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The resonator guitar reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
265 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Schoolhouse Music
Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: $550 ($US)
Although I've owned a 1931 Dobro for over 30 years, I hadn't played it much, and moved on to pedal steel early on. But, this guitar sounded so good that I couldn't leave the store without it, and for $550 bucks, it was a steal (oops). It has inspired me so much that it revolutionized my reso playing. I hardly play anything else now, and I'm going to be having a new Beard MA6 made for me. It lacks the bottom end of a real Beard, and loses it's magic above the 12th fret, but it is nonetheless very playable and everyone is stunned by how good it sounds. There can't be a better reso for the buck anywhere.
Sound Rating: 8
I sounded very good, but after taking it to Beard and having it set up and getting a Fishman/Aura Douglas pickup system installed, it sounds as good or better than a lot of expensive guitars. The pickup system in incredible. Setup rating is a 10 after the Beard fellas got finished with it.
Setup Rating: 10
It's a plain Jane, and the imported cover plate is losing its luster.
Appearance Rating: 5
Tuners seem to work great. It stays in tune very well. I don't forsee any reliability issues. It hasn't given me a single problem in the 3 1/2 years I've owned it.
Reliability Rating: 8
Don't know about Gold Tone, but Paul Beard and his crew are as good a people as they come.
Customer Service: 10
As I said before, the cover plate won't last long and I had a Beard Adjustable spider and cone installed. Overall, very impressive for the money.
Components Rating: 7
Even though I'm getting an MA6, I'll still use this guitar alongside of the MA tuned to D. It sounds about as good as anything out there when played through my Douglas pickup/preamp system and my Ultrasound Amp--a very impressive amp I might say.
Overall Rating: 8
Where Purchased: Eldery
Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 599 ($US)
I dont know if its the best for bluegrass,but it is very bright and full sounding.
I am very pleased with the sound and tonal quality.
Sound Rating: 10
Setup by Beard guitars! From what i've read a beard setup is the only way to go.
now that i have one i agree!
no buzz or other setup problems.
Setup Rating: 10
Its the most beautiful guitar i own.
Mahogany laminated,glossy finish.Finish work is with no imperfections!
reso was spotless!! Elderly handles the instruments well.
Appearance Rating: 10
Up to now holding up good, no reason to believe other wise. Seems strong built,heavy and well constructed.Im not into gigging just playing in the rocking chair on the front porch kinda guy. but im sure it could handle gigging.
Reliability Rating: 10
ordered it via internet on sunday shipped tuesday from michigan, arrived to me friday.
didnt have to speak to them,i order it online and they shipped it fast. just the way i like it.
Eldery seems to be a stand up company +1 btw they have there pbs gold tone SETUP BY BEARD GUITARS!!!
Customer Service: 10
From my past experience the tuners might need to be upgraded. but they seem fine now.
every thing else seems fine as of now.
Components Rating: 9
good
Overall Rating: 10
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