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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 $150 bucks - i decided to return it and I am now waiting on a Redline Rambler - Made in USA. I also tried a Gold Tone PBSM, but it did not have the beard setup, I wasnt too impressed with the sound for 975 bucks. Bottom line - for 200 bucks, it is an amazing deal and for a couple hundred more, you could have a nice guitar with a proper setup. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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Crafters of Tn. Virginian/Tenneesean
submitted 1/21/2010
|
Submitter |
bmizell (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Reso hangout adds and ebay |
Year Purchased |
2007/2009 |
Price Paid |
1000.00 ($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 |
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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 $199.99 price.
I learned a great deal by DIY Rogue repairs.
The end result is better than most middle-of-the-road instruments.
If you pay someone else to change your strings, it's not the instrument for you.
|
Overall Rating |
8 |
|
Mel Bay Rob Ickes: Contemporary Dobro Artistry
submitted 1/11/2010
|
Submitter |
benspinks (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Eagle Music UK |
Overall Comments
|
Stunning DVD in every respect. Jazz, country, Blues, Bluegrass... It's got it all, and then some! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Gibson Hound Dog import Deluxe
submitted 1/10/2010
|
Submitter |
jamie_t123 (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
GC |
Year Purchased |
2010 |
Price Paid |
475 ($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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