ResonatorJon - Posted - 02/19/2009:  06:49:24

I'm new to the dobro and just bought my first instrument - a squareneck '88 OMI 60DS. Although the overall condition of the guitar is very good, I'm contemplating upgrading the nut, cone, and bridge. Are these upgrades worth the investment? Any advice on what parts to buy and who to send it to (I don't have the experience to do the work myself)?

Also, the instrument came setup with a metal extension nut on top of the stock plastic nut. Any ideas as to why this is on there?

Thank you for your guidance.

Slideman1939 - Posted - 02/19/2009:  07:34:51

If it is a squareneck it was supposed to have been produced with the taller nut at the height needed for slide playing.So having the metal nut on top of the original nut sounds like it raises the strings higher than needed.It may have been a tonal experiment by the previous owner trying to get a different sound from a metal bridge.I recommend Paul Beard's Resophonic Supply Co. who would have replacement cone and ebony capped bridge replacements and bone nut AND an instructional video on Dobro set up.Paul's video will show you that doing the replacement parts yourself with his filmed instructions is not that difficult. some of his items come pre-slotted so you won't have to be cutting string slots with your own needle files.It's worth the few extra cents ( PRE-Slotted) if you are not familiar with luthiery work.The cone replacement alone will make the biggest difference.The Paul Beard spun cone is equivalent (same metal) to the Quarterman cone.

jaykellogg - Posted - 02/19/2009:  08:30:05

Dan Brooks posted this. stewmac.com/freeinfo/ins...ersetup.html
I too recommend Paul Beard's video.
If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself send it to Paul Beard. This is from their site; Beard Setup
Code: Setup
Price: $200.00
Quantity in Basket: none

Improve the sound and playability of your guitar with our custom setup. It’s a known fact that factories just aren’t able to properly setup every instrument. Better after market parts also make a huge difference. Our setup consists of installing a Beard BC-1 cone,genuine bone nut, maple/ebony bridge, routing of guitar top, level spider and bridge, strings, adjust the tailpiece angle, set action and clean and oil fretboard. Guaranteed Results! Shipping cost is extra. We can setup all makes and models, roundnecks or squarenecks. Save $25.00 on pickup installation with this setup. Call 301-733-8271 for an appointment.



W. Jay Kellogg

otdobro - Posted - 02/19/2009:  09:21:14

I don't know where you live, but if you are around the New England area, Junior Barber is one of the best setup people. He has set up 2 OMI's for me,a '76, and an '87 and they are killers.

joeyd - Posted - 02/19/2009:  11:58:40

I'll second the Beard recommendation. I too am new and picked up a real nice OMI squareneck which a teacher suggested might be improved by a better setup. Long story short, I threw that puppy in the car and made the trek to MD. Less than a week later, I got it back and the difference was truly remarkable. Howie and the rest of the staff at Beard are first rate - it would be the best $200 you ever spent. blessings, j