Newtoresos2020 - Posted - 07/23/2020:  18:09:48

First of all, I'm completely new to this forum. I've seen some posts and apparently a lot of people here are more into square necks, and probably not the sort of straight bluesy stuff that incorporates some fretting in addition to slide, so maybe this is the wrong place to ask, but I'm none the less giving it a shot. So, for the past year and some months, I've been heavy into prewar blues. I've been noodling some fingerstyle, piedmont style stuff on a cheap electric epiphone for a while and learned some parts of my favorite songs, but I want to get serious and get something "acoustic." I at first did not care much about the type of guitar I'm playing, but I've recently set my eyes on resonators. One of my favorite prewar blues guys, Blind Boy Fuller, played what looked like a steel "duolian" resonator. At any rate, I'd love to have something like that at some point to really capture his sound. He's not the only guy I like though. He might not even be my 1#. The majority of the dudes I really dig are:

Barbecue Bob (Played an acoustic 12 string), Charley Patton (Played an acoustic parlor), Blind Willie Mctell (Played an acoustic 12 string), Blind Blake (I'm not sure, but either some sort of "standard" acoustic or acoustic parlor, I didn't look into what he's holding in that photo or if he actually even played that), and Blind Lemon Jefferson (Pretty sure an acoustic parlor, at least based on the photo). I can also definitely get into Bukka White and Son House (Two prominent reso players) but they're definitely secondary in thought. Basically, resonators sound (And look) good to me right now, but a good chunk of the guys I get into used standard, wooden acoustics. My question pretty much is: Just how not-versatile are these guitars in terms of sound? Would getting a wood body or a steel body change the range of styles I can play on it? Is that anything to even worry about? I've looked up videos of how these sort of guitars sound. Obviously, National is out of this world and I could totally see those being versatile enough with as smooth of a sound as they have, but as I said in the title, I'm on a relatively tight budget for these type of guitars, and Nationals are out of the question. The price of Republic's metallic guitars are honestly as high as I'd ever consider at the moment. And basically, that's where I'm at with resonators. I'm on the edge of my seat between Republic and the slightly cheaper Gretsch. On one hand, I'd be spending either $740 bucks for Republic's metal body guitars - $550-600 for Republic's wood body guitars, or $650 bucks for a metal Gretsch - $430 for a wooden Gretsch. Basically, what's the best entry level guitar? I could probably find a Gretsch at my local Guitar Center and test it out, not a Republic though. I'd strictly have to order online and could only judge it first hand after purchasing it. All in all, I'm looking for some informed thoughts. Should I even get a resonator based on what I intend to do? If so, what brand is better? Are the $550-740 Republic's worth it or should I just settle for a cheaper Gretsch? Should I go wood or metal body? And this is kind of a bonus, but what the heck is the quality and/or sound difference between a "duolian" and a "resolian"? The duolians on Republic seem to have a bulkier build, while the resolians seem a bit slimmer. Is that it? Is sound affected at all? Also, the only wood "resolians" are referred to as "triolians" and weigh two pounds heavier than the metal duolians or resolians. Why is this? What is a triolian?

And almost forgot: But would you even recommend a tricone? Only guy I know who played a tricone was Kansas Joe McCoy.

Edit: Also, what is the weight like for these things? Heaviest instrument I held is my peavey bass. I don't know how much it weighs, but it's a full scale bass and apparently, basses average about 8.5-9.5 pounds, and Republic's reso's are 8.5 pounds, so I assume it will be unnoticeable. I'm not the biggest fella but can muscle through things, and when I first got my bass, the weight was noticable, but it kept feeling lighter and lighter each time I played and now it's nothing to pick up and balance on my leg.  but I've read in a few places reso's can be very heavy. What's the consensus? 

Edited by - Newtoresos2020 on 07/23/2020 18:37:35

Three_Eyed_Willy - Posted - 07/23/2020:  21:06:48

First thing -- where are you located? It's always a good idea to play an instrument, or at least one like it, before you buy it. I have a Gretsch Boxcar metal body square neck, which I really like. For the price it's a decent sounding instrument. I also have a Republic tricone squareneck that I really like.

My erstwhile teacher played a lot of slide blues guitar. One afternoon, he played some slide blues for me on a National wood body round neck tricone, and to tell you the truth, it sounded magnificent. The Republic instruments are decent. They aren't Nationals, but they don't cost as much as a National. You might find a Republic wood body tricone to your liking.

Newtoresos2020 - Posted - 07/23/2020:  23:10:27

quote:

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Originally posted by Three_Eyed_Willy

First thing -- where are you located? It's always a good idea to play an instrument, or at least one like it, before you buy it. I have a Gretsch Boxcar metal body square neck, which I really like. For the price it's a decent sounding instrument. I also have a Republic tricone squareneck that I really like.



My erstwhile teacher played a lot of slide blues guitar. One afternoon, he played some slide blues for me on a National wood body round neck tricone, and to tell you the truth, it sounded magnificent. The Republic instruments are decent. They aren't Nationals, but they don't cost as much as a National. You might find a Republic wood body tricone to your liking.

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Midwest. I haven't checked it out yet, but there's definitely a Guitar Center near me, and I don't doubt they sell the Gretsch. I'll definitely make time to check in. I already checked for dealers on Republic and there are none in my state, and from what I remember, theres no way I'm traveling to any state that has them any time soon. I also had my eye on both the triolian mahogany stain and the highway 61 for a while, but then I started considering metal bodies. I think I'm just gonna go with the wood body. Cheaper, and if I'm being completely honest, it's a much livelier design, even though the metallic's are good in that regard in their own right. I'm curious though as to why you recommend a tricone? I mostly hear they have more sustain, and I know of one guy who said they're pretty versatile in comparison to the single cones. Is that accurate? I could find only one video of someone playing the woody tricone but I definitely like what I hear. To be honest, that might be the one I settle on. Plus, that plate design in addition to the holes is probably the coolest thing I've seen on a guitar so far.

Edited by - Newtoresos2020 on 07/23/2020 23:11:48

Three_Eyed_Willy - Posted - 07/24/2020:  08:37:30

My tricone has a deeper sound than my spider. It's kind of a throatier sound. As far as the amount of sustain is concerned, that can be a matter of set up. I took up the dobro fairly late. I've been playing 5-string banjo for more than 50 years. I developed a neural problem in my left hand which led me to take up dobro.

In November, my wife and I dropped by a local vintage guitar store to look at squarenecks. They had only the Gretsch Boxcar metal body. However, it had a really good sound for a relatively cheap guitar. I ordered the Republic in March, just after the beginning of the shutdown.

If you order a Republic tricone, get them to do the "mushroom modification" on it. It frees up the back so it vibrates more freely.

2BUCKS - Posted - 07/24/2020:  11:08:35

I'm also new to round neck Reso. As I was researching possibilities I found this maker. I'm still researching reviews so I can't give you much info other than they use some imported parts but are assembled in California. There are some sound demo's for some of the guitars on the site that sound pretty good.

(disclaimer)

imperialguitars.com/product-ca...485ae434a

Newtoresos2020 - Posted - 07/24/2020:  12:18:08

quote:

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Originally posted by Three_Eyed_Willy

My tricone has a deeper sound than my spider. It's kind of a throatier sound. As far as the amount of sustain is concerned, that can be a matter of set up. I took up the dobro fairly late. I've been playing 5-string banjo for more than 50 years. I developed a neural problem in my left hand which led me to take up dobro.



In November, my wife and I dropped by a local vintage guitar store to look at squarenecks. They had only the Gretsch Boxcar metal body. However, it had a really good sound for a relatively cheap guitar. I ordered the Republic in March, just after the beginning of the shutdown.



If you order a Republic tricone, get them to do the "mushroom modification" on it. It frees up the back so it vibrates more freely.

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What exactly goes into that (The mushroom modification)? Do they remove or add something, and does it affect anything else? How does freer vibration affect the sound overall? I'm assuming it's going to cost extra, so how far is it going to go over the solid $600 plus shipping? And how do I ask for that? Do I just email them?

Three_Eyed_Willy - Posted - 07/24/2020:  13:21:38

There are three mushroom shaped wooden plugs that fit between the neck shaft that goes through the whole body and the back of the guitar. If they are moved to the ends of the neck shaft, the back vibrates more freely. They did this for me without charge. It may be a standard modification now. It's a very simple task. Takes only a couple of minutes.



I spoke to them on the phone. However, I asked for the mod via the person I purchased it from, so he called Republic and told them to expect a call from me. They may actually be doing this as a matter of course on their instruments now.

Edited by - Three_Eyed_Willy on 07/24/2020 13:32:03

Wildeman - Posted - 07/25/2020:  17:52:09

My Tricone was a new 2019 and didn't have the mushroom mod, does now though.
The only reason more blues guys didn't play Tricones imo is the cost, few things sound better or look better. Get the republic tri if you can, its excellent.

Wildeman - Posted - 07/27/2020:  02:50:59

quote:

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Originally posted by 2BUCKS

I'm also new to round neck Reso. As I was researching possibilities I found this maker. I'm still researching reviews so I can't give you much info other than they use some imported parts but are assembled in California. There are some sound demo's for some of the guitars on the site that sound pretty good.

(disclaimer)

imperialguitars.com/product-ca...485ae434a

I'm of the opinion that those and the Republics, also a few other brands, are made by the same factory in China. Aiersi, they state on their website that they make OEM for several companies but dont name names. Looking closely at the instruments has me convinced.

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bluetele - Posted - 07/28/2020:  18:06:20

To OP @Newtoresos. Thanks for you mention Of Son House and the other greats from the early Blues. Going back to my roots. And I got my advice here and have owned my Republic for about a week. Nice case, perfect setup, but the main thing is sound. Enjoy your journey! You made mine better.

Newtoresos2020 - Posted - 08/01/2020:  19:49:37

quote:

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Originally posted by bluetele

To OP @Newtoresos. Thanks for you mention Of Son House and the other greats from the early Blues. Going back to my roots. And I got my advice here and have owned my Republic for about a week. Nice case, perfect setup, but the main thing is sound. Enjoy your journey! You made mine better.

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No problem man! I'm glad you had a good experience with these guitars. I still have yet to buy my reso, and it's always good to hear good things before you buy. I'm definitely narrowing it down, and I'm thinking of going steel and getting that sunburst finish. Plus, Bob Brozman may have officially put me onto the "tricone for dirty blues" train. I also found a video of a guy playing a tricone piedmont style, and while there was definitely a lot of sustain, it still sounded fantastic. I can't be 100% sure until I get the guitar in my hands, though.

Newtoresos2020 - Posted - 08/01/2020:  20:09:50

quote:

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Originally posted by Wildeman

My Tricone was a new 2019 and didn't have the mushroom mod, does now though.

The only reason more blues guys didn't play Tricones imo is the cost, few things sound better or look better. Get the republic tri if you can, its excellent.

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I suppose so. I do feel like the obsession with single cones are definitely very aesthetic-based if only because that's the way Son House, Bukka White etc etc sounded, and not much else. It's cool to want to sound exactly like your favorites, but it's a little jarring seeing here and there the comments about how you should get this exact type of guitar for this exact type of style, and really puts you in a position where you ultimately feel like you need more than one (I like A LOT of different blues guys with very different styles and set ups from each other). Based on the videos I've seen so far, the difference between tri and single doesn't seem that big at all. Listening to a vid where a guy plays a tri piedmont style, you can definitely hear a lot of sustain, but it's no where near the point that I expected. Also, Bob Brozman definitely made a tri cone work for him in many different ways. I only have one question though, what, from your experience, was the difference between the guitar without the mushroom modification and with? I didn't find Three_Eyed_Willy's explanation all that clear. Does that give the guitar more sustain, volume, a more rounded tone etc etc?

Wildeman - Posted - 08/01/2020:  20:22:57

Okay man, ima lay it down from MY perspective, i do own more than one currently and have owned several more. If i could only own one reso it would be a Tricone, flat out. I have a 1936 Duolian that i love, had it 25+ years now and it's amazing. My Republic Tricone is way more versatile. You ain't gonna get it all in one, EVER, but the Tricone will be very satisfying.

Far as the mushroom mod, i did a paint strip of the T bar at the same time and can say that both of those definitely improved an already killer guitar.

Edited by - Wildeman on 08/01/2020 20:26:27

bluetele - Posted - 08/01/2020:  21:02:36

Have owned at least 5 Nationals. First was brand new style O with Hawaiian etched scene. Paid $2000 with tax. Favorite was El Trovador. I think I rent guitars...always think I am keeping, then sell. I even laugh at my foolishness. Had homespun Brozman DVD years ago. Very Impressed by tricone. To OP. Watched early greats, ended up listening to Clapton's Unplugged and am Playing Walking Blues. not hard but really sounds good especially singing it. Fun. My vibrato is what I want to get really good at and you can play it and watch TV at the same time. Still liking wood body Republic. And I just love single cone sound. To each his own. Feel that very heavy slides really add to sound and easy to play. Since I play electric(telecaster only) , acoustics (Martins) and now Republic, I am a guitar fanatic and after 47 years I still am lousy. But the one who has the most fun wins. Again, enjoy your journey

Biggfoot44 - Posted - 08/01/2020:  21:23:31

For another way of looking at things , back in the day , the Blues guys played what they played , because that's what they had or could afford . Few of them made any vaguely serious $ in the original era ( as opposed to periodic rediscovery by Folk Musicologist and promotors 30 or 40 yrs later ).

Equipping yourself from your earnings as a farm hand , or sharecropper , or playing for tips at house parties or small beer joints , prices mattered .

A decent mail order accoustic guitar started under $5 , a basic affordable " player model " Dobro was $27 , and a top of the line " bling" National approached $100 .( Remembering to multiply by 18-20 X to adjust for inflation .)

Newtoresos2020 - Posted - 08/01/2020:  21:24:46

quote:

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Originally posted by Wildeman

Okay man, ima lay it down from MY perspective, i do own more than one currently and have owned several more. If i could only own one reso it would be a Tricone, flat out. I have a 1936 Duolian that i love, had it 25+ years now and it's amazing. My Republic Tricone is way more versatile. You ain't gonna get it all in one, EVER, but the Tricone will be very satisfying.

Far as the mushroom mod, i did a paint strip of the T bar at the same time and can say that both of those definitely improved an already killer guitar.

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That sounds promising. I'll definitely consider getting the wood triolian down the road, but could you give details as to what the exact improvement was sound wise with the mushroom mod on the tri cone? I get that it lets the back "vibrate" more, but does that mean the guitar will be more sustainy, louder, punchier, bassier, etc etc? I'm totally lost on what the mod actually accomplishes, and I don't want to get something that might make the guitar sound too far out of my range. Out of curiousity, how similar do republic's tri cones sound to this recording king tri cone: youtube.com/watch?v=4Zc9et9drx4? What's the best set up to get a similar sound to that? I'd just settle for that tri cone itself, but it seems to go for $900+ on most reputable listings, which is fairly well above my price range. Plus, if I get a tri cone, it's gotta be that sunburst finish. 

Newtoresos2020 - Posted - 08/01/2020:  21:30:55

quote:

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Originally posted by Biggfoot44

For another way of looking at things , back in the day , the Blues guys played what they played , because that's what they had or could afford . Few of them made any vaguely serious $ in the original era ( as opposed to periodic rediscovery by Folk Musicologist and promotors 30 or 40 yrs later ).



Equipping yourself from your earnings as a farm hand , or sharecropper , or playing for tips at house parties or small beer joints , prices mattered .



A decent mail order accoustic guitar started under $5 , a basic affordable " player model " Dobro was $27 , and a top of the line " bling" National approached $100 .( Remembering to multiply by 18-20 X to adjust for inflation .)

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I totally get what you're saying. These guys clearly had little qualm about what they were playing and made what they had work. When I initially approached reso's, I was totally fine with just getting a cheap wood body. I was about settled on Republic's triolian, but started checking out all of their other models. Now I just have a terrible case of reso fever and am going back and forth eyeing just about every model they have. I think I'm thinking too much about the type of guitar from an aesthetical point of view, and should just get something that seems the most practical.

Wildeman - Posted - 08/01/2020:  21:51:10

Dunno, run with it. You can analyze anything to death if you want. Would Charlie Patton ask.........what kind of toothpaste liked?

bluetele - Posted - 08/04/2020:  19:03:57

To me the wood body takes away some of the harness of the metal body and Republics website is wrong about weight of wood Triolian. Again enjoy the journey...its a lot of fun. Wish i had never sold my national El Trovador. Deep body, National quality and just plain coolness. But happy with republic Had never heard of them until the great advice on this foru. Very smart people and nice too.

bluetele - Posted - 08/04/2020:  19:06:15

Left out that I watched 2 utube videos of Son House...love his style and his viewpoints on life. Owe that to OP.

aljohns - Posted - 09/02/2020:  03:41:07

Hi
i have read your question and you have received some excellent replies for sure , one thing i can suggest or add is that regardless of what you buy invest some money in a good set up .

Some luthiers thing of resos as another type of acoustic guitar ....so do some research and find someone and a good set up

best of luck and enjoy yourself

al

mule627 - Posted - 10/31/2021:  12:20:48

Hello. Old topic but interesting. I hope the original OP found a good reso. I think a good description of the difference in sounds between a single cone and tricone is that a single cone barks and a tricone sings. Metal body are quicker in attack and cavernous sustain, wood rounds the tone down. Mushroom mod moves mushrooms to either upper or lower but to free more space to reflect sound from cones thereby "opening" up the guitar voice. Including 3 original blues men who played National tricone guitars. Tampa Red's was a style 3 finished in gold.

ruger9 - Posted - 11/17/2021:  04:47:35

I'm in the same boat as the OP- looking at 2 entry-levels, and for me Parlor-sized, as I like the idea of a smaller body for the patio couch and fire pit.

Republic Hwy 61 Woody
Royall (Imperial Guitars) Parlorator- with the cutaway- either mahogany or flame maple.

I was told they are made in the same factory (they certainly look very similar), so they may be more alike than different.... and as for the pickups:

The Royall comes with a tele neck pickup, but the Republic has a (my choice) Lace sensor humbucker.... just wondering if the LS is actually that much better?

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 11/17/2021:  12:30:26

I can't speak for the Royall Tele style pickup. Here is an excerpt from the website: "the output jack is integrated into the cover. It uses a Tele style neck pickup, which we’ve determined gives the best combination of naturalness and electric tone for our tastes."

Might be six of one/half a dozen of the other vs. the Lace.

I have heard Lace Sensor pickups on acoustic resos of different types and they sound sort of like a hybrid somewhere  between an acoustic pickup and an electric magnetic pickup. 

In other words on lap style dobros they tend to make them sound more toward the electric lap steel side of the scale. 

Edited by - MarkinSonoma on 11/17/2021 12:32:33

tomkatb - Posted - 11/18/2021:  08:10:24

I had a local luthier fix my Recording King tricone.

I know he cleaned the support bridge of paint.

New strings

new all maple saddle.

New Quarterman cones.

I can say the difference in sound was night and day, Not subtle at all.

So get one and start playing it. In a year or two think about replacement or modification.