Shaeman - Posted - 11/23/2024:  22:15:15

Hi everyone, first time posting here.



My question first then the details: Scheerhorn experts: what type of cones did Tim use around 2021 and in the hayday when the L-Body was really becoming "The" dobro its regarded today?



Reason I'm asking:



I'm working on a Tim Built scheerhorn from 2001, maple body in great shape. The cone mounting surface is perfect, plane, ~1/8" wiggle room on all sides. Apparently Tim set it up within the last 8 years or so, not sure exactly The date.



It came with several cones. The one that was installed was a Beard with black coating. I've used standard legend cones in all my guitars since I started playing about 20 years ago without faltering. Theyre great! But the black coated one it came with is blown, overcranked about 5 full turns and its garbage now. I reinstalled the used Scheerhorn cone that it came with and it came back to life, which is awesome. It sounds pretty honky but it lacks "shimmer" if that makes sense after fresh strings and proper tensioning.



So I have some options here to try some different cones out. I've got a brand new Legend ready to go, the used Scheerhorn tim-spun one thats in in it now, a quarterman (I believe?) that was in it some time ago and the owner said it sounded great and OK to use (I'll give it a shot out of curiosity at least).



Back to the question: Has tim been spinning his own cones all along or was he using something else in this guitar when it was built (2001)?



If I'm going to go through cone trials I want to have the original spec'd one, brand new, to a/b and make the decision.



I am planning to order a new Tim spun cone from national to try, I'll take your opinions on those as well. Just really want to try this guitar at original spec to find ground zero.

Drop some wisdom on me folks! Thanks!

Edited by - Shaeman on 11/24/2024 13:58:34

hlpdobro - Posted - 11/24/2024:  07:02:21

I _believe_ that Tim used Quarterman cones in 2001. I'm happy to be corrected though.

hp

Lounge Primate - Posted - 11/24/2024:  11:12:34

My L-body was made in 2005. Quarterman cone.

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 11/24/2024:  11:25:18

I was on my first cup of coffee when I read the title: "Tim Buly..." and was momentarily confused. As the thread originator, I think you might be able to edit and correct the typo for the sake of posterity but I'm not 100% sure about that. 

Howard is correct, Tim was using Quarterman cones in 2001. 

There wouldn't be Scheerhorn cones for several more years and Beard Legend cones were introduced by Paul a few years after that.

The black coated cone I'm assuming is a Beard Legend Vesper cone. If it's "blown" that's a real shame, since they go for $150 plus shipping. But since you could afford to buy a used Scheerhorn L-Body, I guess that's chump change. 

I have used all three cones and I think on a large body modern guitar both the Scheerhorn and Legend cones sound great. They are a little different from each other and it's been several years since I have had a 'horn cone in my Clinesmith, there is a Legend in there now - so it's difficult for me to accurately explain the difference. One thing for sure, they both sustain the notes longer than the Quarterman, which would automatically seem like a good thing but not all players prefer that aspect. 

As far as buying a new Quarterman, unless you have access to someone's private stash, thy haven't been available for at least three years. John Quarterman hasn't been able to find a source for his preferred aluminum alloy. Along with that he was having issues with his equipment awhile back. Adding to that, he's in his early eighties. 

The above is according to Rob at Blue Note Woodworks in Oregon who's has been a main supplier of Q-Cones for quite a few years, and Rob  worked with John at OMI Dobro in California many years ago. 

Shaeman - Posted - 11/24/2024:  14:00:19

Revised title of the post - Autocorrect off and a few wobbly pops that'll happen!  Thanks :)

Edited by - Shaeman on 11/24/2024 14:00:48

Shaeman - Posted - 11/24/2024:  14:07:43

And thank you for the detailed information.  I was under the impression that I could still get a quarterman, perhaps its a bit of a fool's errand to try and find one, and even if I could (and preferred it) to try and source enough of them to last me some time.  

 

It also makes me wonder if Scheerhorn spun cones will have any succession beyond the master himself once he stops turning them?