lownotehd - Posted - 03/15/2025:  06:26:29

Hey pickers!
Would like to get opinions. I am a relative novice player but want to upgrade to a better guitar, Considering a Beard Deco 27 and a Redline Stowe model. Their both in my price range but would be buying without being able to play either one (online used) What would you folks prefer?

hlpdobro - Posted - 03/15/2025:  09:45:59

Well,

You and Paul Beard are in the same state (Maryland). ;-)

I have not recently played a Redline.

I am A Deco 27 fanboy. Outstanding fit & finish (when new). Others may have different preferences.

h

FrederickPatterson - Posted - 03/15/2025:  10:51:35

I love my Redline but if a Beard is in your price range there are too many reasons why I would pick the Deco.

Edited by - FrederickPatterson on 03/15/2025 10:52:22

MarkinSonoma - Posted - 03/15/2025:  12:28:28

I have never played The Stowe, but I remember when it came out I was intrigued by the model. Since Steve Smith retired from Cumberland Acoustic (I'm thinking he sold the business?) The Stowe might be a collector's item. But I guess that's also true of the Deco Phonic  Model 27, since Paul offers only the 37 now in that configuration, which as I recall is the same as the 27 but with different trim - a lot like prewar Dobros in those two model numbers. 

I've played and heard up close a number of Deco Phonics over the years  (and just the other day at an Ivan Rosenberg workshop here in the Bay Area one of the guys had one), and to me it's along the lines of  a better built Dobro, but with an open body and doesn't have a soundwell like Dobro guitars historically had. But it still gives that sort of old school sound but with a modern Beard cone. I'm sure  Howard could elaborate on this. After Jerry Douglas stopped playing prewar Dobros with The Earls of Leicester he moved on to the Deco Phonic, but I'm pretty sure he most often plays the large (E body) Model 57. 

I've never even found a good video demo of The Stowe, but if one exists I'd like to check it out. From the description in the 2017 article I linked below I get the impression it might have a bigger more modern sound, but's who's to say unless you can compare the two guitars?  On the other hand, there are a lot of videos of the Deco Phonic 27 and 37. 

if one is looking  for more of the old school sound in a modern high quality guitar built in a small shop then the Deco is the way to go.  But the Redline was also built in a quality small shop atmosphere - I just don't know what it sounds like. 

bluegrasstoday.com/ferrell-sto...ophonics/

gadobro - Posted - 03/15/2025:  12:31:14

I played a used Deco 27 last week and it sounded so good. If I were in the market it would definitely be in the mix.

gadobro - Posted - 03/15/2025:  12:41:21

What struck me about the 27 is it's a small guitar but it has (to my ear) a really big sound; I assume because of the open construction.

FrederickPatterson - Posted - 03/15/2025:  12:45:33

The Stowe ad does mention a small crack on the top. I would request a close up of this area if that’s where you’re leaning.

lownotehd - Posted - 03/15/2025:  16:42:59

Thanks everyone for your input! I'm leaning towards the Beard!!