Tariq - Posted - 09/26/2008:  14:15:24

Hello

I'm Tariq from Norway. I'm a big fan of bluegrass music, have been for a long time, and I've wanted to play dobro since the first time I heard it. I am a professional musician, and play som lap steel (allthough guitars are not my mein instrument), and now I plan to buy my first dobro. But... as I said, I live in Norway, and here the choice and knowledge of dobro's are limited. Of course everything can be ordered through a shop, but I'm thinking why not buy directly from someone who has actual knowledge about the instrument? And it's also cheaper to buy in the US. I'm hoping you can help me with what dobro to buy? I want an instrument I can be happy with for years as I (hopefully) improve, so I'm prepared to spend $1000-1500, $2000 tops. Squareneck is what I want, not roundneck. I also need recommendation of which shop (preferably one with a website) to buy from. Caring people that will not rip me off, and make sure that the instrument are well set up before it ships. I'm using a Shubb SP1 steel when I play lapsteel, but that feels a bit long, so recommendations about steel are also welcome.
Hope someone can give me advice about this.

All the best

Tariq

Square Neck - Posted - 09/26/2008:  15:10:36

Tariq,

A lot of good info was just written in this thread............

resohangout.com/forum/topic.as...C_ID=4809

And this one!

resohangout.com/forum/topic.as...C_ID=5037

Feel free to ask more after reading it!!

<*)))>{

Edited by - Square Neck on 09/26/2008 15:15:01

bris48 - Posted - 09/26/2008:  20:26:59

Hey Tarig,
First off WELCOME to the ResoHangout
Get intouch with Steve Smith at
redlineresophonics.com
He is making some really fine entry level $950.00 (Rambler)
up to and beyond $3,000.00 Resos...
Check out my photo album I have #2 it is a Solid mahogany Gold Hardware.
Tell him Bobby sent you ....OBTW ,,I get no commission I just believe in his Reso's
And as far a what steel to use ....I have tried several and have found the Scheerhorn Stainless Steel is the best for me and one that you should at least try
NUFF SAID
Bobby


RedLine Resohead

jwstahl - Posted - 09/28/2008:  05:30:15

Tariq,

I'm a beginner also and I got a great deal on a Regal RD40 as my first dobro. At my dobro guru's insistence, I replaced the cone, spider, and bridge with Beard parts. The Regal sounds fine, but for the same amount of money I could have (and should have) bought a Gold Tone PBS. Check them out at:

beardguitars.com/guitargoldtonepbs.html and
bluegrasscenter.com/gt_dobro1.html

I've dealt with both shops and they're completely trustworthy.

As for steels, I use a Lap Dawg or a Shubb-Pearse #3. I can't tell the difference between them - maybe I will as I get better. A lot of guys prefer the expensive Tiptons and Scheerhorns.

PS - I agree with Bris that the RedLines look pretty good also.

Good luck,
John

Edited by - jwstahl on 09/28/2008 05:32:29