Submitted by skydog (see all reviews from this person) on 10/28/2008

Where Purchased:

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 900 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

This is my first dobro/resonator. It suits my needs well. I traded for this guitar and wouldn't have purchased one with a pickup as I don't need it. I don't really like the sound of the pickup either. I much prefer this acoustically. It's got a rather muted tone, not bright at all. Very full and medium loud. I like having the versatility of a roundneck and the cutaway, although I'll primarily play this in the "lap" position

Sound Rating: 7

Setup

The guitar was very well set up for playing conventionally. I will eventually try a higher nut to facilitate easier slide playing.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

Very beautiful in fit and finish. The inlay work was very nice also. I haven't found a finish flaw other than two small "cracks" in the finish near the nut. These do appear to be limited to the finish.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

The hardware on this guitar was supplied by Paul Beard. Very heavy duty and built to last. Someone else said 85% of the sound of a Beard, at 15% of the price. I tend to agree with that statement. The tuners are OK, but I might upgrade to Waverlies as I much prefer them.

Reliability Rating: 9

Customer Service

I haven't had to deal with the company, but I wouldn't expect any problems.

Customer Service: 8

Components

This guitar is a player as received. It needs/wants for nothing. It is a great instrument for everyone up to and including semi-pros. A pro would probably want the Beard.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

I would highly recommend this guitar to anyone that is in the market. I tried several others and this one beat them all. If it was stolen, I'd be heartbroken and would replace it with an identical unit. The overall build quality is what I like best.

Overall Rating: 9