DougieJones - Posted - 04/30/2024:  12:05:07

Hi everyone,

I'm an amateur musician who plays in two bands, doing country, bluegrass, rock, americana, and some weirder stuff occasionally. I'm a longtime banjo player and started playing steel guitar a year ago, I got a Recording King Maxwell Squareneck as my first dobro. As of now I mic with an SM-57 directly into the PA or into my Fishman Loudbox Mini, depending on what's needed. I'm committed enough to dobro to feel ready to get something a little better, preferably under $1,000, and was wondering if anyone has any input. I'm considering sticking with Recording King and trying the Phil Leadbetter model, which I think sounds great, but was wondering what other good options are in my price range. For example, are there any decent vintage instruments for less than $1,000 out there? Any advice is welcome.

Best,

Eric

Bob Blair - Posted - 04/30/2024:  15:27:46

In that price range I suspect the "Phil" model would be a good bet. I'm a longtime gigging steel guitarist who added dobro to the mix in around 2011 and my first dobro gigs were done with a Goldtone (which although they are a bit pricier now was considered an entry level instrument). Great instrument, which at the time was well under 1k - nobody I played with thought it didn't sound good. And it did - still does (I still own it but it is lent to a friend). I suspect the same would be true of your Leadbetter or the Phil model. In terms of vintage instruments it seems as though the coolest ones have also become pretty desirable and I doubt you would get anything in that price range that would make you happy. I'm not saying that you should drop the idea of upgrading - you just might not be able to up your game much without throwing a fair bit more money at it. Eventually you probably will.

little ray - Posted - 04/30/2024:  15:33:54

I’d say stay on the hunt for what you want at the price you’re looking for. There are deals but they maybe harder to find. The internet has become the place of buying and selling but sometimes a great resonator is in a local music shop.

Tom Jr. - Posted - 04/30/2024:  16:28:55

JC Dobro just posted an "under $1,000 " 1987 dobro that was set up by Bobby Wright and Byrl Murdock. Lots to be said for a good set-up.

DougieJones - Posted - 05/01/2024:  06:31:09

The "Phil" model seems like a safe bet if I decide to go with a brand new instrument. I took a look at that 1987 Dobro that JC Dobro has listed. It is a gorgeous instrument and seems like a good deal. It has a Scheerhorn cone in it, which as I understand is considered very good? It is hard for me to make the jump and buy an instrument I can't hear at least, so I'm curious how the tone is.

JC Dobro - Posted - 05/01/2024:  07:27:45

quote:

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Originally posted by DougieJones

The "Phil" model seems like a safe bet if I decide to go with a brand new instrument. I took a look at that 1987 Dobro that JC Dobro has listed. It is a gorgeous instrument and seems like a good deal. It has a Scheerhorn cone in it, which as I understand is considered very good? It is hard for me to make the jump and buy an instrument I can't hear at least, so I'm curious how the tone is.

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I'll post up a clip later today :)  Thanks for the interest.

gadobro - Posted - 05/01/2024:  08:27:24

A lot of the tone is in the cone, which can be switched out. Beard Legend and Scheerhorn are very popular.

youtu.be/U7dTJ1-s02s?si=DToezx...IRg&t=202 (not in English but check out the comparison around 3 1/2 minutes in; one is stock I think and the other has an aftermarket cone).

youtube.com/watch?v=742yaNdymss
The effect of a cone change (and some other modifications) on an inexpensive squareneck.

The Recording King Madison is pretty much a R-body, soundwell dobro, like an import Crafters of Tennessee, and what most dobros used in the country and bluegrass were up until the 70s. It's a good platform for upgrades.

JC Dobro - Posted - 05/01/2024:  08:28:02

OK here's 2 minutes of noodling on the '87 OMI Dobro for sale, as mentioned in this thread.  Cell phone audio/video, but hopefully gives a good idea on tone. I'll attach this clip to the classifieds ad as well.

youtu.be/WsmOZDJCwXk?si=PiWDNuvnvh3qYmkV

Thanks!

gadobro - Posted - 05/01/2024:  08:33:20

A stock RR-60: youtube.com/watch?v=R5uQ4FpTvaY

Same player, but "upgraded" (at least a new cone if I had to guess): youtube.com/watch?v=37wEJQOWc9w

Petros - Posted - 05/01/2024:  18:32:21

Be aware the RC Phil Leadbetter model has a thinner nut which when I bought one did not work for me just not enough room like having to learn another instrument although it sounded really good I would have kept it but the string spacing just did not work for me. Private message me if you'd like another option for an open body sound like the RK Phil model I may be selling

DougieJones - Posted - 05/02/2024:  06:55:58

I figured I should update you guys, I decided to take up JC on his offer and go with that 1987 OMI. I'm sure I'll be playing it for a long time. I want to thank you all for your input. Happy picking!

JC Dobro - Posted - 05/02/2024:  07:02:37

quote:

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Originally posted by DougieJones

I figured I should update you guys, I decided to take up JC on his offer and go with that 1987 OMI. I'm sure I'll be playing it for a long time. I want to thank you all for your input. Happy picking!

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Thanks Eric, I think you'll love it!

gadobro - Posted - 05/02/2024:  10:00:41

A good deal for a good sounding and well-set up guitar, and the natural/blonde ones are my favorite. Enjoy!