I love the sound of the dobro and would like to get into playing it. I am looking for any and all advice that anyone would like to give me. I'd like to know of some of the best beginning books out there to get me started as well as a good beginning instrument? I'd like to play mostly bluegrass and blues.Thanks. 

Well first things first to the hangout. We will need to know your budget before we make any suggestions. Be honest and tell us the most you are willing to spend. Now without a doubt your best bet is to start with Troy Brenningmeyer at http://www.lessonswithtroy.com/dobro_lessons/  look on the top left and you will see his beginner offerings. You can spend whatever fits your pocketbook and needs. His "Dobro for the Complete Beginner" is only $6.95 or he has some packages. The great thing about him is you can get what you want specifically. Say your having problems with hammer on's or pull off's, slants, scales, chords etc etc or maybe you just want some songs to play. It's all there. Troy is a contributing member here helping anyone and everyone. He has had 3 free workshops on UStream and he is totally accessible by e-mail or even phone. He is a great guy and an excellent instructor. He also offers Skype lessons. Another one you may try maybe a little lateer is Jimmy Heffernan and outstanding player, good teacher and all around fun guy. He too offers online Skype lessons. There are several others as you progress that do as well. When you need them just ask. Good luck to you.

I would say that the most that I could spend would be about $300. I don't need anything fancy. I have never played a dobro or lap guitar or anything like that but I am looking for a quality instrument, not a piece of junk. I have been seeing some used ones around the internet anywhere from $150 to about $350. I am thinking of getting one of those. Brands include; Recording King, Morgan Monroe, and Hound Dog. What should I be looking for when purchasing? Is there anything that is a must have? Anything totally unnecessary? 

I started with a Fender Roundneck and added a nut raiser and went to town. I concur with Grizz's suggestions for instruction. Get to a Heff workshop at your earliest convenience.

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Originally posted by grizzlyadams

I would say that the most that I could spend would be about $300. I don't need anything fancy. I have never played a dobro or lap guitar or anything like that but I am looking for a quality instrument, not a piece of junk. I have been seeing some used ones around the internet anywhere from $150 to about $350. I am thinking of getting one of those. Brands include; Recording King, Morgan Monroe, and Hound Dog. What should I be looking for when purchasing? Is there anything that is a must have? Anything totally unnecessary? 

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In my opinion, "quality instrument" and "$300" do not belong in the same discussion.  That being said, many folks start out with instruments in that price range.  The problem I see with instruments in that price range is they can range from useable to junk.  Even the useable ones will greatly benefit from a good setup and upgraded hardware.  If you are careful to get one that built well and get it set up well, you will have a  serviceable beginner's instrument. 

Dave

Yes... Useable is the word. Any suggestions on a good useable instrument in that price range? Thanks Dave.

In that price range it is a SWAG. There is no better or worse. What I would to is look for a used one that has already been "hot rodded"  meaning upgrades have already been done. This is NOT like an acoustic guitar. What Dave said is a fact, a cold hard fact. You most likely have to invest money in anything you buy with this budget to even make it sound acceptable,  unless you hit the Reso lotto which is highly unlikely. And even then the rest of the hardware will in fact be inferior. Tuners, cover plate, tail piece. Remember the old adage "you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear" and "you get what you pay for". Unederstand I personally would like to see you get something rather than not have anything but what has been said is the truth. Now you also said you like to play bluegrass and blues so I assume your talking about a square neck, am I correct with this assumption?

Edited by - Grizz on 07/25/2012 17:24:09

I have a Morgan Monroe. I love it.

Squareneck yes. And I could possibly be into spending up to $500. I have been scouring ads for used ones.

I've wanted to play dobro ever since Flat & Scruggs were on tv in black & white.  When I finally got around to shopping for one,  I had $500 to spend.  Not really knowledgeable about the instrument I felt I was going out on a limb.  I bought a new Fender squareneck from a local music store.  It was the only one they had.  The sound isn't bad for a beginner instrument.  Naturally, I hope to buy a better quality instrument someday but plan to keep this one and maybe take to a luthier to hot rod.  I've been trying to learn for a couple years now & with limited practice time have made some progress.  I'm still watching Troy's freebie lessons on youtube.  Having the right accessories has been a plus.  I started out with a stevens tonebar that a friend gave me but it wasn't right for me so I bought a lapdawg and I'm making more progress with it.  Also, having the right picks, etc helps.  I don't know what sort of strings it had when I bought it but my son put guitar strings on and I liked that better.  Think I'll try some resonator strings next.  If you buy an instrument and are not happy with it, you can always sell it and look for something else.  You can usually catch used ones for sale in the classifieds that are good buys.  Often there's nothing wrong with them, the seller just loses interest or needs the money more, etc. 

This from Brad Bechtel

Gretsch finally updated their website to include their new line of resophonic guitars (Ampli-Sonic).

http://gretschguitars.com/products/rootscollection

I saw them at Guitar Showcase in Campbell, CA. They're very nice looking instruments and sound pretty good, much better than the Fender resonator guitars. They are made in China, but seem to have better workmanship and design. Prices are very competitive with other inexpensive instruments. I didn't try plugging the Bobtail guitar in, so I can't comment on the Fishman Nashville series pickup.

You will note the 9210 shows a retail of $599 but there are several new ones on flea bay selling for $359.with free shipping. Sounds like a good deal. It comes with a lifetime warranty as well. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gretsch-G9210-Boxcar-Square-Neck-Resonator-Guitar-Ultimate-Package-/261054308076?pt=Guitar&hash=item3cc80c9eec  The other thing is to be patient and wait for maybe a used Gold Tone set up by Beard, but even those will probably exceed your $500 budget. There have been substantial increases in the cost of these instruments new, therefore sellers of used ones will be taking advantage of that fact I am sure. However it is a buyers market. I hate chinese products and I always recommend American made but your budget just will not cover it.

Edited by - Grizz on 07/26/2012 06:22:01