Reso Hangout Forum Feed

Deleting my post

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 08:22:24 CST

HOW DO I DELETE MY EXTRA POSTS???????

New strings giving dobro a more tinny and raspy sound?

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 31 May 2026 08:12:10 CST

After changing my old strings to phosphor bronze 12s, I noticed my dobro had a much more tinny and raspy sound, especially on the bottom strings.

I know some might dig the sound, but for me I would prefer if it was a little bit less tinny and raspy. My old strings from the previous owner had a more full and warmer sound. Is there anyway I can get that back? I thought phosphor bronze was the best but it had the opposite effect for me.

Country Bands/Albums

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 26 May 2026 16:14:08 CST

Are there any country bands that have a resophonic guitar player in the band?

D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings, NB-16-56 Discontinued

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 24 May 2026 16:05:21 CST

Just wanted to voice my frustration with D'Addario for discontinuing the Nickel Bronze strings, NB-16-56
Like other's on this forum, I've received confirmation from D'Addario confirming that this string set is discontinued.
They are now pushing their XT version.
The Nickel Bronze strings FAR,FAR outlasted EJ42's on my instruments and sounded great.
I'll probably be switching to the GHS Americana series strings.
I'd be interested in hearing what other fans of the D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings, NB-16-56 are planning to do.
This is a bummer.

Does a cone really have to be replaced every 2 years?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:21:31 CST

I just bought a 1970s OMI Dobro, and it has a really sweet sound and has a pickup underneath the cone.

However, do I really have to replace the cone every 2 years? I fear that using a different cone will change the tone of my dobro (I don't want it to change) and I have to reinstall the pickup which is even more of a hassel...

EDIT: If not 2 years, how long can I go before I need a cone change? Especially since this dobro is nearly 50 years old now and I'm not sure when was the last time the cone was changed.

Do you play EJ 42’s?

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:36:42 CST

Looks like they’re almost doubling in price at some places. SW & MF still have them at $7.

Robert E Lee resophonic?

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:37:12 CST

Has anyone here played one? What’d ya’ think?

I’m just learning of Justin Moses

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:31:47 CST

I heard Jaelee Roberts’ “Im Putting You Out Of My Misery” and had to look up the reso player. What a talent! https://youtu.be/XZF9gaLWnys?si=iu4lukEutP9nPOSm

What is true “Open G” tuning?

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 9 May 2026 12:00:27 CST

I see both DGDGBD & GBDGBD referred to as such. I realize they’re both 1-3-5 chord tones so maybe both are correct?

Appication for the Mike Auldridge Memorial Scholarship due by June 1

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 7 May 2026 09:54:13 CST

If you are of a particular demographic with a college interest in resonator guitar. The IBMA Foundation offers a number of scholarships including the reso/steel/guitar related Mike Auldridge Memorial Scholarship.

Apply HERE!

Need help with fills, rhythm, etc.

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 6 May 2026 10:57:48 CST

I’m new to reso as I just started in January. I’m currently learning some solos, playing the melody with single notes and chords. I’d like to start going to some bluegrass jams but don’t have a clue what to play while others are soloing, singing, and so forth. Is there a reso equivalent of the boom-chuck? Is there a good instructional out there for this sort of thing?

First Ever Instrument

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 5 May 2026 21:47:54 CST

Greetings all.

First off: apologies if this is the kind of topic that's done to death, but I've googled around and failed to find the detailed information I'm looking for.

I am brand-spanking new to guitar. No chords, a hazy grasp on theory, tender fingers--nothing but a burning desire finally learn to play I find myself unable to ignore.

I have been listening to hours and hours of instruments on youtube and elsewhere, standard acoustics and resonators both, and I've learned as much as I could. I keep coming back to the reso sound. My goal is to play finger style, and dark, slide-heavy delta-infused southern gothic. (Brother Dege, Justin Johnson, Lincoln Durham for sonic references)

I've got my eye on a National NRP or a Mule with tricones, or the National S-1 spider cone. Not too worried about the dollar signs, and I'd also like to do my small part to keep artisans in the states employed, so I'd prefer not to buy something made overseas (though I cast no judgement on anyone else who has). I very much want to start at the end with instruments that can do what I want to do, so to speak. Worst case, I'll sell on to someone more deserving and eat the loss with no regrets.

I've read that resonators are, to one degree or another, harder to learn on than a standard acoustic guitar. I'm happy to let my skills grow up on one instrument, and learn its ins and outs, and I know I'll be more eager to put the practice time in on instrument I love the sound of, instead of a stepping stone instrument that isn't quite there.

I figure there aren't many communities that are better to ask than this one. What am I in for, starting on one of these resonators? Am I making a mistake that'll hamstring my progress as a student? Is one of them a better choice than the others?

Grateful for any advice you're willing to impart, especially what I can do in terms of set up, strings, etc. to best enable my progress.

ToneSlab vs BlueChip Thumbpick (quick take)

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 4 May 2026 11:45:00 CST

As an incurable tinkerer, I picked up the new ToneSlab thumb pick (pre-order a couple months ago—I don’t think they’re widely available yet).

I’ve been a BlueChip player for years, so that’s my baseline.

Both picks here are the JD Crowe model in Medium. I’ve attached a few photos for anyone curious about the physical differences.

Price:
ToneSlab ~$35
BlueChip ~$40
Close enough to call it a wash.

Fit:
The ToneSlab fits slightly tighter, though that may just be because my BlueChip is well broken-in. Both work fine for me size-wise.

Form:
The ToneSlab has a noticeably larger blade (longer and wider), along with a bigger metal band overall.

Tone:
No discernible difference to my ear.

Playability:
This is where I noticed the biggest difference. The longer blade on the ToneSlab takes some getting used to—not just in feel, but in technique. I found myself occasionally contacting the metal backplate, which I don't do with the BlueChip. That says more about my attack (I probably dig in a bit deeper than most players).

That said, I could probably adapt pretty quickly if I wanted to. And for some players, that longer blade might be a plus.

Conclusion:
The ToneSlab seems like a legitimate alternative. But for me, I’ll stick with the BlueChip—I don’t hear a tonal advantage, and it’s not enough of a change to justify adjusting technique.

One unknown is long-term durability. I typically get about a year out of a BlueChip. Obviously the ToneSlab is an unknown to me.

Hope this helps someone. Happy picking!

Nice starter guitar Wechter

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 2 May 2026 15:06:43 CST

I see quite a few requests & questions about starter dobros (squarenecks) on this site.

Today I stopped in Acoustic Music in Salt Lake City (nice small acoustic guitar store with top shelf instruments) and in the back room he had a Wechter squareneck reso in great shape for $700. It’s the f-hole model. Good starter. They are on 400 south in SLC. Look them up if interested.

Tall tailpiece and Dobro ID

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 1 May 2026 17:46:35 CST

Hey folks, I'm more of a squareneck guy but and old boy asked me to clean up this Dobro round neck for him and I've got a couple questions maybe you can help me with:

1: SN D2010820. I spent an hour scouring forums for a date and checked the reference guides readily available, the D seems to denote a wood body which is not the case, and my best guess based on google image search is that its late 90's made at the Nashville factory before the flood. Am I close? Any opinions are welcome, it's frustrating. If the year is actually 2010 I'll eat my own shorts.

2) Tailpiece seems high? Should I redrill the pilot hole and lower it to the body height? The chrome colour is way off from the body, I'm hesitant to mod it if original.

3) It's not for sale, but guesses on value are welcome. We're in Ontario Canada, I can look up the exchange value if you tell me your thoughts in USD or Euro etc.

Thanks in advance, I'm just out here doing a favour for another picker for free. Just finished sanding the #14 spider tines flat, dropping in a used cone and used saddles I had in my parts pile trying to do this guy a solid. Looking for free advice :) thanks!!

HELP finding website to buy these dobro slides

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 1 May 2026 11:14:57 CST

I ran into a website weeks ago a small store that sells I believe a custom made slide and there’s versions that have notches in the top flute. These are said to be hard to find and so I was excited but lost the tab on the browser can’t find it again. These would be chrome plated slides with a kind of “wood carved” look on the top where these notches are along the top edges of the top flute (to help grip) does anyone know what store website these are sold from? I just spent 30 minutes searching and couldn’t find it.

Thanks !

Great mic for cheap!

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 1 May 2026 06:38:39 CST

This mic does a great job with dobros! musiciansfriend.com/stupid

National Scheerhorn

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:41:42 CST

I am not see much talk about National Scheerhorns. How does the community view them in comparison to Beards? Sound wise and quality.

What are some external pickups for resonator mandolins?

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:39:51 CST

I recently got a Recording King nickel/brass reso mandolin. It doesn't really need a pickup, but I'm still wondering whether there are any external pickups that would work on it, attaching at the neck Krivo-style or at the bridge or on the body.

Thanks!

D'Addario EJ15-E phosphor bronze strings

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:59:35 CST

Anyone had the occasion to use or try these particular light strings? Noticed WMT had them decently priced, along with an extra 1st string.

Modified EG Smith “bluegrass” model tone bar

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:12:58 CST

Here’s my EG Smith “bluegrass” model tone bar after having a machinist grind a sharper edge for snappier pull-offs. Note before and after photos. (Not exact on camera angles, but you get the idea).

Works great. I was aiming for an edge similar to my Beard 20/20—and he got there in spades.

I’ve heard the Ferrari analogy for Scheerhorn bars (which I’ve used and like…)

If the Scheerhorn is a Ferrari, this modified EG Smith is a Formula 1 car—small, sleek, low-profile, and sharp…lol.

Caution…not for those with huge hands! It’s the smallest bar I’ve seen or used.

Identify a Song

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:17:16 CST

Can anyone identify the song Josh Graves plays beginning at 8:43 on the vudeo "Josh Graves Dobro Workshop - Waldo Florida 1990?"

Here is the url:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=_xB5b870...DE5OTA%3D

I've tried to find it on the web, but to no avail.

Thanks for any help!

Top string gauge..

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:21:10 CST

I have a SlideKing reso which is tuned GBDGBD with a .016 gauge on the high D . The cone doesn't like it . It sounds too 'tinny' . and when Harry Jackson built this guitar he used a .018 gauge for the first string. All the other strings sound very well except for this one. I also might try to use a .017 as a trial to see if the cone reacts better than the .016. An .018 seems to wind too tight . The cone is not a Legend cone. Any of you have a better suggestion on what I need to do to get a better sound out of this reso on the top end. Let's hear from you out there. Many thanks in advance !!

Would You Buy a Reso W/O a Pickup

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:28:27 CST

If you were in the market for a high end reso and it did not have a pick up, would you be more likely or less likely to buy? Or would it not make a difference?

There has to be an easier way to post pictures

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:41:00 CST

In this day and age!

Travel Case/Square Neck

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:46:48 CST

I’m a square neck dobro player and I’ve been loosing my mind trying to find a good travel case for my guitar/guitars. I have a Paul Beard Special-Gold Tone and a Regal that I use the most and travel with a lot. But their original cases are too cumbersome and heavy to be practical. I find it hard to even google the question “square neck guitar case” and the value of these guitars are hardly worth buying a Carlton case. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Especially something with shoulder straps would be fantastic!!!

Tuning for an Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog Deluxe

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:28:28 CST

Hello there,
I recently bought a used Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog Deluxe with a round neck, and I’m a bit confused about the recommended tuning for this specific model.
Most recommendations I’ve seen for a dobro tuning is GBDGBD but I don’t know if the neck is built for such high tension (especially being a round neck and not too thick).
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you

My first scratch build.

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 05:51:04 CST

Hi everyone, Just wanted to share some photos of my first build from some scraps I had left over from my cabinet and furniture making days. Turned out not to bad for only using 3A material. I have some really nice 5A quilted maple, planned for some future builds. Turns out I enjoyed making this so much that I'm going to make a few to see if I can sell them. Got a curly maple in the works now that I will be selling, about half done. Turns out I'm better a building them then playing them I think. Let me know what you think!

Has anyone tried D'Addario Chrome strings on a resonator?

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:14:45 CST

I currently use D'Addario Chrome flat-wound strings on my Gretsch hollow body, and I really like them. In addition to sounding great, they last seemingly forever. I also use flats (Magma flatground PBs) on my acoustics, including my resonator. I'm just curious to see if anyone here has tried Chromes on their resonator/

Beard Blackbeard vs Legacy E

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:23:45 CST

I am looking for how Reso players would describe the tonal differences between these 2 guitars. I know what I hear, but do not know how to describe it.

Thanks

resophonic amplifier choice

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 14:44:46 CST

Other than Fishman loudbox (too expensive). NE1 recommend good reso amplifier. at present using Fender acoustasonic 15. all suggestions welcome. wondering if there are any decent bluetooth options in the marketplace.

Dark Screen option?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 07:44:27 CST

Is there any way to view this site in a dark Screen mode? I can feel my eyes degrading every time I view this page since it is so bright to me.

Feedback for my slide blues playing?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 17:36:25 CST

Hello! I've been playing the resonator for around 6 months now. Since I'm half a year in, I just wanted to get feedback on technique, tone, phrasing etc for my slide playing.

I've attached two of my short recordings, one is delta, and the other is on a shuffle. I greatly appreciate any feedback! Thank you so much.

Rayco

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 16:29:11 CST

Is Rayco still making Resos? I cant find their website.

TTC Dobro

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 18:13:58 CST

Can anyone give me any information on a tut taylor carolina dobro.#134903. yr made value..ect..??

Terminology: Dobro v. Resonator guitar v. Slide guitar?

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 15:13:08 CST

Whats the best way to let people know that I play a resonator? I play bottleneck slide on a round neck.

To my understanding, "dobro" more refers to lap styled square necks? How would most people refer to round neck slide then? "Resonator guitar" feels like a mouthful...

Slight rattle from the B string

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 20:05:24 CST

I have a Recording King Maxwell round neck resonator, and after setup (new strings, adjust intonation at the bridge, etc.) and new Gotoh tuners, I still have one minor issue--a slight rattle from the B string. Any ideas or help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Beard Radio vs Deco 57

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:55:09 CST

What are the differences/similarities between these?

School me on Rudy Q. Jones resos

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:23:32 CST

I've been looking at this one at Gruhn's for awhile:
guitars.com/inventory/rg5480-r...uare-neck

I assume the price is on the high side, but I've never played a Jones, only heard the legends and I'm looking for a second reso. I'm from Oklahoma, so there's a natural attraction. Gruhn's graciously sent me a video, but the fellow playing it is more of a blues guy and wasn't playing with fingerpicks, so it was hard to get an idea of how it sounds like I would be playing it.
Thanks in advance!

The North Shore - Dobro Lesson

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:27:18 CST

Hey folks,

Here's a lesson on John Reischman's tune The North Shore. We all love Salt Spring, but imo pretty much all John Reischman tunes should be standards.

Lesson + Tabs Available Here

Apart from just being a beautiful melody that translates well to dobro, The North Shore is a great teaching tool for dynamics and expression. We’ll employ several left and right hand techniques and ideas: thumb rakes, chord tones, bar control, vibrato, etc. in this lesson.

Baffle

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:40:37 CST

I am building my first dobro and don't want to make a sound well. I'll put in posts to support the cone along with a two ply ring to form the lip. My question is about the baffle. I have only seen one made of clear plastic and am wondering if I can just use wood to separate the upper and lower bouts? Is that going to work? Do I need a baffle, or can I do without one? Thanks for reading.

Two questions about parts and setup

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:41:33 CST

First question, does anyone know if Replogle is still producing cones? I’ve tried emailing him but no response. I believe Mike used to hangout here. As far as I know he’s about the only manufacturer of a 10.5” biscuit cone that’s a drop in replacement for an OMI Dobro but it’s shown out on stock for a long while.
Second question, setting up a Les Paul for slide. Will it be enough to simply raise the tun-o-matic or will I have to deepen the pockets on the individual saddles to account for the radiused fretboard?

Tube DI

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:18:45 CST

At a show last Saturday, my Venue DI ( at the end of my dobro chain) crapped out. The power jack broke; it's currently at Baggs for repair. My chain is: FiIshman JD/Nashville pickup - Fishman JD Aura pedal - Keeley Caverns reverb/delay - Baggs Venue DI (Mostly for preamp, boost, tuner/mute functions) - to PA.

In lieu of the busted Venue DI, the guitarist lent me his extra Demeter tube di (VTDB-DB). It made a noticeable improvement in sound of the dobro. Got me thinking that I might add a tube DI to my chain. The Demeter is pricey ($799 new), so I am eyeing a very reputable but less pricey alternative (Broughton ETDI). Anyone use a tube di with a resonator? Pros, cons? Ive dabbled with the art tube MP in the past, but found it added so many complications of different level controls, that I never got to the point where I could actually listen for how it was affecting my sound. The Demeter and Broughton are just signal in - signal out (with a ground lift button). No level or tone controls.

Thanks, Dan

Peterson tuner with retarded B/b string tuning?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:49:44 CST

Does anyone know which tuner has this setting for resonators?

Uploading photos

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:10:01 CST

I have three photos uploaded from years ago that I believe are prohibiting me from uploading new ones due to the limit of three? How do I delete these old photos to clear up space for new ones?

Gold Tone bass with issues

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:57:41 CST

I was recently gifted a Gold Tone bass resonator with a broken headstock but that's not the issue I'm reaching out about. As prep for the headstock repair I removed tuners, strings, cover plate, cone and spider etc and discovered something interesting. The cone support ring, which is the full depth of the guitar on this instrument, while nicely glued to the top is not attached at all to the back. Touching, but not connected. The ring has kerfling around the outside, top and bottom, so my guess is it's meant to be glued but whether that step was missed at the factory or they were less than generous with the glue (there's very little evidence of squeeze out anywhere inside the guitar) and it has let go in the meantime I don't know. Does anyone have any experience with these guitars? Should it be glued? As it is, tapping on the back produces a bit of a buzz where the ring rests but since I've never seen or heard the instrument played I'd like someone to confirm before I glue it. Thanks

ToneDexter II and resonator guitars

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 13:07:15 CST

There is a previous archived discussion related to this topic, but forum rules (I'm too new) prevent me from posting the link. The title is "TONEDEXTER. can it compare to the JD Aura?!"

Is anyone on this forum using the ToneDexter or ToneDexter II with their resonator guitar? If so, what pickup are you using? I just picked up a Recording King resonator with a spider bridge, and I'm planning on installing a pickup, likely either the K&K Pure Resonator SB Pickup or the Schatten RG-03 pickup, but willing to look at other options, other than magnetic pickups.

Thanks.

Peggy Peterson

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 7 Mar 2026 16:15:22 CST

Came across This on Take,s bluegrass channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKgmyy7zEAo

Does anyone know This Dobro players History ?

Installation of Fishman Nashville pickup advise please

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 14:45:30 CST

I’m very handy and have worked on various chores on electrics for years, and more recently acoustics. What challenges are there to install a Nashville pickup in a Goldtone PBS-M? My main concern is sanding the saddle to fit the spider and establish the action height. Also, sanding the top and saddle notching. How much leeway is there? I believe the limit is 0.050".

Steve Cunningham?

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 13:12:26 CST

I’m probably “late to the party”, but this guy is very talented! youtu.be/m6wGL18a8zc?si=-BR6bXIuBG60cm6M