resonoob - Posted - 03/07/2009:  10:01:31

Ever since i saw this (youtube.com/watch?v=v4Lwx9F81Zs) i've wanted to play the dobro. After browsing the forums of several websites I decided to post my own questions, so I apologize for yet another "first time buyer" post.

I'm looking to spend in the ball park of $500-$700 on an instrument. From my research I hear the names Paul Beard Gold Tone and Wechter a lot. Unfortunately the local music shops don't carry any of those, only Dobro Hound Dog variations.

So I'm just looking for recommendations. And how important is it to actually hold/feel/play the instrument before I buy - because that is limiting my options. Also, advice on picks, learning material (books, cds, etc) and anything else you can think of.

Thanks!

ps - i'm a (very) amateur banjo player - any difference in banjo vs dobro picks?

jaykellogg - Posted - 03/07/2009:  11:12:03

Well it is nice to hear it, but any Beard guitar will blow you away. You can buy a Beard Gold Tone PBS on ebay brand new for $569 and the shipping is free. cgi.ebay.com/BEARD-GOLDTONE-RE...C294%3A50 No tax unless you live in Florida. I would ask what kind of case comes with it. Gold Tones are set up in Florida at the Gold Tone facility and in Maryland at the Beard factory. Some people advise getting the one that was done in Maryland, but I don't know if there is much difference. The PBS is a laminate guitar (the originals were too). There is a PBSD that is solid mahogany. It isjust over your limit. Then there are the Wechter Scheerhorns. They start at $750 on Ebay with free shipping. They are all laminate guitars and have a little more modern sound than the Beards. A year ago they were $5-600.

W. Jay Kellogg

Philsweep - Posted - 03/07/2009:  12:06:26

As far as instruments go I prefer to play before I buy but unfortunately in the northeast there are very few if any resonator guitars on the shelves of music stores so you have to go by the advice of others. I think if you have the dobro hound dog available at a local store and you like the sound, I always like to support the locals. But as others have pointed out the gold tone and wechter seem to be good choices also. I use the same picks on my dobro as well as my banjo and since I play both in my band it would be a pain to change picks as well as instruments. Stacey Phillips The complete dobro player is excellent and gives you not only a bluegrass perspective but other genre's also, it has a lot of material. Or if you would rather watch a dvd there are other options there also.
Good Luck
Phil

Bradskey - Posted - 03/07/2009:  12:16:52

jimmyheffernan.net/jh_mainframe.html

Jimmy Heffernan, a great picker, teacher, and provider of instructional material, sells a pretty attractive "package" of the Gold Tone with a case, a bar and his "from Scratch" DVD. Its the Beard setup version, might contact him about it.

Slideman1939 - Posted - 03/07/2009:  13:39:57

It depends where "Resonoob" lives if "pick in person/before you buy" is important--because there has always been a lack of reso retailers with multiple instruments in stock---which in turn lead to the success of the catalog houses and the internet retailers and the newbies who bought student grade or beginner instruments based on price or minimal information. For years "pick in person/ before you buy" drove to Staten Island NY (Mandolin Bros.).President Stan Jay had a Dobro back room with 30 instruments new and vintage for on the spot evaluation.Jim Heffernan (mentioned above) lives in the Phila./ So. N.J. area and would obviously be visitable for the actual gold tone product package.If Resonoob is in the Atlanta area, it is a peculiarity of that city that there are 2-3 retailers with 15 reso's in the store.In the Baltimore area, Appalachian Bluegrass of Catonsville Md has multiple brands in store (Beltway exit 13).And so on--learning the dobro retailers in a driving distance--if you must pick it in person. Next option is "drop ship". You can find a model/brand you like. Pay the local retailer--even if he doesn't have it in stock. He has the factory ship you direct (U.P.S. or Fed-Ex).There is a cost savings because the authorized retailer doesn't locally inventory or set up the instrument.He takes your $$, including his commission, and sets you up for direct factory purchase of the model you wanted.Good price but you take your chances that the mail order item will be same tone asif he had it in stock., for you to pick in store.It's your money/ your comfort level.It's like the difference of buying a refrigerator at Wal Mart at lowest price OR buying the same refrigerator from the home town retailer for a higher price and better service after the sale. Take a chance.I own 3.One was picked on personally (1977 O.M.I. model 66) and 2 were factory direct drop ships thru retailers (1986 O.M.I. model 66 from Atlanta retailer payment but direct from O.M.I./Calif.) and 2008 michael Kelly Bayou deluxe quilt maple/heavy inlay from payment to florida retailer Dean Johnson music but direct factory shipment from Michael Kelly. Summary--totally satisfactory on the instruments I DIDN'T personally pick on in a retail store..Resophonic purchase trends are changing and Musician's Friend, Janet Davis, Elderly Instruments, Mandolin Bros. etc. have had to become internet retailers and THAT'S WHY you can't find 4 or 5 Reso selections in your favorite, local corner music retailer.

resonoob - Posted - 03/07/2009:  13:53:58

yea, i live in AZ. My music store selection is limited to Guitar Center and some other small music stores with limited selection. From responses and my own research, I'm leaning towards a Goldtone PBS or similar model.

What experiences have you all had with different internet retailers as far as good deals, customer service, quality products, etc??

jaykellogg - Posted - 03/07/2009:  14:09:54

I would say that with few exceptions there are "deals" on the internet that would be difficult or impossible to duplicate locally. Of course you give up "service". In another thread someone bought a Regal and had to take it back for service because of sloppy setup. Are you anywhere near Wickenburg? There is a dealer thate that sells the Wechter Scheerhorns. (The Mandolin Store). In Tempe, Acoustic Vibes Music Inc. sells Beard guitars. My advice is to get a good hard or semihard case. Also a good strap, don't scrimp there. Picks don't cost much, but a tone bar can cost from $14 to over $100. There are other threads here where we discuss these. I would start with Dunlop finger picks and a Zookie thumb pick. No big cost there. For a "steel" you just have to have them in your hand. I have several. A lot of players use the stevens bar, but I never could get the hang of it. If you don't have a tuner you will want one of those also.

W. Jay Kellogg

Jimmie - Posted - 03/07/2009:  14:20:22

You don't say where in Arizona, but if possible, trips to Acoustic Vibes in Tempe and The Mandolin Store (in Wickenburg) are well advised. Both are fine shops, and can give you a good sense of what's available. Bizarre Guitars in Phoenix on 7th Street often has a decent selection of resonators as well, both old and newer. You'd be happy with the PBS or with the Wechter; both are great-playing and -sounding instruments.

resonoob - Posted - 03/07/2009:  14:32:10

I'm in the Phoenix metro area. Wickenburg is quite a drive for me, but Acoustic Vibes is close enough. I went to their website and only noticed high end products - out of my price range. I contacted them to see if they have lower end products in store or know of where else to look. I have been to bizarre guitar before, but wasn't looking for a resonator at the time, so maybe I'll try them again. Still looking for some tried and true websites to perhaps purchase from though, if anyone has suggestions or experience.

Philsweep - Posted - 03/07/2009:  15:41:10

Two website sellers who will set up your instrument and sell a variety of Reso's are Janet davis and elderly instruments. I now elderly has a good return policy if you don't like the instrument, I'm sure Janet Davis is comparable. Both have good pricing and are good to work with. Janet Davis is closer to you also if that means anything.

jaykellogg - Posted - 03/07/2009:  18:04:14

This is the fellow selling the Beard Gold Tone on Ebay andysguitars.com . They are a Beard dealer (Listed as a dealer on Paul Beard's website)

W. Jay Kellogg

Philsweep - Posted - 03/07/2009:  18:41:09

Just a friendly suggestion. I looked at Andy's guitars website and wasn't impressed I may be wrong I have dealt with and met Janet Davis and would trust her 100 times over Andy's guitar. I have dealt with the people at Elderly Stan Werbin and they are very good to deal with. The other people I deal with is First Quality Music, the Sullivan family I have met and been there, and they are outstanding also . If looking for someone in Nashville Gruhn's is wonderful. I have been dealing with bluegrass instruments and music for many years and they are the people I turn to. Just my 2Cents.
Phil

Slideman1939 - Posted - 03/07/2009:  19:30:15

NOW that we know that Resonnoob lives in arizona (limited reso retailers) we see that all the above advice is good--and that if he must pick the (prospective purchase) in person--it involves a trip to drive to Tempe or Wikenburg..IF I lived in THAT part of the Southwest I wouldn't drive those distances and do a deal with JANET DAVIS--because she has a good rep and is one of Gibson's key authorized internet retailers, because she is in a neighboring adjacent state--if there is a problem with the delivered instrument, because she has multiple resophonic brands and choices, because she has a long history with reso knowledge and sales even including putting out some reso instruction audio tapes (basic) years ago. A no-brainer--Janet Davis and resohonic is to Texas/Ariz. people like Mandolin Bros. is to Pa./N.J./N.Y. people---an oasis of knowledge and experience amidst a sea of mis-information in a field recently confused with (some good) import products).Unless you really want a long drive to see it in person, a Janet Davis deal (whatever brand/whatever model) is prudent.

Philsweep - Posted - 03/07/2009:  20:11:09

well said slideman

Arrowsmit - Posted - 03/07/2009:  20:39:59

I've ordered from Janet Davis Music several times & undoubtedly will again. Great prices w/fast shipping plus they've been very courteous & helpful on the phone. JDM seems to really appreciate their customers.

Vic

The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...

resonoob - Posted - 03/07/2009:  22:07:38

thanks all for the advice... i'm thinking of getting the PBS... now i just have to build up the courage and do it!