Reso Hangout - Product Reviews and Shopping Advice Forum Feed

Dobro 66-S

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 06:31:15 CST

My first post on reso hangout. Over the last 6 months I've been steadily learning the banjo and fiddle, and want to take a dive into playing reso. I'm looking to purchase my first resonator and am looking for some advice.

My price ceiling is about $1000, and if possible I'd like to get an American made instrument rather than an import.

The following caught my eye on eBay, and I was wondering if anyone has advice regarding the Dobro 66-S. Do others at the hangout own them? How do they compare to similarly priced instruments (new or used)? Would this be a good buy for a starting instrument?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dobro-Square-Neck-Model-66-S-Serial-D-713-7-/320841819516?pt=Guitar&hash=item4ab3a9a57c#ht_500wt_1156

Is there anything that is concerning about the condition of the instrument in the photos provided? Etc etc.

Cheers,

-Miles

Another Smith and Young Cone Evaluation

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 17:07:37 CST

I have also been the recipient of Eric Smith’s generous offer to evaluate a Smith and Young cone. The cone arrived well packed and in good condition. The test vehicle was my 2003 Clinesmith squareneck resonator, replacing the original Quarterman cone. No other aspects of the set up changed. I did not change the phosphor bronze strings which had a few hours of play on them. I also took a series of photographs of the guitar, original setup, and both cones. The Smith and Young cone was a direct drop in replacement for the Quarterman.

My initial reaction was that the Smith and Young cone has more volume than the old Quarterman cone and has a somewhat brighter, brassier tone (at least initially) similar to playing a new set of phosphor bronze strings. The Clinesmith with Quarterman cone was not as bright as most maple guitars I’ve played. Bass and mid range response remained good. I’m thinking that at least some of the brightness may be what Mike Witcher referred to as a "green" cone sound. The new cone is very responsive to light picking but has plenty of headroom when you dig in. My intent is to play the Clinesmith with the S&Y cone for a while to let it settle in a bit and redo the comparison with the original Quarterman.

After playing the S&Y cone for a couple hours in the Clinesmith, I have no reservations recommending this cone to anyone as a replacement cone or in a new build.

John Pearse 3000 Nickel Wound strings

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:05:31 CST

Just wanted to comment on the John Pears 3000 Nickel wound strings. I recently bought a pair and was real curious to hear the difference between the nickel wound and the phosphour bronze I'd used in the past. The volume was comparable. What I found interesting and pretty damn cool was the tone of the nickel. Very bright and shimmering tone. They were a bit much the first day but they warmed up after a day or two. It's now been two weeks and they sound amazing. It's my first time using these but as of now, I'll be getting them again. Just my two cents in an awful economy.

Redline Peabody

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 11:08:13 CST

I met Steve Smith at SPBGMA this week-end & had the chance to play some fine resos he had brought down. I've been in the market for another guitar especially for gigs i have to fly to. My primary guitar is a 1935 Norwood Chimes that has been set up & is very loud with sweet tone. I've played on many new resos looking for what i like to hear & Steve had the guitar that had the type of sound i was looking for. Its a Redline Peabody "Covergirl" with birdseye maple top & back & mahogany on the sides. It has the deep tone i love & it stays consistent all the way up the neck with nice sustain. I played it on stage Saturday night, then took it out the front lobby for a jam & it sounded great in both situations. I want to give a shout out to Steve & the folks at Redline for building a great guitar.

Chris Hart

www.thebluegrassbrothers.com

Tom Queen reso

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 05:55:54 CST

I played a reso at SPBGMA this weekend that had a red stamp visible through one of the soundholes that read BUILT BY TOM QUEEN. The finish was aged and cracked and there was a heavy coating of dust on the cone. Strings may have been original. The sound wasn't good but I wonder what would happen if it were cleaned up and had a decent cone and good strings. Has anybody heard of a reso by Tom Queen. The asking price was $800.

Wood body single cone

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 05:18:15 CST

Hi All

I'm new to this forum and the world of resonator guitars. After years of fingerpicking on flattops, I 've suddenly got interested in a resonator. I think it's too big a leap to go to a metal bodies I'm thinking of a wood body - possibly a National M2.

I play with bare fingers (and a bit of nail) - any suggestions for models or views on wood body resonators?

Thanks

HELP Advice Please on OMI Dobro, Roundneck

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 09:15:36 CST

HELP! I sold my '74 OMI Dobro Roundneck 60D in Blonde some years ago and have been trying to replace it. I get advice to stay away from these 70s-early 80s years as being inferior to other builders/models made today but replacing this beloved guitar is what I jones for.

I'd really appreciate insight into the best OMI years for the 70s-80s and how do I gauge its year of manufacture. What is the best site to reference the headstock numbers against year of manufacture?

I'm all eyes for your comments! If you think I'm wasting $1,000, please let me know.

heppmann@aol.com

Thanks!

Hepp in Florida

Feedback on Smith and Young Model 1?

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 07:25:54 CST

Has anyone had an opportunity to play a Smith and Young Model 1 (steel body) spider cone resonator? I am giving the some thought because they list for $1000 less than the National Style 1 Tricone, and the sound samples posted on the Internet seem pretty good. Have you played one? What did you think of the sound quality, build quality, finish, etc.? I love my Dobro® brass spider cone, and would hope that a National product would sound at least as good, if not better. I'm specifically interested in a square neck so I can switch from bottleneck to lap style playing, and tune to high G without warping the neck on my Dobro®.

Any thoughts on why National chose to rebrand and not make the S&Y instruments part of the National family? Was this a buyout like was to Gibson?

Thanks!

Kelly

Wickland or other parlor resonator for fingerstyle?

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 07:03:01 CST

Hi,

Like all (?) flattop players I'm fascinated by the many reso sounds out there, and on top of that my wife keeps telling me I "need" one, for fingerstyle and bottleneck. There aren't many dealers in my area (Philadelphia) but the few that I've played (National Estralita, and metal body single cones) seem large and awkward (and, of course, heavy) compared to my OMs.

So then I came across the very appealing video on the Wickland instruments website, showing a guy curled up comfortably with their "German silver parlor guitar" (also a nice dog). So I'm wondering, (a) whether others have opinions of these guitars (b) and how it compares to the National resorocket or tricone cutaway (c) whether there are other small resonators for fingerstyle and bottleneck that I should consider.

There's something appealing about the whole Wickland site, and the prices are not stratospheric, but I assume that buying new from a small shop is more of a risk in terms of resale etc. I can live with that, probably, but I wondered what people think. I'd like to have the same feeling of connection with a resonator that I have with my OMs; I realize they're apples and oranges, but still.

Thanks,

Best low cost reso guitar

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 05:28:28 CST

I am a fairly good acoustic guitar player that just got the bug to buy a decent low budget reso guitar, i'm sure this topic has been covered but cant seem to find it, seen a lot of cheap guitars on ebay that i never heard of, can anyone reccomend a cheap but gecent guitar ?

Thanks

D.A.

Beard Model Number Location

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 4 Feb 2012 05:53:12 CST

I am going to look at a Beard Resonator today. I wanted to know if Beard puts the model number on their guitars. And if they do, where is it located.

Rob Ickes Big Time CD & Tab Book

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:13:35 CST

After hearing and working with Rob at a workshop recently, I purchased his "Big Time" CD and the book that contains all the tablature for the tunes on the album.

As a beginner, most of the licks are above my head, but I have been working on the tune "Ireland, Love of My Heart" and am really enjoying it! The CD is top-notch and quite inspiring...I'd like to work on the Machine Gun Kelly lick soon...

http://robickes.com/store.cfm?pth=Instructional%20Materials

Yet again - I need advice: Unique Rozawood Dobro Square-neck

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 01:01:46 CST

Hey out there,

it's me again trying hard to find a used Dobro in Europe. Here is the link to the matter of interest:

http://www.tfoa.eu/the_store/index.php?target=products&product_id=34128

Rudi from TFOA would accept my National Style 1 Tricone for trade plus 2.200 € for the Rozawood. I bet it's a very fine guitar, but I'm a beginner on Dobro, so it feels a little too good for me to start - and too expensive, to be honest. On the other hand, I would be glad to get rid of the National and want to have a Dobro...

Thanks for sharing your opinions

wotsch

TableEdit for iPad!

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:58:19 CST

Just checked this morning, and the long-awaited TableEdit app for iPad/iPhone has finally been released. Go to your App Store and search for 'tef' and you'll find it.

I use my iPad as my mobile practice device. I load up my videos (such as Troy's and Jimmy Hef's) and my PDFs, the only thing missing was the TableEdit files. Happy happy!!

I haven't played with it much yet so no review, but in case others were waiting for this as well.

User Test: --Smith & Young cone

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:23:19 CST

I was favorably impressed by the sound qualities of this newly available replacement cone.I had read January comments by Brad Bechtel replacing a Quarterman in a Crafters TTV, and Val Drummond in Md. putting the cone in a clinesmith, and Don S. ("El Dobro") putting the cone in a Sheerhorn--all favorable reviews with deeper body instruments.I had a Quarterman cone in a 1986 O.M.I. At the time i got it it was an improvement over the factory cone in both volume and bass response. Now I wanted to see how Eric Smith's NEW ALLOY compared to an older quarterman. cone arrived double boxed, well packed with bubble wrap and was an exact diameter fit within 1/16th of an inch (no trimming needed). I purposely left bridges and strings and other variables UNchanged to focus on cone.I liked the quality and tone and will probably buy another for a second older O.M.I. also. It appeared to be slightly louder than the quarterman and a better tonal balance. It was less harsh in tone (i.e. sweeter) and the improvement of volume and tone appeared best on the bottom 4 wound strings. Due to the 3 & 1/2 inch bodies the O.M.I. instruments of the 70's- 80's have a certain old time tone. This cone did not lose that tone--it enhanced it. I am no stranger to trying out different cones ( various Beard and Quarterman since 1988) and this new cone is great quality. Retail is $75 / pack & ship is $15 and it originates from the National Reso-phonic plant in San Luis Obispo, Cal. If you are in the market for a quality replacement cone and getting rid of an import cone, I suggest this is a good value that will yield overtones, strong bass, and a balanced increase in volume.Very fine product.

Need help finding a case!

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:09:19 CST

Hey everyone! Just found this place on my search for a case for my new Dobro Hound Dog, figured I'd join and maybe learn a thing or two. And hopefully you guys can point me in the right direction for a case. So as I mentioned, it's a Dobro Hound Dog, Epiphone, and it's a square neck.......I know, I know....cheap import but it's my first and I absolutely love it. Anyway, I'm having a hell of a time trying to find a case for this thing, even the music shops in my city can't seem to help me out, and hours searching the internet and still nothing that I can find will fit it guaranteed. I want a hardshell, preferably abs over wood but I guess that depends on the price. Any ideas or recommendations?

Thanks a bunch!

Short Mountain Pics

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:19:38 CST

I'm going to order a guitar from Doug in the near future, but he has a limited number of guitars to look at on his web site.

Any photos or links to photos of Short Mountain guitars would be appreciated. I need to decide on wood type and finish, so variety would be nice.

Thanks in advance.

Elixir's...

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:35:56 CST

In taking everyone's advice to try out all the different strings to find what works best with my Rayco I have now gone through J42's, Beard Special 29's and - today I put on a set of Elixir's. For me, at least up until now, I liked the Beard's best but they had the shortest life... great on day one and two but by day three they were fading fast! The Elixir's ain't gonna' be number one for sure. They sound OK and - because of the coating there is less string noise - but they just "sort of hang there"- there is something missing. So, the quest continues. Next up I'm gonna' try the XP42's. To my ear I couldn't find much difference in the J42's and the Beards but the J42's certainly lasted better.

Fishook Owners..Show Your Catch,,,

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:33:13 CST

quote:
Originally posted by Zissou Intern

I'd like to see lots more pictures.

I will kick it off then.....

This is the road headed up toward JD, if it slippery ir ice, don't try it withot 4X4, very steep! Learned that one "in field"!

This is the stack of wood that my Hook was born from more or less....

A couple of "as builts" (Thanks JD!)...

Ended up catching a keeper!

For all the back siders LOL...

That should cover mine,,,,,

Now get to work, show some catches!!!

Travelite Cases

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:27:41 CST

Well, the zipper in my Travelite TL-60 failed for good this week. The case is just under five years old but the zipper had been glitchy for some time. I have had jackets, sleeping bags, and the like for 15 years with no zipper problems and I guess I expected the same level of quality with the case. Has anyone else had a problem like this? I did sent a note off to Saga about the problem.

Dave

Smith and Young resonators

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:40:20 CST

Ran across these new models from National (I think). They sound kind of nice to me, especially the steel body.

http://artisanguitars.com/category/products/acoustic-guitars/smith-young/

slide for fender type electric guitars

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:44:13 CST

Hi, any good slide recommendation for fender type electric guitar. I know they come in all kinds of materials: glass, ceramic, stone, metal ...etc. Thanks.

Academy of Bluegrass

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:37:06 CST

Has anyone started using the lessons on this web site? If so, any feedback on the quality of the lessons?

Fred

Got a 'Hook coming in the mail!

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:56:20 CST

This beautiful used Brazilian Rosewood/Spruce Fishook will be landing on my doorstep early next week. I just bought #55 from a seller on RN. This reso already has a bit of history around here. I have some pictures that were posted by previous owners. I can't wait to experience for myself the huge sound these resos are capable of producing. Woohoo! Just had to share.

Shopping for my first reso

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:21:53 CST

Hi Everyone,

Nice place you got here! I know this topic/question has probably been asked a million times on this forum, but it seems like this is the place to ask. So here goes...

I'm shopping for my first Dobro. I have decided that I would like a square-neck. I play guitar and have played slide as well for a while now. I mostly play blues, but have fairly recently discovered bluegrass. I'm looking for a dobro that I can play the bluegrass stuff on, but also some slide blues if needed. The trouble I'm having is choosing which Dobro to buy. So far I've only really played the Regal Black Lightning. I liked it, but don't really have anything of quality to compare it to. I live in Australia and am struggling to find stores that stock Dobros let alone several brands. I've had my eye on the Paul Beard/GoldTone dobros. They look nice and from what I've read they are good quality. I have seen a couple of places that do stock the goldtone dobros in Australia, but have not come across the square-necks yet.

My question for now is pretty much this: What are the differences between the current GoldTone Paul Beard dobros (PBS-M, PBS-D and PBS), the Paul Beard dobros (Vintage R Model, R Model, E-Model) and the Regal dobros (RD-52 Black Lightning, RD-64). I know its a broad question... I'm wondering about differences in tone and value for money. Even though this is my first dobro, I have been playing slide for a while so I know I have the ability enough to warrant buying something better quality than the cheap $300 ones.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys.

Attention Large body Fishook owners

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:08:18 CST

I have finally found a HEAVY DUTY travel case for my large body Fishook! I recently purchased a used Mark Leaf case off of RN and not knowing for sure if my Hook would fit gave it a try. Yesterday it arrived and figuring not much of a chance the big Hook would go tried it and Wala perfect! This case is a "bigun" but my Lord what a case!! Storage enough for my Martin Gross strap( which is number #1 in quality and looks by the way), Snark tuner, Crown Royal pouch full of picks, bars, and capo, spare strings, ()handle of Crown not really) and an assortment of paper work, Even has a built in hygrometer! Now not all Leaf cases will work, infact Elderly has one and they tried the Hook they have for sale but no way. I had never heard of Mark Leaf and he has not made these for several years but Hook owners put the word out and maybe you can find one. Actual weight of case, Hook and all that I mentioned is 29 lbs. Heavier than a Calton with a Horn for sure but Calton does not make one for the Hook yet. I have enough confidence in this case that I actually feel the largest female (any race or creed) bag handler could not put enough pressure under normal conditions to jar the prized contents!! I am jazzed about the HOOK, the LEAF and LIFE!!!

Gibson hound dog vs epiphone hound dog

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:22:27 CST

Hi, I am looking to buy one of those hound dogs , but I am wondering if anyone can tell me the quality difference between the two. One is made overseas and the Gibson is made here in the USA. The regular overseas made costs $349 and the deluxe version costs $499, but the Gibson costs about $1400. Is the price difference justified. Thanks.

Resolectric pickup options-mini hum or p90?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:35:06 CST

hi folks.looking at getting a National resolectric to complement my other Nat reso guitars. I dont want the piezo on the biscuit,and will use the hotplate system for the bridge pickup,but am debating on using a mini humbucker in the neck position instead of the Lollar P90. My reasoning on this is i dont like P90s in old gibsons,and i use floating mini hums on my archtop guitars.I am not chasing resonator tone,more electric/acoustic sound

Has anyone tried a mini humbucker on a resolectric?

Which finger picks and strings do you prefer?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:01:24 CST

Over the past 8 years of playing dobro, I have run into nothing short of misery when trying to deal with the local guitar shops for various accessories. With finger picks, I was stuck with what they had when I started and eventually got some Ernie Ball "pointed picks" (actually designed for banjo) and I like them very much. Because the end is more finely shaped I can be more accurate I think.

I am wondering if any of ya'll have a personal preference that you absolutely love, or if it's just a needed tool?

Also, the same laxidazical music shops DO NOT carry dobro/resonator strings. I finally found one in Lynn Haven where I live and I was super excited, only to find when I mounted the "Martin Resonator Strings" that they were nickel wound and did not provide half of the punch, volume and tone that the previous brass wound strings gave my reso.

THis is much more of an important issue. When I am at home, it isn't a huge deal because my practice/living room has the greatest acoustics imaginable. However, I have started playing again in a jam setting and I need all the help I can get for getting sound into the mic. Since I have noticed how much strings make a difference PLEASE let me know your feelings on the subject.

Thanks,

Freedom

Smith & Young Cone

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:18:44 CST

I received the Smith & Young cone and installed it in my Scheerhorn. After trying it out at practice, here's what I wrote to Eric Smith.

Hi Eric,

The first thing I noticed was that the cone has a richer sound than the Quarterman that was originally in the guitar. I guess you could say each string sounds fuller. What I really liked was that the high D isn't harsh as it once was. The final test was when I played the guitar at practice. While I was tuning, our banjo player said my guitar sounded different and asked me if it had the cone in it that I said was on it's way. If he could tell the difference, that made it a success. Looks like you have a winner on your hands and I'll be playing your cone for quite some time. Here's to your success.

Thanks again,

Don

EG Smith bar

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:59:41 CST

I can't tell from the photos, but does this bar have fairly sharp ends for good pull-offs or is it rounded?

Fred

OVER THE RAINBOW

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:55:54 CST

I just purchased "Over The Rainbow" TAB from Greg Booth, and as always it is excellent. I don't think a lot of folks know he does this, but those beautiful songs he posts, including "Over The RainBow", and one I bought from last year, "Christmas Song" are often available. He does not publicize it much.

Takes me a while to get them down, but I always learn a lot in the process, and have become a much better player as a result.

NICE!!!

Shifty

Beard Goldtone W-PBS

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:51:09 CST

Just curious if anyone knows what the W means.

I can't find any mention of it on the Beard web site. Thanks!

Recording King Lap

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:49:56 CST

Recording King RG-32 Lap Steel Guitar. How do you all feel about this model?

Thanks for your input, -Eric

Meredith Reso?

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:34:19 CST

Hey folks,

thanks for the help I got since I first posted on this site! Unfortunately, I still wasn't able to buy me a squareneck reso, and that's why I'm asking you to have a look at this ebay auction:

http://www.ebay.at/itm/MEREDITH-RESONATOR-GUITAR-DOBRO-SQUARE-NECK-/140675852750?pt=Gitarren&hash=item20c0ef29ce

I have never seen a Tooter Meredith guitar before, but compared to the pics I found on the net, it seems to be a real one - just an unbelievable price, don't you think? (I hope no one tries to beat my offer ). So: is this a true genuine Tooter Meredith guitar?

Thanks again!

GHS SF1650-semi flat strings

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:45:57 CST

Has anyone ever tried any of these strings on squareneck. Just curious to know what advantage if any the semi flat strings would have, and how they sound.

Kimbro

Which Capo for a Square-neck?

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:28:27 CST

I'm looking at Capos online, any opinions? the only one I was able to try is the older Sheerhorn, the bottom brass piece doesn't reach (touch) the fretboard, though it seemed to work okay, and I'm wondering if this is typical for squareneck capos.

Acoustic Controls 117 Combo Amp

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:47:48 CST

A bottleneck student brought an amp for show and tell that he picked up around 1980 when he was stationed in southern California. It was an Acoustic Controls Model 117 300W 1x12 all tube amp. Unlike all the other ACC amps of the era, this one was in a beautifully finished furniture grade hardwood cabinet instead of black tolex covered 3/4 inch plywood. It had the usual high, mid, and low tone nobs along with a 5-band /////eq slider just before the Master Volume. In the rear the 4 6L6 tubes glowed brightly, like the aliens had landed. The tone was fair, but my Lord that thing was loud. Our ears were well beyond the threshold of pain without any power tube clipping or musical distortion.

I just wonder if he has a collectable treasure, or a really heavy boat anchor. Have you seen one of these or are you familiar with ACC? I know they were well known for their bass stacks in the 70's, being played by some big name acts of the day; Zappa, Doors, Berry, Joni Mitchell, and others. Can't find enough info on it to determine a current price

Kelly

Scheerhorn reso raiser?,.

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:48:49 CST

Has anybody seen the unit from Tim Scheerhorn that clips on the back and raises the reso off the lap/knees and lets the wood move without dampening the sound ?, it was mentioned a few months ago on here,.cheers.ted.

Regal RD-30 ms

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 17:05:42 CST

Does anybody have one of these? If so... what do you think? Elderly had them but now they are unavailable.

http://www.sagamusic.com/catalog/details.aspx?ProductID=RD-30MS

I'm looking for a good campfire/travel guitar at that pricepoint.

Amistar Guitars?

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 11:23:02 CST

Anyone play one of these?

Made in the Czech Republic.

Definitely not cheap, but not $4k either.

i want to buy a resonator, help please!!

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 2 Jan 2012 07:13:43 CST

my last few lessons with my instructor have been focused on open tunings with bottle neck slide. stuff like travelling riverside blues, as covered by led zep. i really like the sound of the slide. should i worry about undue wear of the frets, strings etc on my acoustic if i keep playing slide? the next logical step is to buy a round neck resonator. i have played in the past a national el trovador (mike dowling's very own!), a friend's estrellita and some others. buy i am looking to spend under $1000. i would hope some of you out there in the reso cloud could offer up some models i could look at and test play. there is a guitar center and an alpha music store here in town. thanks ahead of time for your input and a very happy and prosperous new year to all you resomaniacs!

Dobro Picks

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:19:21 CST

I have stainless steel fingerpicks and a plastic thumb pick. I'm a beginner and it seems that my picks are noisy when I first touch the dobro strings. I wonder if I need different picks. Would like reccommendations for best quality picks for dobro. Thanx, Denise

EG Smith Bar from Greg Boyd

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:15:51 CST

Just got my EG Smith bar from Greg yesterday... (he has to have the fastest postage meter anywhere!!!) and I really like everything about it. I had sort of expected to have to do some fine polishing but I don't see any problems. For me the size, weight and form are all ideal and I can't say enough good stuff about both the bar and Greg's service. Sure is easy to hang on to and pull-offs are super clean!

Joel

GM capo?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:59:57 CST

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/GMRGC2.htm

Has anyone tried one of these? I'm looking around at new capos. Like with everything else, I'm skeptical of changing things that work well for me. These appear to be adjustable in a few ways. If anyone has any insight or comments, I'd love to read about them.

Right now, I'm using the Flux capo and the Bradley. They're both very simple, and "me like simple!"

If this is covered somewhere else, I apologize for not thoroughly searching.

Geoff

Instrument Advice for a Newbie

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:13:27 CST

You folks have probably answered this question in one form or another a hundred times, so here goes 101...

Just getting started playing a reso. Still looking for an instrument, actually.

I play electric and acoustic guitar, so I want to stay with a round-neck, 14-frets to the body.

I think I want a wood body. Perceived warmer tone, plus I like the looks of wood.

Other than the legal requirement that the biscuit bridge construction had to be changed due to patent rights, what's the real difference between a biscuit bridge and a spider bridge as far as tone goes? Most internet sound clips don't do the instruments justice so I'm looking for advice and opinions from experienced players.

Also, can you recommend a decent instrument - looking for a narrow neck. I know that's not typical for a reso, but since I'm comfortable with electric guitars I want to stay as close as practical to the same feel. I play a Taylor acoustic as my only acoustic guitar. It has a fairly narrow neck for an acoustic.

I know about the $400-$600 stuff, Republic, Regal, Fender, Dobro/Hound Dog, Epiphone, Samick, etc.

I know about Goldtone, Wechter, and Hot Rod probably being the next level up before getting into custom guitars (Harlow, Beard, Crafters of Tennessee, etc.) and Nationals.

What am I missing?

I guess I need to decide on a biscuit bridge or spider bridge if the tones are radically different. Any info on the differences would be greatly appreciated.

I'm seriously considering a Samick due to their reputation building decent, inexpensive acoustic and electric guitars and basses. Nothing great, but they don't build junk either. This would get me going until I decided what I really want to spend serious money on.

Thanks in advance.

Introduce Myself

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 19:06:13 CST

Hi, I'm Randy H, a new member and a new player. I just ordered a "cheap" square neck from MF but that's about all the budget would allow. If I don't like it I'll send it back and save up for something else. I've also shot Troy B. an email about getting some lessons downloaded. I haven't exactly caught the bluegrass bug yet but I'm interested in the blues and some contemporary christian music. I would like to learn how to play such music and play and sing in a church setting and maybe some assisted living centers. I will need some advice on picks, a slide for my short index finger, a strap, etc. This is all new to me, but I am excited for the new beginning. This looks like a nice place to hang out.

Bluegrass and Hawaiian?

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:12:26 CST

I'm looking to get a square neck resonator, primarily for traditional/bluegrass music; I'd also like to experiment

with Hawaiian style steel playing. Is there a guitar that can accommodate both these styles? My price limit is around

$350-400. Guitars I'm considering (despite the lack of reviews) are the Morgan Monroe Black Voodoo and

the Recording King Tricone Metal Resonator. Any opinions? Thanks,

Aengus

AXL Dobro

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:34:34 CST

I'm a banjo player with very little knowledge of dobros. Being G tuning similar to 5 string banjo I thought I could just pick it up and play it.

I have just bought a dobro with AXL on the peghead. I have never heard of this make before on any musical instrument. Does anyone have any information on it. It has an all metal body, round neck. I have raised the nut with a steel nut raiser because it was used as a conventional guitar. I am also looking for a capo of a type I have not seen for a long time. It fits under and over the strings, 3 little arms, it does not have any contact with the back of the neck.

Bill.O
http://www.motleyminstrels.co.uk
http://www.elohim-gods.co.uk

For Stamped Cone And Short Spider Lovers

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:59:14 CST

Here you go.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1930S-DOBRO-PARTS-1936-STAMPED-PAN-AND-SHORT-SPIDER-/190618518710?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2c61bfc4b6