I just bought an inexpensive Dobro brand squareneck. It's great so far. I play old-time music and it's great for working out the G (and A) tunes I already know on banjo and mandolin. I am thinking about adding a Gold Tone Weissenborn so I can also play all the D tunes I know.
Gold Tone makes two levels of their Weissenborn model, the SM and GT, which are $400 apart. Does anyone have experience with both these models? Aside from the differences listed (I am looking at Sweetwater) how much difference is there between the two in playability and actual sound? For my needs cheaper is better. But I am open to buying up if there is more than cosmetic and slight tonal variations between mahogany and sapele.
One comes with a gig bag, the other with a case, and one has open tuners the other doesn't. I will be using this in weekly small sessions with friends and occasional larger jams, but primarily at home and in no way professional performing environment, so I don't think those are important issues to me.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
carlosoly
On the slim chance that you didn't know, there's nothing to prevent you from playing D tunes (or any other key for that matter) on G tuned dobros.
quote:
Originally posted by hlpdobroOn the slim chance that you didn't know, there's nothing to prevent you from playing D tunes (or any other key for that matter) on G tuned dobros.
Yes, I know that, but I am liking the open G tuning on the dobro and want that open tuning feel for D. I use to play a lot of fingerstyle guitar and used to use DADF#AD and know my way around the scales pretty well. It would be faster for me to get up to speed rather than feeling out the D scales in the G tuning.
Gotcha, well, good luck and have fun.
h
I doubt you want the associated expense, but this sounds like a perfect situation for a hipshot double shot.
Edited by - skydog on 07/12/2026 11:19:55
Both Goldtones are fine the SM is solid mahogany, the other will be laminated wood, if this don't matter, or you can't tell the difference then get the cheaper one, both will get you playing and that's the most important part. Get the one you can afford.
I'll say this too, both those instruments are overbuilt imo, which could be a good thing for you if ruggedness matters, that SM is in a price range of some others that may appeal more to you, check the classified section here, for a comparable price there's a hand made Stepick Teardrop that sounds great, so, shop around.
Edited by - Wildeman on 07/15/2026 03:12:58
quote:
Originally posted by WildemanBoth Goldtones are fine the SM is solid mahogany, the other will be laminated wood, if this don't matter, or you can't tell the difference then get the cheaper one, both will get you playing and that's the most important part. Get the one you can afford.
I'll say this too, both those instruments are overbuilt imo, which could be a good thing for you if ruggedness matters, that SM is in a price range of some others that may appeal more to you, check the classified section here, for a comparable price there's a hand made Stepick Teardrop that sounds great, so, shop around.
Wildeman, thanks for the response. That's the kind of info I was seeking. Reading the catalogue descriptions online (or even calling people) isn't that helpful.
carlosoly
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