchased

2010

Price Paid

475 ($US)

Sound


Well, let's review this as post set up. Sound is full and rich, not a cannon in volume tho. Pleasant would be a good adjetive to describe the tone.

Sound Rating

8

Setup


What set up? 2 of the spider legs were around 1/8" to high, 3 others were off a bit. Action was very high (factory set up for for slide)....so, set the spider, changed the stings, brought the action down. Can now play my weekly 4 hour set without too much effort

Setup Rating

2

Appearance


Has some nice flame under that matt finish. Will buff out to a nicer sheen. Inlay dots look more like plastic than pearl. But it is a pretty guitar all in all

Appearance Rating

7

Reliability


Hardware seems sturdy enough...not cheap looking

Reliability Rating

8

Customer Service


N/A...but a nice well thought out web site

Customer Service

5

Components


Has mid size grover rotomatics, nothing that screams "replace me now!"

Components Rating

8

Overall Comments


Over all, for the money, it was exactly what I was looking for. A workhorse. I gig out at least 4-6 hours a week, sometime up to 12, often in tight spaces. Can get a little rough out there and this thing is built like a Russsian T-72.

Overall Rating

8


Wechter Rob Ickes model
submitted 1/9/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Rob Ickes

Year Purchased

2009

Price Paid

1200 ($US)

Sound


A bit disappointing. Duller, quieter and not as resonant as I was expecting.

Sound Rating

6

Setup


Setup was perfect. Best I’ve seen on a budget instrument.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Best build quality I've seen on an instrument of this price. Better that some a lot more expensive too.

Appearance Rating

9

Reliability


Can't complain about anything. All parts look great.

Reliability Rating

9

Customer Service


Rob was great to deal with. Flawless service

Customer Service

10

Components


95% great, just get rid of that horrible fat import spider!!

Components Rating

9

Overall Comments


Everything about this guitar is great, except the sound, which is average at best. It's not surprising that almost everyone who buys one has it re-setup, after which it's absolutely great.

Overall Rating

7


BLUE CHIP PICKS BCT 1M
submitted 1/9/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Blue Chip

Overall Comments


Superb quality, superb sound, lasted longer than my marriage and provided a lot more fun.

Overall Rating

10


Ron Tipton RT2 Bar
submitted 1/9/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Ron Tipton

Overall Comments


Excellent guy, great service, peerless product. The original and best.

Overall Rating

10


Perfect Touch nickel, round face finger picks
submitted 1/9/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Elderly

Overall Comments


Interesting design and by far the most comfortable pick's I’ve ever worn. My only problem with them is that they only come in 0.020, which sounds a bit thin to me. If they made them in 0.025 they'd never leave my fingers

Overall Rating

8


Walworth Reso Capo
submitted 1/9/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Elderly

Overall Comments


Nice to see an alternative to the usual suspects. Great design, great build quality, excellent tone, good price. No faults.

Overall Rating

10


Goldtone PBS
submitted 1/9/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Frailers UK

Year Purchased

2009

Price Paid

650 (£) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


Sounds great. Good volume, good balance, good clarity.

Sound Rating

8

Setup


This guitar was bought in the UK and as such had come direct from the far east. There was no setup evident at all. Previously broken bridge, unlevel/undressed spider, nut slots too deep.

Corrected this and it's great.

Setup Rating

3

Appearance


Great looking, really good finish.

Appearance Rating

8

Reliability


Hardward seems good and the internal parts are all Beard. Can't go wrong really.

Reliability Rating

8

Customer Service


Nice company to deal with, but as you'd expect over here not much knowledge on resonators.

Customer Service

7

Components


For the price all components are above average.

Components Rating

8

Overall Comments


Really great, well designed guitars. For a beginner or occasional player there is nothing better. Period.

The most important thing I will say in this review is that if you’re outside of America don't bother buying one local, go direct to Beard or a US store that carries the Beard set-up ones

Overall Rating

8


Beard Guitars MA-6
submitted 1/9/2010

Submitter

benspinks (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Beard

Year Purchased

2009

Price Paid

3700 ($US)

Sound


Hard to find the words. It's as loud and resonant as you'd expect from a modern large body guitar, but the way it's controlled is amazing. It's got the sweet, refined clarity of a small body guitar, but with that volume and punch of a large body guitar. I think it's the perfect combination.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


The setup was perfect, as you'd expect from Beard.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


It's the red sunset model with the lotus cover plate. Construction is great and the detail work (binding, inlay etc) flawless. My only criticism is with the finish. I may be nit picking, but I wasn't expecting to see sanding marks to the extent I'm seeing on a top end instrument. Also there appears to be a slight reaction over the dark parts of the burst.

10 out of 10 for everything except the finish.

Appearance Rating

6

Reliability


I'm sure it'll last longer than I will

Reliability Rating

9

Customer Service


Customer service was great. Both Chet and Howard are top guys to work with.

Customer Service

9

Components


Components are of good quality, wouldn't expect anything less to be honest.

Components Rating

9

Overall Comments


Just about the best sounding guitar you'll ever hear, regardless of price.

Overall Rating

9


Goldtone PBSD
submitted 1/7/2010

Submitter

Paul Ryan (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Private

Year Purchased

2009

Price Paid

(Canadian) (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


Very loud projection, beautiful tone. Mic it with a Kel condenser, and it sounds like a very expensive aqll wood model. Rich sound.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


Well set up by Beard, and the previous owner kept it in good shape. Nothing to compare action to, but seems good.

Setup Rating

9

Appearance


Maple "coffee" appearance. Very nice looking body. Hard to believe it is not solid wood. Has the MOP inlays

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


Solid materials, the Beard cone. The only thing I can say that is not perfect is that the gloss sometimes gets a cloudy appearance where my fingers are. But easily shined up with some guitar polish.

Reliability Rating

8

Customer Service


Asked Beard about these guitars. Very responsive and helpful

Customer Service

10

Components


The cone and the appearance are top drawer. The tuners are probably ok, though we don't have a lot of mileage yet. Will see.

Components Rating

9

Overall Comments


Could not be happier with this purchase. Although new to reso, I know guitars and this is a solid instrument, especially for the price.

Overall Rating

10


Regal RD-40
submitted 1/6/2010

Submitter

martys (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

buy and sell center

Year Purchased

2005

Price Paid

400. ($US)

Sound


IT HAS A FULL SOUND TOP TO BOTTOM.EASY TO PLAY,NO PROBLEMS. SOUNDS AS GOOD AS SOME COSTING 2 TO 4 TIMES THE PRICE.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


IT WAS SETUP WHEN I GOT IT.CHANGED STRINGS TO JOHN PEARSE.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


NATURAL WOOD COLOR.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


FINISH SEEMS TO BE HOLDING.NO PROBLEMS WITH ANYTHING.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Customer Service

not rated

Components


Components Rating

not rated

Overall Comments


I WILL KEEP THIS ONE WHEN I UPGRADE.

Overall Rating

10


Beard Guitars Odyssey
submitted 12/3/2009

Submitter

DaveInAL (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Beard Guitars

Year Purchased

2009

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


Strong clear mids and lows, sweet highs giving it a warm sound without sounding dark. Volume is strong. Does not cut quite as well as my maple Clinesmith in a loud BG jam, but it will hold it's own. It will excel in a recording or performance situation.

Sound Rating

10

Setup


No reason to mess with Paul's setup. The only thing I changed was the strings.

Setup Rating

10

Appearance


Curly claro walnut back/sides with spruce top. Curly maple binding. Mahogany neck. Gloss poly finish. The Odyssey is a bit non-traditional looking with the single sound hole and Solar coverplate.

Appearance Rating

10

Reliability


Hardware is top notch. I don't anticipate any problems due to the hardware or materials.

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


I visited the Beard shop in Hagerstown, MD when I purchased the guitar. Paul spent the afternoon with my wife and I, showing us the shop, talking guitars, and letting me play everything in the shop. The guitar comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Customer Service

10

Components


Top notch components including Waverly open tuners, Beard Legend Tone cone, and the Beard Solar coverplate.

Components Rating

10

Overall Comments


Great sound, superior materials, excellent workmanship and customer service. Did I mention that I like this guitar?

Overall Rating

10


dobie instuments dobie 1
submitted 11/26/2009

Submitter

dobro 75 (see all reviews from this person)

Where Purchased

Dobie's

Year Purchased

2009

Price Paid

Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound


this dobro is awesome!!! I really love the tonal quality and chop.
It has a crisp clear sound except for the middle G sting Has a tiny buzz but I think that might be just because the strings haven't been changed in a while. It is very loud. I like it for playing Jerry Douglas style. If anyone is looking for a instrument of almost any type, I would recomend contacting Dobie at FaithRidge.com

Sound Rating

9

Setup


Setup Rating

not rated

Appearance


It is a beautiful instrument. the inlay is very well placed and makes it look so awesome! The wood is almost a dark mahogony color. The finish is very smooth and brings out the color. The only small problem I have with the appearence is that one of the covers on a sound cone is dented.

Appearance Rating

8

Reliability


THis dobro is built incredibly strong!!!

Reliability Rating

10

Customer Service


Customer Service

not rated

Components


Components Rating

not rated

Overall Comments


AWESOME!!!

Overall Rating

9


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