Rogue Classic Spider Resonator
submitted 1/12/2010
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Submitter |
scottbow |
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.
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Overall Rating |
8 |
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