Reso Hangout - Playing Forum Feed

Stage Sound - getting a good tone on-stage

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:17:54 CST

Hi, y'all. Longtime lurker, rare poster here.

I have an issue that I don't quite know how to deal with. Been playing guitar live for years, both acoustic and electric. I know what I'm doing when it comes to getting a good sound that works with a full band.

Left my regular gig at the first of the year, intent on playing closer to home and (hopefully) playing acoustic (guitar/dobro/mandolin) live. Finally got an opportunity to support a local artist with dobro and mandolin, but I'm not truly set up to get a good amplified dobro sound that will work well with a full band (bass/drums/electric guitar/keys/acoustic guitar) on-stage.

My dobro (Tut) has a Lace Sensor (http://www.amazon.com/Lace-Dobro-Neck-Sensor-Round/dp/B000B470DU) and while it does sound good, it is missing the resonance you get from the cone.

I'd read about using a small diaphragm condensor and the direct signal from the processor, routing through a small mixer and to the board. I have sound gear for that, but I'm worried about using any kind of condensor on stage with a full band. I have a condensor (http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXL-MXL-993-Pencil-Condenser-Microphone-102964434-i1126984.gc) that I could use for this, but I guess the other problem is figuring a way to mount it to to the dobro without doing any permanent damage.

Since it's a full band, I don't think it would be a good idea to have a dynamic on a stand that I step to for solos or embellishment. It's asking for trouble, especially if the band is loud.

If anyone can offer some advice here, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

-j

Tuning and re-tuning strings

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 07:02:50 CST

Question: What effect, if any, does tuning and re-tuning a reso have on the strings and/or the nut or bridge insert have? For example, going from GBDGBD to EBDGBD and DADF#AD?

Raising the Bar Issue

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:47:09 CST

So, in my dobro life, disjointed and fractured as it's been, I have tried a number of bars; Stevens, Shubb, one made by a guy who placed a wooden top on it...can't recall the name, Scheerhorn chrome and Scheerhorn steel, Lap Dawg and now, my newest bar, the EG Smith Bluegrass Bar:

http://gregboyd.com/accessory_detail.html?accessory_key=504

This was spurred on by some posts made by various people here, including Grizz. When I called and spoke to Greg Boyd (he is friendly and talkative) I was originally looking at the regular Smith bar because I wanted the serrated edges and I didn't realize that the Bluegrass Bar had them from looking at the photo. He explained that it did have the edges and that the bar was smaller than most bars and slightly less high (about 1/8 inch I believe). It was a little lighter as well.

I had some concerns but decided to try it. This is a cool bar, it fits nicely into my hand, almost like an afterthought. My hands are not large but maybe a little wide. This just seems perfect for them. I love the serrated top that keeps my thumb from slipping up. One thing is that full fret coverage is just a hair trickier due to the shorter length. It seems that slants are a little harder to come by too, not that I slant much in my playing.

Mr. Boyd explained the bar is popular with fast bluegrass players who wanted the reduced size and weight for quick position shifts. In that area, it shines. I can definitely feel a speed increase. The sound is somewhere between a Scheerhorn and Lap Dawg. Good sound and I don't notice any string rattle. I was concerned that the lighter weight might bring it out but I can't hear it.

This is easily the most comfortable bar I've ever used. It stays put and balanced and I'm inclined in just two days to award the 'my favorite bar' status to it. Prior to this, I rated the Lap Dawg and Scheerhorn as favorites respectively. I'm having a lot of fun playing with this bar. It feels so much different to me than any other bar I've tried.

Wayne

Guitar And Slide

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 00:42:05 CST

hi all .

i haven't dobro but i would play this. can i play guitar whit slide for learn?

Bye Alberto

I Love Open D Tuning!

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 14:12:46 CST

So recently I've tuned my Mahogany Meredith down to Open D, and I really am loving it!!! I think it actually sounds better and resonates better in Open D tuning.

I've been listening to a lot of Weissenborn players too lately, and I think it's official, I've gotten bit by the Open D bug!!!

The LOW GROWL!! It's just a whole different sound, and playing technique, and I'm really diggin' it.

I'm having thoughts of Weissenborns, Tricones, Metal Bodied Resos...etc!!!

GREAT STUFF!! Sorry, I just had to share!! :-)

~Troy~

Playing Roundneck w/Std Tuning

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 13:35:07 CST

Has anyone ever taken a poll to see the ratio of round-neck vs. square-neck players that frequent here?

Looks like I'm a definite minority on the site. I play a resonator like a conventional guitar ("Spanish Style"?), in standard tuning, with a flat-pick or no pick at all.

I just like the sound of a resonator. It gives me something very different from what I normally play, which is electric six-string.

I basically use it instead of a regular acoustic guitar. Texas and Southern blues-based rock sounds pretty interesting played on a resonator. You can strip out the amplification and distortion and get to the root of the music.

I have so much yet to learn about my main instrument, I feel I don't have the time to invest in learning to play "proper Dobro".

Anyone else out there use this interesting instrument like I do? Looks like most of you folks are dedicated to this art form as it relates to bluegrass, folk, and country music, and your skill levels are far beyond mine.

Happy to have this place to visit and the folks I've heard from so far are very helpful and friendly.

Thanks to all.

More Oswald Slant's

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 07:41:47 CST

Continuing on with what Jim posted , Here is a Video off more Oswald slants.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBnCXVvni-M

Slants tablature

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 20:00:12 CST

If you like the demonstration and challenge of slants in the Jim Warren YouTube feature video keep in mind Jim has a fine dedicated website: www.oldtimedobro.com. In addition to some fine videos he has a section of tablature.When you click on the tablature you will see the tab for two old time Oswald numbers with lots of "slants" in the tab. Oswald's Special is in "G" (with slants at 5-7-9 frets) and Tennessee Sweetheart is in "E'". Point your mouse over the tab, click "print" and you have free Slants tablature to practice with. Some folks learn better from tab, than from watching video. Try it---thanks to Jim's efforts, you may get a whole new 'slant' on things.It may look easy, but with timing and getting up speed and blending in the new slants, these 2 songs will be medium difficult.

Learning round neck vs square neck

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 05:30:04 CST

Hi, I am wondering if skills learned on round neck slide guitar can be transferred to square neck guitars, or vice versa. In other words can a good roundneck slide guitar player also play the lap held square neck dobro with less problems. Thanks.

Thumb and finger picking.

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:32:13 CST

Suspect this has been covered but here goes. Will using thumb to pick 6th, 5th and 4th strings and fingers to pick 3rd, 2nd and 1st hinder future learning. Some instructors show this method and others teach a different approach. Or, is whatever "floats your boat" right.

I'm In! Resosummit

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 05:13:12 CST

I was sitting at my computer last night when an email from Rob Ickes came through stating enrollment for Resosummit 2012 was underway. I'm guessing I was among the first few to sign up. Happens next November. Looking forward to it.

Anyone here been....have any tips?

Wayne

Time to refine it a touch more

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:09:50 CST

Okay, I know I am not expert, but I thought that after a few months with it, I was starting to sound reasonably okay with my finger-picking on the roundneck Dobro. I am playing irish tunes, singing along and having a grand time. Then, I plugged it in to hear what it sounds like amplified.

Oh. My. Noisy, scratchy, clangy. I have so far to go! Using a pick sounds better than my finger-picking.

New Slant Bar video--You Tube

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:05:17 CST

For a different "Slant" on old time Oswald style check out: www.youtube.com/user/jim7233?feature=mhee#p/u/O/FSvwEDbRoA. Another option is to just go to youTube and in the search bar type in "Jim7233" and then scroll to the 2nd or 3rd page of his 79 videos and click/highlight "Dobro slant techniques". This is a new posting by forum member Jim Warren (OT Dobro). Jim has posted it to YouTube but it is too new to be posted yet on his own website with the videos (www.oldtimedobro.com) some will recognize the #7233 in Jim's youtube address as the serial # of Oswald's Dobro--currently owned by Mike Webb in Nashville. In the YouTube clip you will observe and hear Jim's slant lesson on his own pre-war model 27 serial# 6796 with lugged cone and short leg spider---which is very close to the sound of Oswald's #7233. Others from that same '35-36 time period with the great classic sound from the Regal plant in West Chicago include Ernie Mirak (this forum) "Tronecones amigo," serial# 7483 and uncle josh Graves serial# 7673. Thanks to Jim Warren for sharing and demonstrating this playing technique for those that are interested in the old time slant style.

First String Change

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:47:00 CST

I finally got some replacement strings, (GHS TS1600's) For my New Gold Tone PBSD. I think I understand the use of the Golf tee, stick it in the hole at the tail piece to secure the ball end until the string is threaded into the tuning machine, and some tension taken up?

Question:

when stringing my acoustics, after the string is tuned up, I'll tug and wiggle at the 12th fret to help stretch it out some, then re-tune. Is this safe to do on a squareneck?

Augy-Newb

Pickup Makeover for 1993 National Resolectric

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:09:28 CST

I love my 1993 National Resolectric and yet I seek a pickup makeover to

reduce feedback and generally take advantage of advances resophonic pickup

technology 20 years later.....

Any thoughts

rjm

Tunings, Scale Lengths, & String Gauges

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:29:12 CST

Hey guys, I'm putting together some material for some Weissenborn & Lap Steel Lessons and I'm looking for info about: Scale Lengths and what are the correct String Gauges for different tunings.

Particularly what Gauge Strings to use for a particular Scale Length tuned to either.....Open G, versus Open A, versus Open D, versus Open E, versus C6

Here are some sites that I've found so far:

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php

http://www.bluestemstrings.com/page5.html

http://www.b0b.com/infoedu/gauges.htm

and Brad's http://www.well.com/~wellvis/tuning.html

I know that the Dobro, Weissenborns, and some lap steels vary in Scale Length and that could cause the string tension to change unless you changed the string gauge.

Anyway, thanks so much, and any help would be much appreciated!!

~Troy~

Minstrel Boy by Troy

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:47:08 CST

I think it's the featured video here. Sounds great. I'm a sometime Irish player and I love it!

Wayne

To use use finger and thumb picks or not?

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:26:45 CST

Howdy folks. I'm a lead guitar player that is dabbling in every other instrument that has strings on it. I know that to play a dobro or lap steel or pedal steel or banjo etc. You are "SUPPOSED TO" use the thumb pick and finger picks. I'm quite aware of the proper way. The thing is this. I'm 1. Not a real fan of the attack of picks, especially the metal finger picks. The thumb picks....I can deal with. The other thing is that I can play a LOT more notes more accurately when using my bare fingers and thumbs. Plus, that gives me 5 digits to use instead of just 3. So, here is the beginning of what I'm sure will be a losing battle with folks that are purists. There is a guy named Jimi Hendrix (no, I am in no way a fan of his) but he played the guitar more WRONG than anybody in the world. Nothing about the way he played was correct in the public eye.

I play pretty much every style of guitar there is. Flat picking, fingerpicking, straight picking, hybrid picking etc. ALL OF THEM HAVE THEIR PLACE and NONE OF THOSE PLACES ARE DISPUTED. Violin players play with a bow and with their bare fingers. I could go on forever with the examples. So, why is it right or wrong to play a dobro, lap steel or pedal steel with a guitar pick, with bare fingers and thumbs etc. Shouldn't it just be up to the individual on how they play it? I love the sound of all of these instruments when they are simply fingerpicked with bare skin. The attack of traditional and proper picks that are designed for these instruments just don't appeal to my personal ear canal. lol I know that there have been many famous pickers on all of these instruments that do on play in the conventional way, but they go on to become legends. I don't know the names of these people because this is the first forum for such instruments that I've bothered to join. But I want to get inside of you heads for a real conversation about it. I know that the purists will just yell at me, I'm not wanting any of that. I just want to discuss the pros and cons of all kinds of picking and see if I want to stay with the fingerpicking way that I already play or if I should invest my time into the "proper" way of playing. So, there it is. Anybody want to calmly discuss it with me? lol

Thanks,

Scott Grove

Any DVDs for open D?

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:02 CST

Hey guys. I play my dobro in open D and am self taught but i'd like to know what i'm doing since right now i dont hahah i have a good ear and can definitely hold my own but i'd like some sort of guidelines besides that. don't really have money for lessons so i figured a dvd would be best, still see someone do it right in front of me. i can't seem to find an dvds that teach in open D. they're all open G. Any suggestions if you've found any in open D that are pretty good?

Is it possible to convert regular fingerpicking into slide guitars tabs

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:00:02 CST

Hi, there are more tab books oriented toward regular fingerpicking than tabs for slide guitar( roundneck), I few few on amazon but not much . But as a beginner, I am wondering it it is possible to convert regular fingerpicking tabs to slide oriented tabs. Crazy?. Thanks.

Republic Gutars

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:20:07 CST

http://www.republicguitars.com/guitarsotherproducts.html Anybody know anything of these guitars? $400 for a Weisenborn....too good to be true?? ~Troy~

Muteing

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:40:39 CST

I've been having a small problem since I've been playing Bro. Oswalds "The End Of The World". Several times in the song you need to bar the fifth fret across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings. The problem I have is I keep getting string noise off of the 5th string. The only way I've been able to prevent it is just slow down at that point, and I guess I'd rather have the noise.

I tried putting the bar down on the 6th string only and slide it across #5 and #4, but my Lapp dawg bar is tapered back at the ends and if I don't have the angle just right it dives under the other strings, not good!

I have tried to mute #5 with my RH ring finger, but if I actually remember to do it, I usually hit the wrong string. Big clumbsy hands you know.

I think It is starting to sound pretty good now, even without any lessons from Scott Grove Fixing this one thing would help a lot. Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks, Dave

Scott Grove

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:17:31 CST

I have to ask because of this braggadocios statement on another thread check it out, there are some videos there. Good for a laugh http://www.resohangout.com/topic/25947

"You folks are bringing me all kinds of business. What most of you don't know is that the members here are ordering lessons from me and then telling me that they have learned more in an hour than in the past 5 years. Then they come back here and start cackling with you old hens. Grow up kiddies. I provide a service. I get folks into some instruments that they would never get involved in otherwise. I was simply invited in here to check out this particular thread and again....thanks for the revenue! Much appreciated."

I would like to know (be honest) how many people have taken his lessons? And if you have your honest opinion. Against my better judgment here is a link to another thread on him. http://www.reso-nation.org/forums/whatever/miscellaneous/2011/12/28/scott-grove

Annoying Scratchy sounds!

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:15:12 CST

This is just me being a newb again, very very sorry... But i bought a dunlop 220 brass slide, about 6 months ago. It is very nice and has great sustain compared to my light glass slides. but it has a very scratchy sound now, i noticed there were tons of micro scratches all over the surface of the slide, is there any easy way to polish them out? i dont own any type of buffer or anything just wondering if anyone knows what materials i may need and so forth... Any help is greatly appreciated.

~Live To Play Live

String "Smoosh" (wear)

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:31:40 CST

I've been practicing for about a month, and noticed last night that the wound strings are starting to flatten out in spots from the bar. Am I being too heavy handed, or is this normal? They still sound okay and not fraying yet, But Damn! That was quick! Makes me wonder how often you folks change your strings? I have 5 sets of J42's being shipped out as of yesterday. I'm still on the first set of strings that were on the new guitar. I'm not sure what they put on there. (Gold Tone PBSD)

please tell me this

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:49:04 CST

ON the larger "G" string and "B" string, what can I do to keep the metal slide bar from scubing and making so much noice as you slide across the wrap string. Is there a oil for this purpose?

Bluegrass Academy Dobro with Professor Hall

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:04:39 CST

Well, I joined for six months. Part of my attempt to force my own hand(s) at stepping up my limited reso playing. I only had a short time to scan the site but I believe I get the concept: a curriculum for dobro players is set up in three stages, beginner, intermediate and advanced.

I checked out the first couple of intermediate and decided I might be advanced. I checked out some advanced videos and sure enough, I'm probably in that camp. But then I got the notion to go back to intermediate and check out other video lessons. There are plenty there I can benefit from so I'm guessing I'm probably an advanced-intermediate player, able to leap categories with a single bar!

Andy Hall's presentations seem to be clear, concise and on-target. I think most of us have experienced the cases where great players don't necessarily equal great teachers. My initial impression is that Mr. Hall is an exception to this. I admire his style of playing, more in the 'new camp' vs 'old school' (not knocking old school, just sayin'!). He covers techniques, left and right hands, and songs. I didn't notice any tablature and that would have been nice. There is also a very cool camera angle used on occasion where the camera views Hall's reso from above his head, look downward, obviously higher than we'd view our own fretboards but the same angle is there.

There is a student home page where you can put photos, music and info. There is a forum and chat room. There is an option to submit videos for critique by Andy Hall. Pretty good job all around.

I'm sure I'll get my $150 out of the next half-year. In fact, knowing me, I'll regret not putting in more time with this stuff. I'm going to try to take a studious approach and go through most of the intermediate and as much of the advanced as I can, not resorting to my normal tendency to jump around like a musical flea.

Wayne

School of Dobro opens tomorrow

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:41:17 CST

So I'm looking forward to Andy Hall's new venture with ArtistWorks. According to the e-mail I just got it opens tomorrow (1/19). The thing I'm most excited about is the extra month free which I guess they're running til Jan 25th. Anybody else thinking of joining? The other schools seem to have been received well.

NEW TO RESO HANGOUT

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:53:38 CST

Hey everyone ,

My question is has any one tryed the dvd lesson BEGINNING DORBO

THE MURPHY METHOD FOR DORBO BY MARK PANFIL. I have only been playing reso for about 2 months and still

struggle I bought the janet davis teach yourself dorbo and still can't grasps it .I have looked at lesson with troy but cant really download stuff cause of internet speed also mark teaches by ear if that matters.Can someone give a review on this dvd lesson good or bad before i spend the dough. Is the watch and learn dorbo primer and dvd any good by david ellis . which is better

got a cheap dorbo sq neck rogue brand for birthday

thanks to all stovebolt

old man needs help

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:49:13 CST

I am trying to play the dobro and need help. when a tab said the song is played in "A" OR "D" etc. Does this mean to use a capo or start at that fret? If I find a tab I want in "A", how will I play it? Thanks.

New to forum

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:44:35 CST

Hi everybody, I've been lurking around the site for the past few months, but have not introduced myself. I'm 48, live in Baltimore. I've been playing guitar (electric and acoustic) on and off since about 17, and regularly over the past 20 years. I've always dabbled with open tunings and a little bit of slide, but really started getting into it about 4-5 years ago when I formed a bluegrass/alt-country/old timey combo with a couple of dudes. Then a friend bought a steel roundneck reso, and I had to get one. Ended up with a Goldtone PBRD and loved it (and still do) but then of course I wanted to play more bluegrass style accompaniment, but trying to emulate dobro licks with a regular slide in the DGDGBD tuning just didn't cut it. I bought a nut extender, but that was only a teaser and made keeping it in tune a challenge. So about 4 - 5 months ago I picked up a Goldtone PBS at Appalachian Bluegrass. I love it!! I am in a more traditional bluegrass band now, and have progressed to the point where I feel fairly confident playing backup and throwing in a few tasty licks here and there. I have been learning from the Janet Davis Book, and downloaded 3 of Troy's videos (complete beginner, 39 backup licks and the combining licks and rolls). This site is great, for the discussion and tablature.

I do have a few questions - what kind of strings do people prefer. I bought nickel wound John Pearse strings. They seem decent but what are everyone's opinions? Also any basic suggestions on using a capo? I have a Beard capo and find it a pain in the butt to get the instrument in tune when it is on.

Thanks!!!! Dave

PS - if anyone lives in the Baltimore area, my band the Corn Colonels are playing at Dangerously Delicious Pies in Canton on February 10.

Lessons With Troy - DOBRO BASICS SERIES FINALLY UP!!!

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:09:26 CST

Hi Everybody! I just put up 3 Brand New Lessons!!

I'm pleased to announce a New Dobro Basics Curriculum That I've Started.

This is my NEW DOBRO® BASICS SERIES!!!
If you are just starting to play the Dobro® or Resonator Guitar, or maybe you want to Fill In The Gaps of your learning, this Series Is PERFECT FOR YOU!!

I am starting from the bottom and systematically taking your through the Fundamentals of Playing The Dobro®. Either start from Volume #1 and work through each video or pick and choose the videos that will teach you exactly what you want to learn.

This week I have put up the FIRST 3 VOLUMES. Each Volume has 2 Videos....For a TOTAL OF 6 VIDEOS (OVER 3 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION.)

Each Lesson Comes With the Following:

6 Pages of TABLATURE
7 Different MP3 JAM TRACKS
Key Of G For Dobro® Diagram of the Neck
Key Of D For Dobro® Diagram of the Neck
Useful Chords For Dobro® Diagram of the Neck
HOW TO PRACTICE - Article that I wrote
VIDEO TIMELINE - Showing exactly where each lesson topic is in the video.

Here's a TIMELINE/Outline of the Videos In Volume #1

Dobro Basics Part 1
* The first column indicates where in the timeline of the video that section is located.
Example "2:59" - Indicates 2 minutes and 59 seconds into that video lesson.
•    0:27 - Case for Gear
•    2:59 - Picks, Bar, Capo, Tuner
•    13:44 - Tuner info.
•    17:30 - Capo info
•    18:56 - String info
•    25:43 - Various Tools
•    26:53 - Dobro Straps
•    28:32 - Tackle Box Gear Holder 

Dobro Basics Part 2
•    0:29 - How to Hold the Dobro
•    1:42 - Standing and Using a Strap
•    5:39 - Putting on Thumbpicks and Finger Picks
•    8:57 - Resizing Thumbpicks
•    9:59 - Putting on Capos
•    12:32 - Smartphone Tuners
•    14:47 - Tuning The Dobro - GBDGBD
•    17:52 - Slightly Lowering Your "B String"
•    20:54 - Good Right Hand Placement
•    23:35 - Good Picking Technique
•    25:56 - Right Hand Muting Techniques - "Pick Blocking & Palm Blocking"
•    31:12 - Pickblocking Exercise

Here's a TIMELINE/Outline of the Videos In Volume #2

Dobro Basics Part 3
•    0:27 - Holding the Bar & Good Left Hand Technique
•    5:33 - Learning the Basic Straight Bar Chords (Open - 12th Fret)
•    9:54 - Learning the Basic Straight Bar Chords (12th - 19th Fret)
•    11:45 - Using the Jam Track To Practice The Chords
•    13:24 - Learning the # (Sharp) & b (Flat) Chords
•    17:47 - "Makeshift Minor Chords" - from Chords You Already Know
•    19:20 - Easy Harmonics

Dobro Basics Part 4
•    0:33 - Intonation Exercises
•    5:08 - Using the Jam Track to Practice Intonation in The Key of G
•    6:14 - D Chord Intonation Exercises
•    8:05 - Using the Jam Track to Practice Intonation in The Key of D
•    9:45 - Right Hand Technique for Intonation Exercises
•    10:43 - G Major Scale on the 3rd String - Using 6th String Drone
•    14:55 - G Major Scale on the 3rd String - Using 1st String Drone
•    18:23 - G Major Scale on 1st String - Using 3rd String Drone
•    20:52 - G Minor Pentatonic Scale on 3rd String - Using 6th String Drone
•    23:48 - G Minor Pentatonic Scale on 1st String - Using 3rd String Drone
•    28:05 - Forward Banjo Rolls for Dobro
•    32:37 - Reverse Banjo Rolls for Dobro
•    36:08 - Playing Forward Rolls over a G, C, and D Chord
•    42:06 - Playing Rolls with The Jam Track - 8 Bar Bluegrass 85 BPM

Here's a TIMELINE/Outline of the Videos In Volume #3

Dobro Basics Part 5
•    1:56 - G Major Scale - Open Position - 1 Octave
•    5:40 - Right Hand Technique for Playing The Scale
•    10:35 - G Minor Pentatonic Scale - Open Position - 1 Octave
•    15:04 - G Major Scale - Open Position - 2 Octaves
•    19:01 - Right Hand Technique for Playing The Scale
•    22:35 - G Minor Pentatonic Scale - Open Position - 2 Octaves
•    29:02 - Right Hand Technique for Playing The Scale
•    32:03 - Movable "X-Shape" - C minor Pentatonic
•    36:31 - Right Hand Technique for Playing The Scale
•    38:33 - Alternate Way of Playing the C Minor Pentatonic

Dobro Basics Part 6
•    0:27 - Pull Off Technique - Exercises #1
•    5:04 - Hammer On Technique - Exercises #1
•    9:17 - Pull Off & Hammer On - Technique Exercises #2
•    11:58 - Right Hand Technique for Pull Off Exercise #2
•    14:18 - Combining Hammer Ons & Pull Offs
•    17:25 - Right Hand Technique for Combining Hammer Ons & Pull Offs
•    20:13 - Basic Slant Technique - Playing C, F, & G - Using Straight Bar & Slants

I'll be adding new Volumes to this Curriculum as time goes on.

I hope you enjoy it! Thanks again,

~Troy~
www.LessonsWithTroy.com

What effect does the material the nut is made of have on the sound?

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:30:55 CST

I recently bought a Gold Tone Paul Beard Sig. Series Resonator square neck. While it has a better sound than the Morgan Monroe I was using, I still am not able to get the sound I really want. I am looking for the true bluegrass sound. What is required to get as much of this sound as possible. Also, the top string (big G) does not have the sustain it should have. I noticed that the slots in the nut do not allow the string to fit all the way down in them. Would this have anything to do with that? I am fairly new to this and don't know much about these things. Thanks, Jim

Suggestions For Buying A Weissenborn

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:15:57 CST

Hey does anybody have any suggestions for what's a good Weissenborn for the money?

~Troy~

Dobro Lessons for Newbie In VA

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:21:29 CST

Anyone have information on who I could contact in the Richmond, VA area for Dobro lessons?

cant get comfortable- to strap or not to strap?

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:37:01 CST

(first my comment) I haven't found the right chair, the right couch, or just the right surface that gets me 100% comfortable yet with how my reso sits on my lap. i placed it on a table and i could see it a lot better and the height was perfect. i looked into stands (read the thread on stands here) and that seems like a possible option.

(now my question) Will sitting with a strap help get the positioning more comfortable so i wont need a stand? If so, please recommend the best strap for the job. thanks ahead of time because you guys and girls are 100% at giving me great advice.

(grasshopper) Steve

Best String Gauge For Different Styles

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:14:47 CST

Put on reso specific strings starting off (when I thought my new tricone was a slide only device), then went to mediums to play standard tuning and fingerpick, and I'm now down to light gauge just to see. Definitely less volume, thinner, and more delicate tone. Responds to slide vibrato (ie. - creating ringing tone working slide only) a lot easer than heavier gauge. Has been it's fun to experiment around. So, of you who use the same guitar for slide, fingerpicking , and pick playing in standard, what's your gauge of choice? How about brand? Thanks, Steve

The Sheerhorn stainless steel bar is a bit too long....so?

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:28:18 CST

Hello forum!

I love almost everything about the Sheerhorn stainless steel bar, exept that it's a taaad bit too long on top to get a snug fit in my index finger. Does anyone know of an almost identical shaped bar that's about 5mm shorter on top?

capos and the rattle

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:26:09 CST

Forgive me for being a newbie but I've just bought a new Fluxcapo and I'm getting some rattle in the strings and it's making a thumping when I'm pulling off. I can be a little lighter and the thumping will go away but the effect is not nearly as good for a pulloff so what 's up with this thing? I tightened it up a little but it would seem that if you keep tightening it sooner or later it would be out of tune on that fret so what's the proper way to set it up correctly?

young dobro player

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 11:41:16 CST

I dont know if you've all seen this, but I just found it browsing vids. Wish I had of had the chance to start that young. Soo awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsEJh7JuX-0&feature=related

Sore Hand

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 09:10:37 CST

Well, am I surprised. All these years of playing guitar, I've never had a problem with my hands. I had tennis elbow for a while a couple of years ago, but that was caused by other things, made worse by playing. And I thought using a slide would be easy on my hands - I mean, it's not like all the repetitive singer movements from playing Spanish style. But here I am with a tired/sore left hand. Is this normal? Maybe I'm clenching the bar too tight - but I find it kind of embarassing when I drop the damn thing.

I was playing for about half an hour a day. Must be getting old....

hello people just wanted to tell you about a web seminar that coming up

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 03:35:37 CST

Hello people a great flamenco seminar is about to begin all the details are at

www.anymeeting.com/jayberguitar

hope to see you there.

Lessons With Troy - New Beginner Dobro Basics Series!!!

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 7 Jan 2012 06:08:48 CST

Hi everybody, I just wanted to update some of you out there about my new "Dobro Basics Courses" I'm starting. I know there's been a ton of "Newbies" to the forum and this will be tailored for someone just starting out or someone looking to fill in some of the gaps.

Sorry I haven't put up a new video in a few weeks. I've ran into some "technical difficulties" with my computer and have been trying to fix it.

I should be getting up my Dobro Basics Volume #1 very soon though!!! It will be kind of a "sampler platter for the beginner" + tons of great info + tons of Jam Tracks, TABLATURE, and Diagrams.

Keep an eye out....it should be out very soon!

Welcome all you new comers and thanks all for all your support and here's to a very fun & productive 2012.

~Troy~

Roundneck Dobro in the lap without modification

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 15:24:30 CST

Hello all,

I have been reading through the posts about proper string gauge and playing styles. I have a Gibson Dobro HoundDog Deluxe roundneck. I am currently using .13 gauge strings (Elixir Polyweb). I lay it my lap sometimes as if it were a square neck. I have the factory nut (no extension). I know that raising the nut could, conceivably, cause the neck to warp so I don't want to do that. I also like playing it like a regular guitar. This brings me to my question.

If I use it as a squareneck (in the lap) with no modifications made, do I still need to worry about warping the neck? Further more, could I use the GBDGBD without worries or is there still an issue with the extra tension of the tuning? I've been able to get a decent sound like this. I am currently using the open D tuning.

I realize this isn't the proper way of doing things but I wanted to get a general idea of what playing squareneck style is like. I've been happy with this guitar and am thinking about getting a squareneck in the same model.

I've gotten a several great tips from this site. Thanks for your time.

Zen and the Art of Playing Dobro

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 09:10:14 CST

Sometimes my playing reminds me of the line from Shakespeare: "Full of sound and fury and signifying nothing." My playing coach has introduced a new calm: http://www.resohangout.com/myhangout/blog.asp?id=23681&blogid=6393

Just getting started

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 17:35:34 CST

Hello! I'm new here, and to the dobro, and wanted to test the waters.

So, firstly, what do you wish someone told you when you started playing? I'm a fairly experienced guitarist, and an almost competent slide player, but I don't know the first thing about dobro yet.

Secondly, are there any (hopefully free) lessons onlne you guys would recommend? I'm content to learn by watching more experienced hands, but a pointer or two is always appreciated.

And lastly, recommended listening? We all know Jerry Douglas is a beast, but who are some of your favorite pickers?

Thanks, and have a happy new year!

Newb Introduction

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:07:44 CST

Hey all! I've just spent a few hours reading posts and thought I'd introduce myself. I've been playing acoustic and electric guitar for about 10+ years from the age of 15. I've been playing bass with my brothers in a country rock band for the past 3 years and we've been gaining some local popularity(we're from the same area that Randy Kohrs is, if you can believe it) but our sound isn't as "country" as it should be so I picked up pedal steel earlier this year. Right now I'm waiting on receiving a Morgan Monroe MSQ-100-SB Squareneck in the mail in a few days and I'm very excited. I got interested in blues slide when I was 17 and tuned my Jackson RX10D w/ a Floyd Rose trem to open G so I could play Robert Johnson(a sight to see, if you can imagine). But I'll be looking for more of a bluegrass and country sound with this adventure. I really like Jerry Douglas' work with Alison Krauss. And Andy Gibson/Randy Kohrs' work with Hank III.

From everything I've gathered, Troy's lessons are the place to start. I'm going to give it a few months of practice before I lug it on stage anywhere but this will definitely be the place I go when I have questions. Hope to talk with all you guys some more!

- Jason

Solo Dobro

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 3 Jan 2012 17:44:39 CST

Just got the Solo Dobro dvd by Jim Heffernan. Fantastic stuff for intermediate and above players! Loaded with tips, licks and nine songs. Here's one of them; an original by Heff that I'm devoting myself to learning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hO2pK3RfV4

Wayne

Stainless: to buy or not to buy...that is the question

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 2 Jan 2012 20:05:45 CST

Hey folks that invested the $150 for a piece of stainless steel, is it worth it? (need to sell it bigtime to my wife!)

Bass Dobro?

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 2 Jan 2012 14:04:48 CST

I had to ask... saw this on E-Bay. Has anyone ever heard of this, or heard one, or played one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOLD-TONE-PBB-Paul-Beard-Resonator-BASS-Dobro-NEW-w-Hard-Shell-Case-/140656695654?pt=Guitar&hash=item20bfcad966