Frequently Asked Questions About Dobros, Resophonic & Resonator Guitars

Subject: Resonator guitar questions
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 17:38:10 -0500

Greetings Harold,
Glad to assist:

I am enjoying the squareneck Regal resonator guitar that I bought from you several years ago.

That's great to hear!

I am teaching a young man guitar who has very large hands and fingers. He bought a classical-type guitar which has been a good solution for him. He is now interested in a steel-string acoustic. I have started him on bottleneck blues playing on his classical, and am thinking that a resonator guitar might be a good solution for slide work as well as other acoustic playing. However, the necks of the round-neck resonators like the Regal seem to be all the narrow, Martin standard of 1 11/16" width at the nut which is too narrow for his large fingers. Is there a round-neck resonator guitar with a wider neck?

Not that I know of...I am aware of the narrowness of the nut on most guitars...I'm not sure why there isn't a manufacturer today filling this market...

If not, are there any cost-effective options for modifying an existing guitar?

Yes, there is a solution...take a 12-string guitar, remove the octave and unison strings...and, you'll end up with a perfectly wide fingerboard...

I have talked with a local luthier about putting a wider round neck on an imported resonator guitar like the Regal and he indicated that the Asian guitars use epoxy to join the neck to the guitar which makes it a very expensive fix. Was he telling me the truth?

I believe most of them have glued-on necks...I still say the simplest solution would be to use the 12-string conversion to 6-string method...

Also, if I decide to have the Quarterman cone upgrade done to my Regal, what is the procedure for getting it back to you? Does the $200 charge include any of the shipping costs to or from or both?

You'll want to call Nathan at to arrange this...sorry, we don't cover shipping costs...however, considering you did purchase your dobro through us, we should be able to assist you in some way...ask for our sales manager, James, and maybe he can work out some kind of further discount on your behalf...Mickey

Thank you.
Harold Greene

Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 02:40:33 -0600
To: "Larry Ghan"
Subject: Re: inquiry about resophonic guitars: what have you got?

Hello-- I am inquiring about resophonic guitars. I am interested in a better quality reso/round neck. Certainly would like a national or gibson dobro, but can't justify the cost at this point. I am just exploring (seriously) the idea of such an instrument investment for the first time. Presently I own and play a better quality of guitar and am interested in expanding my repitore into acoustic blues type of genre. My skills are still developing and for some time my interests have been moving toward fingerstyle-blues. I am serious enough to have made some serious investments into several exceptional insturments already, but as interested as I am in resophonic style music I am not sure how far I may (or may not) go with it. I just want to explore the Idea for awhile. However if I do get a reso, I don't want a cheap piece of junk that while it might look good won't really hold up and help me develop my musicianship (A statement which in itself is open to a very wide interpretation!) I quess I would be open to your suggestions. I have been very impressed with the Johnson Tricone (esp the Czech version) as a first choice.

Yes, the Johnson is superb...although, I believe they've just recently moved their Dobro manufacturer from the Czech Republic to China. I don't expect it to donwgrade the product necessarily...now, Regal just introduced a metal bodied line, including the tri-cone, manufactured in the Czech Republic. The pricing and models are located on our website under "Regal Metal Bodies".

Their wooden resophonics seem fairly nice also, although they possess signicantly different sound from the all metal tricone.

This is true...a metal body has a certain bell-like sheen...a wood-bodied has more warmth...

Also regal, especially the tobacco mahogany triolian model holds an interest for me, atleast esthetically.

The Triolians all have the biscuit cone system which gives it the nasal sounding, monotonic, classic blues dobro sound.

However I'm not tied to any of these models and would consider other options and genuine suggestions from you folks to help meet my needs, as I make my decision. New or used are options for me. I care more for "good sound" and long run playability/stability over "flash and shine". I like a vintage look that highlights the tone woods and workmanship in the insrutment as part of the overall presence of the guitar and the craftmanship that built it rather than the garrish and flamboyant aqua-marine, bright red, cheesy yellow or other such"paint-Jobs".

I agree...playability and tone are everything...appointments and instrument style are secondary...

(Sorry Regal) My reso experience is highly limited as I have only picked up a few Johnson models in the past (euro not asian I believe) and found them to be most impressive at the time. But again regal has picqued my interest as well though I've not seen one "in person" much less played one.

I've seen the latest metal bodied Regals...and wow...they are beautiful in every respect.

To "cut to the chase" could you offer me some advice or suggestions as how I might begin to consider a reasonably "good to higher quality" resophonic with out "breaking the bank" that could grow with me as my skills develop? Again I certainly would consider a good quality used instrument (like a Gibson Dobro ,National, or whatever) as long as it's not beat up too bad, along with those other options I've discussed. I quess my price range would be $400 upto maybe $750.?.

Sounds like the Johnson or Regal would be a good starting place for these price points. We've had quite a few used Gibsons and Nationals but all have sold for over 1000.00...remember, you always retain your initial purchase price when buying a new dobro through us...so you can upgrade to a Gibson at a later date without losing any initial investment on the Regal or Johnson.

( Probably rules out a lot if not all the domestic instruments I realize.) Could you give me some feedback and ideas from your perspective? Sorry this memo is so long and tedious but perhaps it will give you a concept of what " I think I am looking for" and then perhaps you can throw some suggestions my way in the mean time. Please respond at your earliest convenience and please provide me with a contact within your company as this thing evolves.Thank you for your attention to this inquiry, best wishes--Larry Ghan

I'm glad to be of assistance. I've posted your questions on our new Forums section located on our website. Stay tuned for other responses...contributed by other dobro players.

Mickey

Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 01:27:56 -0600

hi

I am interested in picking up a dobro.while I have been playing guitar for
years I really do not know much about dobros.

I will be playing finger style blues (rev. Gary Davis, taj mahal, hot tuna)
and will also get into blues slide guitar (clapton, Kerry kearney,etc.)

I guess I need a round neck. I am looking into regal and Johnson dobros. I
need to know which you would recommend. I also will be playing
electric.should I go with the electric Johnson or get a regal and put in a
pick up.

What do you think????
I need some feedback. Please get back to me at:

spoonful2001@aol.com

thanks for your time.
----------------------------------Brian

Hello Brian,

These are valid questions...which to purchase: Johnson or Regal?

I'd have to say, that this decision is really dependent on a few other questions which only you can answer:
1. Do you prefer a metallic sound, as is offered on the Steel Bodied Johnsons?
2. Or, would you prefer a warmer, woody tone as would be offered on a Regal dobro?
3. If you're plugging in, would you prefer an acoustic sounding instrument, or an electrified instrument with a magnetic pick-up?
4. The metal bodied dobros are quite a bit more expensive than wood bodies. So, budget may also pre-determine if you're ready for a steel bodied dobro.

Now, let's get down to the styles and approach as determining which instrument to purchase. There's no doubt, as a fingerstylist, blues player, you'll want a Roundneck Dobro. I have personally studied Rev. Gary Davis and Hot Tuna (Jorma) since I was a kid in the '70s. The metal-bodied dobros sound cool within this genre, but the wood-bodied dobros really carry this style forward and seem to represent this style in its true authenticity. For blues slide, both the metal and wood bodies sound great. Again, there is a warmer tone from a wood-bodied dobro played with slide as opposed to a cold steel sound on a metal-bodied dobro...to this day, I still avidly listen to Jorma (Hot Tuna) and am still enamored with what he has contributed to the evolution of the acoustic guitar. Long live Jorma Kaukonen!

Upon answering the above questions, we'll focus on narrowing down the dream machine guitar for your style and approach.

Mickey Cochran
Folk of the Wood

Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 22:56:20 -0600

mickey, i am 48 years old and cannot play a musical instrument. i want to
learn to play a dobro. the type of music that i want to play is gospel.
what type and brand of dobro would you recommend? thanks

Hello...

First, you'll want to isolate exactly what type of Dobro, not brand, you'll want to play. Such as, you'll want a squareneck for bluegrass and a roundneck for blues stylings and fingerstyle guitar...a roundneck is played exactly like a standard acoustic guitar.

Remember, in bluegrass circles, the squareneck is always played. Keep in mind, Bluegrass has its roots in gospel music. Mickey

Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000 14:07:30 -0600

Hi...I was told that the nut had to be higher. I talked to one guy at a local music store and he told me some companies had a nut that sat on top of the one installed and could be removed? Maybe he's nuts.......

Let me know what you think. I purchased a Stevens bar locally and have experimented with it on the neck as is.

Thanks,

Kevin

Hello Kevin,

I show you as having purchased a silver metallic Triolian...these are great for acoustic guitar style plaing in a blues vein. Now, if you're trying to play it lap style, you'll need the Stevens bar and what we call an extension nut. The extension nut, converts your current dobro to lap style dobro...the extension nut will reside right on top of your current nut and raise your strings to a decent enough height so that you can play with a Stevens Bar and not hear any fret noise as you slide it. We have them available through our online store: FOTW Acoustic Online Store

Now, if you just want to play blues slide guitar, you only need to purchase a glass or metal slide that fits over your little finger.

Hope this helps...Let me know how I might assist further...Mickey

Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 23:46:12 -0600

Hi Mickey.

So far I'm enjoying reading the beginning dobro lessons. The more I read the more I want to learn to play this instrument. Now mind you, my aim is not to learn to play professionally, but with family and friends ONLY! I'm too old to hit the bluegrass circuit (48). In my teens and early twenties I played with rock and country bands (bass & guitar) but haven't touched a guitar in 10 years, although I'm sure I could pick one up now and surprise a lot of folks. Anyway, bluegrass is the only music I listen to regularly and I've decided to learn to play the dobro. I may not get to be very good because of physical shorcomings, but I'm determined that I will learn to play good enough for family/friend jam sessions.

What I'm asking you now is for a personal opinion. On my right hand I'm missing the tips of my index and middle fingers. To explain, if you'll hold out your right hand with fingers extended, look at where the fingernails begin and flesh ends on the tops of those two fingers. My fingers are only slightly longer than that, with full moveability. By that I mean that I have full range of motion with those two fingers and they are nimble enough to out-type most folks. But, this is a new instrument to me and although I feel sure I can do it, I want your opinion before I put out the bucks to buy a dobro.

If you think I will do ok, then please let me know what brand I should get and how much I should expect to pay for just a beginner's instrument.

So, I await your reply. Thanks in advance and please feel free to give me your honest opinion.

Praise the Lord and pass the finger picks!!!
Joe

Hello Joe,

My words to you are: Pursue your passion! I love the tone of a dobro. There's nothing that compares to the sliding sound of a Dobro. As far as your concerns, consider the following: many phenomenal players find ways around their physical shortcomings. Jerry Garcia had a missing middle finger and compensated for this by using his index and ring fingers for three-finger banjo playing. Results: a style of approach that reflected in his style...making for a truly unique sound that set him apart from other banjoists. For dobro, Tut Taylor plays with a flatpick and has no limitation in his approach. He also has a unique approach that added, to the Dobro landscape, another dimension of medium possibilities. Ultimately, you may have a unique physical limitation that will be contributory to your own individuality as a player. Keep an open spirit, and have fun with the dobro!

As far as Dobro brands, there are quite a few to choose from...as far as value for the money, Regal and Johnson are the best in the industry. The Regal makes a great beginner's dobro that offers pro features such as a spun resonator cone and nice string spacing which allows for an easier approach to fingerpicking. Mickey

Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000

I PLAY BLUEGRASS STYLE GUITAR. BOTH RHYTHM AND SINGLE STRING WORK. WHEN I PLAY MY ACOUSTIC GUITAR I REST MY LITTLE FINGER ON THE PICK GUARD FOR STABILITY. IF I REST MY FINGER ON THE RESONATOR WILL IT GREATLY REDUCE THE VOLUME AND TONE OF THE INSTRUMENT? WHICH MODEL OF REGAL DOBRO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR THE BLUEGRASS STYLE I MENTIONED ABOVE?

Resting your finger on the Dobro coverplate will not affect the tone whatsoever. the Coverplate is completely separate from the cone assembly. There's only one style of Dobro for bluegrass application: the squareneck. Sure, you could play flatpicking guitar, in a bluegrass style, on a roundneck Dobro...but, there's only one accepted, traditional approach to playing bluegrass slide and that's with a squareneck. To this day, I have never heard bluegrass slide played on a roundneck. Unless, that roundneck had an extension nut and was played lap style...

Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2000

The only reason I'd go hardshell is because I'll probably need to fly with the dobro occasionally. Is the hardshell suitable for airlines? Any other hints in flying with an instrument (besides don't)?

The Hardshell will withstand most traveling circumstances...although, you should pack it with extra padding such as T-Shirts and tape it so that the latches do not pop open.

Will I need a capo to start or can I pick one up later?

You can pick one up later, but the dobro SN capo adds a lot of versatility when jamming with others. It allows for changing keys on the fly. If you already know a tune in the key of G, and a fiddler decides to play it in A, you only need to place your capo over the second fret and not have to deviate from the tune you already know.

Do I need a thumb pick and a finger pick to get started?

You should have both a plastic thumbpick and two metal fingerpicks to play traditional bluegrass Dobro.

Any thing else I'll need as a beginner?

Maybe an electronic tuner to ensure that you're always practicing with an instrument in tune. The Dobro does not allow for relative tuning since you cannot fret the instrument. On a guitar, it's a simple process to tune it since you only need to match the open string with a fretted string that's already in tune. On a Dobro, it becomes difficult to slide into the reference note for the open string, especially as a beginner. Hence, having an electronic tuner will make the learning process far less frustrating and certainly more enjoyable since you'll always be practicing in tune.

1. Do the squareneck and the roundneck models have the same sound?

Yes, they both have the characteristic Dobro sound due to the tone all coming from the resonator cone. The resonator cones in both models are the same.

I like either the natural spruce top or the natural mahogany top...do they sound the same? (i.e. does the type of wood used affect the sound).

The sound is not really affected by the wood since most all the tone is dependent on the resonator cone.

Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2000

Hello Again..I believe that the Regal,Johnson,galveston,are all pretty much the same instrument for the most part..I see there is a different style resonator ..some have the larger holes such as the Johnson and then this tri style..what is the difference?

There is a vast difference between the Regal and Galveston (the Johnson is on the level of the Regal)...the Regal is a definite step up from both of these models because of the spun resonator cone as opposed to a stamped out cone. Additionally, the Regal offers a soundwell and many other upgrades as compared to the Galveston. The Regal Triolian is a parlor size guitar made mostly for blues style playing. It has a biscuit cone instead of the spider cone found on the Regal full-size dobros. The tonal difference offered by the Triolian is also substantial. The Triolian sounds very monotonic, in-your-face, nasal and is similar to the old-time radio speaker sound. The Regal full-size sounds fat and full.

Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000

What strings do you suggest for the Regal roundnecks you sell?

I'd recommend a Medium Gauge Phospher Bronze Acoustic set...this allows for a fatter sound and easy slide playing without as much fret noise.

Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999

Really am enjoying your website - if it was on paper, it would be dog-eared by this time!

Thanks for the kind words!

Have some questions regarding resonator guitars. There seems to be a current "flood" in the market of Johnson brand resonators. Seen in abundance on e-bay, thruout the web, in the used instrument ads, etc. Why so many for sale? Is this a "bought at a good price wholesale, sell 'em quick" situation? Also a lot of Regal brand ones.

Be sure to research further before making a purchase. The low-end Johnson brand I believe does not have a spun cone but a stamped cone...also, make sure the Dobro has an internal soundwell which is critical to good tone.

Do you ever do side-by-side comparisons? Living near Sacramento, CA I am lucky to find 1 or 2 Epiphones, some Samick, etc. and an occasional wonderful wooden Dobro. It would sure help to find someone who had more than 1 type (biscut, spider) in the same place so I could get a comparison.

I've compared the biscuit to the spider and have found that the biscuit serves well for traditional blues and the spider serves well for bluegrass stylings.

Any thoughts on describing the differences - maybe it would help if I knew who used what on different recordings I could listen to?

We sell many of the Regal Squarenecks to bluegrassers who are at pro level...I personally have seen many players at bluegrass festivals playing a Regal...I have also sold my original Hounddog Model Dobro and am playing a Regal in place of it...although, you as an artist will have to make your own decision on what fits you best. That's why I've suggested that you do your research before making a purchase.

Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...Mickey Cochran

Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1999

I was looking at the black Regal roundneck dobro you have on ebay, and I have a couple questions. First, I was wondering which brands are good and which are not. I have talked to a few music stores in my local area, and almost noone knows anything. There were 3 resonator guitars for sale in the whole city of Santa Barbara. Some stores carry Regals, but didn't have any in stock. They say it's the best resonator for the money. What do you think about Johnson, Flint Hill, Galveston? Anyway, I was wondering if you have any comparable units with the one on ebay that have a dark or cherry sunburst finish. Thank you. bignose

Hello bignose...You have a valid question regarding "which are good and which are not"

First and foremost, you must consider the dobro's resophonic cone assembly...

Is the cone spun or stamped? The Regal is the only one I know of, in its price range, that offers a spun cone. Other questions would be the quality of the finish, of the woods, of the craftsmanship, of the nut and saddle...or even what strings do they ship with...(for instance the Regal ships with high grade GHS strings...or whether the neck includes a truss rod (the regal roundnecks all have truss rods)...and so on. Additionally, before purchasing a dobro, be sure to get a complete breakdown of the store's policies including return procedure and guarantees...

I do have many comparable Dobros in other finishes...be sure to check out our website which includes all the finish styles illustrated on the Dobro introductory page.

Mickey

Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999

Could you please clarify the functional differences between squareneck and roundneck Dobro guitars? Are squarenecks typically played lap-style while roundnecks are played conventionally? And, if so, are squarenecks typically set up with an extremely high action while roundnecks are not? Thank you. John Rousseau

Hello John, The squareneck and roundneck differ in both the way they are played and the way they are set up. Many times, the genre of music would determine which style to play...for instance, Bluegrass is normally always played with a squareneck dobro and Blues is normally played with a roundneck.

Roundneck and Squareneck differences:

Squareneck-
1. Has a squared off neck for easier placement on the lap...allows for more stable playing.
2. Has an extended nut that raises the strings at 1/2" off of the fingerboard.
3. The tuning keys point upwards for easier tuning while playing on the lap or lap style while standing...
4. The neck meets the body at the 12th fret which is the traditional standard for Squareneck Dobros...
5. The headstock is slotted as is most traditional Dobros

Roundneck-
1. Has a roundneck similar to a guitar...allows for playing just like a guitar...
2. Has a medium action for playing both regular guitar styles and slide style with minimum fret noise...
3. The tuning keys are enclosed machines
4. The headstock is closed as is common on most acoustic guitars...

Mickey

Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999

Questions submitted by Lpileeap:

Is this an all-metal (brass or aluminum please" dobro or is it wood painted silver? This has a silver metallic finish...Tricone or single resonator cone?

Single resonator Biscuit Cone

How would you compare this to the National Triolian?

This Triolian just has a blues tone through and through...it is very comparable in that it does have the characteristic nasal blues tone that all traditionalists can appreciate.

We also carry the Regal Triolian in a variety of colors...

RD-3M Mahogany-Matte
RD-3N Natural
RD-3S Silver Metallic
RD-3 Tobacco Sunburst
RG-3N Natural Gloss

Our price on the Triolian is 375.00...hardshell case would be 59.95.

Shipping 25.00

Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...

Mickey Cochran

website: http://www.folkofthewood.com

Monday-Saturday 8:30-6:30 Mountain Time.
Visa, MC, Discover & Amex gladly accepted

Date: Fri, 2 Jul 1999

Questions submitted by Robert Pickett:

Is Dobro a brand name that is the "standard" for all resonating guitars or is it a type of res guitar?

Dobro® is a registered trademark of Gibson Instruments and is currently used in reference to any resonator type guitar. Gibson purchased this trademark recently. Dobro originally came about from the Dopyera Brothers who originally developed the resonator cone that emulates a radio speaker.

Do you hold/play a resonator like a regular guitar with a slide or is it played on your lap like a dulcimer?

There are a variety of Dobros available...mainly there are 2 classifications: Roundneck and Squareneck.

1. The Roundneck is normally played just like a guitar and is predominate in blues, ragtime, rock, etc. It lends itself to fingerstyle approach naturally. It can be played lap-style...and can even be modified to have the same action as a squareneck. To do this only requires a nut extension that fits on top of the current nut (cost on these is only 7.95). This raises the height of the strings so the Dobro can be played with a heavier steel bar such as the Stevens (available for 16.00).

2. The Squareneck is played on the lap with a heavy steel bar...hence the squareneck...which helps keep the instrument stable on the lap. Additionally, the strings are extended above the neck to ensure a clean slide tone. You cannot play chords or fret this type of Dobro as you would a traditional guitar. You solely use a slide for the fretting side....the slide can be used to create most any type of major or minor chord so the squareneck can still be used effectively for back-up along with lead playing. This type of Dobro is used effectively in bluegrass and country stylings.

Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...Mickey Cochran

Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999

My roundneck resonator (Mahogany) has a buzz in the resonator if I play a B in the second position (an "A" barr) or most any cord between the sixth and 10th frets. It is definitely coming from the "pie pans," and is audible to others at approximately the same volume as the strings/chord.

This, and having a pretty high action and stiff strings (mark of the breed?) seems to be the only problem I've had so far. It only happens when I get above what I would call a medium volume level and a strong attack.

Any chance this is "fixable" or do I just need to do as my Dad used to say and "Keep it Down!"? That's hard to do when the spirits starts to move ya', but I can try.... I'd like to try and minimize this or eliminate it if I can. Possible? let m know...Help? Walt Campbell

Hello Walt,

You should be able to play your Dobro as loud as you wish without the resonator cone vibrating...try taking a pencil and with the eraser end pushing down on the cone slightly to see if the buzz disappears. If it does, at least we've isolated it to the cone itself. If it doesn't it might be another part such as the spider cage. There is a simple remedy that usually resolves any buzzing you may be getting related to your resonator: tighten the tension screw right in the center of the cover plate (above the bridge). Be careful to tighten in small increments and double-checking when the buzz disappears...Let's see if we can isolate the vibration first and foremost...your Dobro is completely warrantied against any defects. We will resolve your problem one way or another.

As far as the action goes, these are set up for slide guitar playing to minimize fret noise while using a slide. The action can be easily lowered by removing the bridge inserts and filing them down on a flat surface with sandpaper. Be sure to file them simultaneously to ensure an even consistency.

Please get back with me on what you discover...Mickey Cochran

Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999

Hi folks! I recently bought a maple Regal resophonic guitar. I love its tone and have been experimenting with both standard delta-blues slide and lap-style playing. I'm really drawn to lap-style playing (Kelly-Joe Phelps being one of my current favorites!) and I see the limitations of not having the guitar set up with a high bridge. I can't go out and buy another reso., so the dilemma is; should I change the bridge and lose being able to finger pick the guitar, or keep it the way it is an live with the loud "pops" when I accedently hit the frets as I lap-slide to bluegrass? Are there some alternatives with stringing or action that I can do? Kirk

Hi Kirk, The advantage of the Regal Roundneck that you possess is the versatility of being able to play it both lap style and guitar style. Your option to be able to play your Regal lap style, without the steel/slide hitting the frets, is to add a removable extension nut. These are metal and slide right over your stationary nut on your Regal....all you need to do to convert it from guitar style to lap style is to loosen the strings, slip the extension nut over the present nut, place each string in its designated slot on the extension nut and then tightening up your strings to pitch. It will then be ready to play as a lap style squareneck. Now, if you only plan on playing bluegrass, or lap style playing solely, then it is best to purchase a squareneck to start.

Extension nuts are available for 7.95 ea. + 2.00 Shipping....Upon setting up your Roundneck Dobro for lap style, then you'll also need a Stevens Stelll...the steels are available for 15.00 ea....

Let me know if I can assist you further...Mickey

Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999

Hi Mickey, Thanks for getting back with me so fast! The reason I was asking (and I will try to keep this brief) is I have been playing an Ovation for many years and was considering a acoustic/electric. I tried out both the Korean and US models and found the US to have a much better sound. In the meantime I met a man who plays a dobro and was completely won over by this instrument. I'm sure I have heard one before but never in person and I am really taken with it. I want to learn to play one but have no idea if I can. I play mainly rhythm guitar, with a few standard licks thrown in, and after this long explanation finally my question is: would a dobro be the right instrument to start on in the "slide" department? I realize there are alot of "slide" style instruments to choose from but the squareneck dobro has stolen my heart. If you have time to answer this I would appreciate it. I should add that I am 40 yrs. old and probably not in my prime for learning new instruments. Thanks alot, Jan Shuyler

Hi Jan,

This is a valid question...there are definitely two realms of slide guitar playing:

1. Guitar style

2. Lap style

To determine which one to start out on, decide what style of music you have a passion for...of course, you can play most any genre on either a roundneck or squareneck; keep in mind, each lends itself to different styles. For instance, the squareneck comes across very well when playing bluegrass and fast leads; whereas, the roundneck sounds great for blues stylings. I would recommend following your passion and enjoy the learning process...the squareneck is a great instrument to start out on and stick with for a lifetime of study. It's fairly simple to learn and challenging to master. Since you'll be playing a roundneck similar to a guitar, you'll be also learning techniques that require more dexterity such as learning chords...

In regards to purchasing Korean or American-made Dobro: I love the Regal Dobro we represent...in fact, I've recently sold my personal older Dobro 60DS original since I prefer the playability of the Regal. I'm currently playing the Regal Squareneck with a natural finish. I'm completely happy with this model...The spread of the strings is really nice and not near as narrow as the 60DS. It's got all the volume and sustain you could ask for! Additionally, they are priced right for this same quality in the states would cost the first-time buyer on average four times as much. Many just cannot afford the initial outlay for an Amercian-made instrument; even so, I also believe there are many American makes that are nothing short of tremendous in quality and tone. I'd have to say that ultimately, you can find good and bad in both domestic and imported instruments.

Let me know if I can assist you further...Mickey