Reso Hangout - Product Reviews and Shopping Advice Forum Feed

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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!!!

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.

Rayco

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

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

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!

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?

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.

Pickups When Not Needed

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:44:33 CST

I am seeing that pickups are being installed in almost every new Beard guitar. I have no need for a pickup. How many here use a pickup? What is the down side besides extra expense? Any real upside? Thoughts?

I don’t think this is legit.

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:19:12 CST

topmusicmarket.com/product/bea...t-bridge/

Does this sound like a good sound rig?

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:42:21 CST

Fishman Nashville pickup into a Tone deq into a jerry douglas aura spectrum into a fishman loudbox artist?

Please explain the various reso sizes

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:24:12 CST

I see references to R models and E models. Not sure if there’s more. Do they equate fairly well to established Martin sizes such as D, OM, 000, etc?

Reso mandos: metal versus wood bodies

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:06:55 CST

Hi!

I've been searching the web for months looking for a metal resonator mandolin — especially a nickel/brass instrument. I want it for busking, farmers markets, and other unplugged outdoor occasions.

And I can't afford an old National. So the pickin's are slim, and the few sellers out there don't return my emails and phone calls. Not confidence-inspiring. I did talk to an employee at one shop who said they couldn't sell it now because — get this! — they were out of packing peanuts.

Meanwhile, there are several okay deals out there on Dobro mandolins.

My question: Am I likely to be happy with the sound — especially the volume — of a wood-body Dobro mando? They don't seem to move fast online, so it would be hard to sell it if I'm not happy with it.

Trying one in person isn't an option. So: Take a chance on a Dobro mando, or just sit tight till a metal mandolin comes along?

I'm posting the same question at Mandolin Cafe.

Thanks!

Dobro Strap What Do I Need

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 07:43:31 CST

Brand new dobro player looking for strap. What would you recommend?

Will spend what I have to but would prefer to not spend more than I need to!

Thanks

unknown resonator?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 8 Jan 2026 16:58:04 CST

Hi folks, new to the forum and I have a question about a resonator guitar I just got. Firstly I am new to these so I know very little about them. Anyways the one I have has no markings anywhere that I could find and I cannot locate anything that looks like it. The headstock looks to be a danelectro shape but I can't confirm that it is. I have attached some pictures. If anyone can tell me anything about it I would appreciate it very much, thanks in advance, Cheers,

Clinesmith, rosewood and spruce

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:16:38 CST

I am in the process acquiring a 2009 rosewood and spruce Clinesmith in nice shape. My current guitar is an 80’s OMI Dobro and the difference the two in sound quality and volume is pretty dramatic. Very handsome guitar too.

Can anybody tell me anything about these guitars? I am a standard fingerpicker, but I have a ’27 National square neck style 1 and a Weissenborn, and I enjoy slide guitar quite a bit, but I am by no means an accomplished Dobro/bluegrass player. I play in an Americana band as well as solo. I have a hipshot on the old Dobro that will migrate to the Clinesmith.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.
Rob

Help to interpret instrument serial number

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 9 Nov 2025 17:53:53 CST

I have a very nice All metal Duolian Resophonic and I'd like help intepretting the code on the head stock.
#M1145990D I think it's a 1990 model but I am not sure. I bought it used in about 1993 or 1994. It's in near new condition with a case and I am interested in selling it. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Value of National-built Scheerhorn Rob Ickes

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 5 Nov 2025 07:47:49 CST

I recently bought a collection of instruments and part of it was a National-built Scheerhorn Rob Ickes model. I think it's one of the more interesting pieces in the set so I may end up keeping it for myself. Still, I'd appreciate any insight as to what it might be worth.

Here's some pictures of it https://imgur.com/a/yNCgqYn

Best Pick for a Pick Flinger

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 1 Nov 2025 09:19:02 CST

Hey all. The inevitable happened last night. I knocked over my Slyde Compartment trying to grab my picks for the next song. Everything went flying. When all was gathered, one of my adored Acri brass fingerpicks was nowhere to be found. Used my spare picks to finish the set, and just figured I'd order some replacements.

Oops... Turns out I can't find them for sale anywhere. That's an unfortunate turn of events.

You see, I'm a pick flinger. I'd like to have more finesse in my right hand, but I don't. I have tried National, Dunlop, Propik, etc. None would stay on my fingers. I tried Perfect Touch, but I couldn't get them to work. Landis Studios (RIP Ron) has not started making the Stickies yet. And Gorilla Snot/rosin is just too much of a mess when I switch instruments.

The Acris are the only ones that worked for me.

So, for you similarly heavy handed players: What picks do you use? And do you do anything to keep them them on? I'm not quite ready for the Bashful Brother Oswald technique (put the picks on, lay my fingers on the table, and hammer them tight with a 7 ounce bullet bar - I watched him do it!). Thanks for the input, I haven't had to buy picks in 15 years!

National estralita

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:27:33 CST

Are these guitars well thought of?
I was thinking of buying one
I was looking at a 2007

Goldtone dynamic mic

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 05:43:19 CST

Pickers,
Thinking of picking up a Goldtone dynamic mic, any opinions? or suggestions?
Thanks

Recording King Guitars

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:32:40 CST

Do you have any current news about Recording King ? There site no longer has any YouTube videos that I can find of their dobros. Do they have a new website that you can direct me to ?

dobro strap locks

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:18:50 CST

First time posting, well at least first time in decades.

A strap failure due to operator error, resulted in several cracks in my dobro top. My strap is tied to the neck above the nut. The other end is over the output jack button. My strap had gotten twisted so I twisted it at the output jack button. I'm guessing I needed another half turn and the strap pulled off.

Playing horizontally, the only thing holding the dobro is the strap so I'm going get a strap lock. I wear my strap even while playing seated, so ease of removal would be nice it's secondary. Suggestions please and thanks.

Andrew

Need Flight Case Options for Square Neck OMI Dobro.

eric@resohangout.com — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:23:04 CST

I need to fly with my good old 1970s square-neck OMI Dobro so I need a good case. (I'm worried about using my original case.) What are some good options that won't break the bank?

Case to fit the Recording King Phil Ledbetter Resonator

eric@resohangout.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:56:54 CST

Please suggest a case that will fit Thanks

Travel lap dobro???? guitarlele? mini Dobro? reso ukulele?

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 7 Aug 2025 10:09:44 CST

Looking for creative ideas for a small and lightweight lap dobro (acoustic or electric)?

I've wondered about lightweight lap steel, guitarlele, reso uke, mini dobro, etc?

--Doug

Help identifying this resonator guitar - LTD. V

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 11:42:52 CST

Hi, new here and hoping someone might be able to shed a little light on this guitar a friend bought yesterday. It was picked up from a charity shop on impulse, not super cheap but not expensive either. We're curious to know a bit about it but Google is drawing a complete blank on it. Not a single mention or photo of another guitar of this make. The best I can ascertain is it looks very similar to a MIJ Condor, but that's about it. Aside from the 'Ltd. V' logo on the headstock there are no other identifiers on it.

I suspect it's a fairly modest model, possibly Japanese, but that's just conjecture. I can say that the neck on it is absolutely lovely, nice and slim and the action is easy under the fingers. It has Gotoh machine heads, holds tune perfectly and it's a pleasure to play. I'm not sure the tone is particularly special, but it sounds fine. It has its share of minor dings but it's not a wreck by any means.

That's about all I've got on it. If anyone has seen a similar one or recognises it we'd love to learn a bit more. Apologies in advance if this is the wrong part of the forum to ask this!

Thanks for reading :)

Tut Taylor

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 17:11:01 CST

We are looking to purchase a Tut Taylor resophonic guitar from a friend.
Would like to know a value, but having a hard time finding any info online.
I cannot find any identifying information on the guitar; model# or year.
Just has a label on headstock saying “Tut Taylor “
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Which model of Blue Chip dobro pick do you like best? for lap steel too?

eric@resohangout.com — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:26:56 CST

Curious which model of Blue Chip dobro pick is your favorite for Dobro and why. I just broke my L20 which I liked but I don't have anything to compare it to because I started playing a couple of months ago.

Also, curious if you like the same model for lap steel because I play that too?

National: Raw vs Style 1 Tricone

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:16:45 CST

Hi, I am looking for my first resonator and am grudgingly coming to the conclusion that I really do think nationals sound better then cheaper options. At least on headphones I like the sounds of brass body tricones the best, but none are local. There are raw and style 1 versions available online. Do they sound different or are the differences mostly cosmetic? Thank you!

Button Bender

eric@resohangout.com — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:27:40 CST

Hey all! I’ve recently developed a product that bends a single string a whole or half step for Squarenecks/Roundnecks. It fits in the palm of your hand while playing and is easily transferred to different strings or different instruments with no permanent modification to your instrument. If it interests you check it out at buttonbender.com or look up the button bender facebook page.

Fiberglass/wood reso?

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 06:37:48 CST

I saw some interesting posts about the fiberglass Melobro and folks said they sounded awesome. Curious if anyone is still making fiberglass and wood resos?

Trinity River Squareneck Reviews??? Anyone played one? Is stock case OK?

eric@resohangout.com — Fri, 30 May 2025 10:30:42 CST

Anyone played a Trinity Square Neck Reso? What are your opinions or reviews of these?

Also, is the stock case that comes with these good quality.

I need a case for my other reso and someone is selling the guitar and case used for a similar price to a new reso case? I'm wondering about the quality of the case and if the reso would be reasonable for a backup or travel or to be used as my 2nd reso in other tuning

Thank you, Doug

Bourbon Street Triolian

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 11 May 2025 15:02:19 CST

Hi folks, I'm a newb here, so apologies if I get anything wrong. I've done my searches but found nothing on the forums.... does anyone have or have they played a Bourbon Street 3c-nc brass with cutaway? I don't expect (given the price, that they're astoundingly good, but I don't have any info to go on otherwise. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Paul Franklin Signature National fingerpicks

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 3 May 2025 13:17:09 CST

I recently saw Paul Franklin on YouTube talking about finger picks he helped design with D'Addario. Here's the video link: Paul Franklin Signature National Fingerpicks You can look at them on D'Addario's site, here.

The main thing Paul wanted was to have picks that omit the hole in the face of the pick near where your fingertip frequently lives because he frequently would accidentally hit a string with the edge of that hole. This immediately appealed to me because I do that, too. So I bought a set of these to try them out, and I have tried them.

These picks, aside from omitting the hole, are noticeably stiffer than picks I am used to using. I typically have used ProPik fingerpicks, which are stiffer than the Dunlops I have used in the past, but they are not as stiff as these Franklin picks. I worried, coming from ProPiks, that they would get a good purchase on my fingers but I played a 2 hour jam with them and had no issues with them wanting to come off. I will probably do some minute adjustments with pliers but they seem pretty good as is.

Overall, I really like these new picks. If you're annoyed by the hole in most picks, you might want to give these a try.

Cheers,
--Joe

Help - No serial number Dobro identification

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:25:19 CST

Hey Friends, just picked this instrument up and wondering if you could provide any information on it. No serial numbers of any kind on it. The only other dobro I find this kind of resonator plate on is a 1930’s metal body. Case is very old and has an old slide. The paint on the back of the headstock seems odd too. The tailpiece has no aging and looks new. If this is an old instrument it must have sat under a bed for many years. Any help is appreciated!

Roundneck purchase advice for beginner?

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 22:38:10 CST

Hello all. Joined the forum today and this is my first post.

2 years ago, I learned that the sound I've loved my whole life came from a resonator. And so, after a 15 year hiatus from playing (only ever on my dad's old Yamaha acoustic), I entered the guitar market. Guitar friends dissuaded me from purchasing a resonator, saying it was too niche and a one-trick-pony. So, I bought a Telecaster & tube amp instead (loved both, but - unaccustomed to electric - felt like there was a barrier between me and music with amp, etc.). I then swung wildly to the other direction (largely inspired by great advice on this forum), purchasing a fantastic Beard squareneck whose tone and looks I absolutely *adored.* However, I found it really hard to get used to playing lap style, not fully understanding that I'd signed up to learn a new instrument. So, I made the tough decision to consign the instrument, subsequently buying a lovely slope-shouldered dreadnought from US-builder, Iris Guitars (love acoustic, but finding dreadnought body too large).

Trouble is, I can't stop thinking about the resonator - and find myself listening constantly to Charlie Parr, Buffalo Nichols, and Kelly Joe Phelps. None of them sound "niche" to me, they just sound amazing and I love it. These artists have pointed me toward Mule and National, and I've previous experience with Beard, whose build quality and finish I found excellent. I'd like to play blues, alt-country, folk...and learn fingerstyle and slide.

I'm lucky to be close to several incredible guitar stores in Toronto, Canada - including Folkway Music and The Twelfth Fret - who are dealers for National and Beard. My preference is to buy used. I've researched Mule and love their vibe, but am having trouble justifying a guitar I've never tried personally. The honest reality is that I'm 48 years old, a beginner, and looking to jump back into the instrument for the love of the music. 90% of the time this is going to be me playing solo on my couch and singing. When I gain confidence and skill, perhaps playing with friends. I'm hoping to purchase one exceptional instrument, get to know it, and stick with it.

Rather than hop into another ill-fated purchase, I'd welcome your collective expertise and guidance. What are the questions I ought to be asking myself? What is the "decision tree" here?

Thank you so much for any direction you can offer.

-Andrew

Super Slide Tone Bar

eric@resohangout.com — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 15:21:36 CST

I know the subject of tone bars has been beat to death but I ordered and recieved a Super Slide Tone Bar ( based on Charlie,s Bar) about a week ago. Like most of us I have tried about every bar out there and have a drawer full! I used a Beard 20/10 (chrome) and a Scheerhorn (stainless steel) and like both of them. The Scheerhorn has been my go to bar for quite a while. The Super Slide felt great as soon as I picked it up, bigger all around, taller and heavier than the others but is the same length. There is a fuller tone thats hard to explain, maybe from the extra weight. The edges are super sharp and give very poppy pull offs. So far I'm very pleased. This is my knew "go to" bar. Here is the link to their website.

thesuperslidetonebar.com/?fbcl...d4fapjdtw

deco 27 or 57

eric@resohangout.com — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 17:21:05 CST

Pickers, looking at two beards at gryphon, a deco 27 and 57, I would like an "E" legacy but my wallet says know. any opinions or advice. The videos on you tube seems like the 27 is more focused? but is a 57 really that much bigger sounding (E series)?