Submitted by dches (see all reviews from this person) on 8/18/2011

Where Purchased: Beard

Year Purchased: 2011
Price Paid: 620 ($US)

Sound

Nice clear tone.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Finish was nice and the colors were great.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

So far so good

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

The members at the Beard shop were awesome. If you have the chance, its well worth the trip to the shop

Customer Service: 10

Components

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

Only reason there are nines is because I have limited reso experience. Don' think it can get much better, but want to leave room for a ten

Overall Rating: 9

Submitted by benspinks (see all reviews from this person) on 1/9/2010

Where Purchased: Frailers UK

Year Purchased: 2009
Price Paid: 650 (£) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Sounds great. Good volume, good balance, good clarity.

Sound Rating: 8

Setup

This guitar was bought in the UK and as such had come direct from the far east. There was no setup evident at all. Previously broken bridge, unlevel/undressed spider, nut slots too deep.

Corrected this and it's great.

Setup Rating: 3

Appearance

Great looking, really good finish.

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

Hardward seems good and the internal parts are all Beard. Can't go wrong really.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

Nice company to deal with, but as you'd expect over here not much knowledge on resonators.

Customer Service: 7

Components

For the price all components are above average.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

Really great, well designed guitars. For a beginner or occasional player there is nothing better. Period.

The most important thing I will say in this review is that if you’re outside of America don't bother buying one local, go direct to Beard or a US store that carries the Beard set-up ones

Overall Rating: 8

Submitted by John Greer (see all reviews from this person) on 12/10/2008

Where Purchased: The Guitar Shoppe, Hudson NC

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

I love the bluegrass sound of this instrument. I play in a gospel group. We mic our instruments and use no pickups.

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

The instrument came from the Guitar Shoppe set up and ready to play. It has needed no adjustments.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

This is a beautiful instrument. It had no flaws except for a rough place on the fretboard, which appears to need sanding. It does not affect playability in any way. I see no need to try to fix it.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

i have had this instrument for one and one half years and the finish is still as good as new, except for my personal goofs.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

I have not delt directly with Goldtone except to ask a question via e-mail, which was answered the same day. It has a limited life time warranty.

Customer Service: 10

Components

This instrument came with Beard cone and spider. They are excellent. I have had no problems with tuners or any other part. The metal finish is as good as new.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

this is an excellent instrument, which i can recommend to anyone.

Overall Rating: 10

Submitted by exdmd (see all reviews from this person) on 8/6/2008

Where Purchased: Beard Guitars

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: $570 historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

This is a loud dobro with good punch, leaning toward the "traditional" sound. If you are a fan of Mike Auldridge you'll like the tone of this dobro.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

No changes needed. The dobro was setup at the Beard shop.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Fit and finish are excellent.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

I replaced the tuners with Planet Waves auto trim/lock tuners because they are my favorite tuners, but the originals were OK. Build quality is excellent and the guitar uses Beard cone, spider, bone nut and bridge inserts. No problems at all to date.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Customer service is top notch. I did have a shipping problem which Beard bent over backwards to fix. I would certainly buy from Beard again.

Customer Service: 10

Components

The only weak area of the guitar for me were the brand of import tuners used. They functioned OK but not great. Replacing with my favorite tuners was a $50 fix I was able to take care of myself. The "guts" of the guitar are Beard, the best available. The import tailpiece, sound screens and coverplate look very good and have caused no problems nor have I felt the need to upgrade anything other than the tuners. I also replaced the standard end pin with a Schaller strap lock. Not necessary, but I prefer the security of the strap lock.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

This guitar is a remarkable value. I have not played a new dobro available for under $1500 (this includes the Wechters) I would prefer to own. All a beginner needs really, and much more. I would replace it immediately if stolen. I feel the guitar gives me 85% of the tone of a Beard E at less than 15% of the price.

Overall Rating: 10