Frequently Asked Questions About the Regal Dobro Bass

Subject: regal dobro bass
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 20:02:15 -0500

In the video of the regal resonator bass it appeared that the bass was played with a pick. I am unfamiliar with playing a bass, I do play guitar and the resonator bass interests me. I didn't think basses were played with picks. thank for help.

Greetings,

Yes, we use a flatpick many times on the Reso Bass...it brings out it's volume capabilities...and yes, on average, basses are played with fingers...however, there are even flatpicks that have been designed and manufactured specifically for bass playing...

The upshot is that acoustic guitar-style basses are notorious for having little volume...by using a flatpick, you can ensure the instrument's presence in a larger jam session...if you have a pick-up, then playing with fingers poses no volume issues...

I hope this allows another perspective...let me know if you have further questions...Mickey

Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 18:26:47 -0700
Subject: Re: Regal CRD-05

I was wondering what the difference was between the Regal Acoustic Bass and the National Style EN Resonator. I did notice the National uses a different size and looking cone. But why such a price difference? The National was being sold for $2000. Also, I heard a rumor about a Fender FSR resonator bass like the one in the Garth Brooks Dr. Pepper commercial. Have you heard anything about this? I will most likely be purchasing a Regal CRD-05 from you, but I am deciding if I want the transducer put in. Also, will you be posting a video sampler of the Gold Tone BB-400 Bass Banjo? How does it compare to the resonators? Does it have more of a Banjo "Twang" to it? One last question. Is the chipboard case a soft or hard case? Thanks.

Chris Skrzypchak (pronounced Scripshock)

Greetings...

Glad to assist if I can:

The Regal Acoustic Bass is a decent Dobro Bass...it has a lot of punch and sizzle...it does not have the bottom end of a string bass...however, if plugged in, and utilizing the right sound reinforcement, you should be able to recreate any bottom end you need...

I haven't played a National so I cannot pass judgment on one...however, you may be able to get a better perspective by calling up Elderly Instruments http://www.elderly.com ...they may have a staff member that's tried one of these Nationals...we were hoping to become a rep of Nationals this next year...

I haven't heard anything about the Fender resonator bass...I didn't even know they made one...

The BB-400 Bass Banjo does have somewhat of a banjo twang...it would be fun to have...however, you would still need a main bass...the banjo bass would be a great novelty bass for unique playing situations...it doesn't have the seasoned tone of a Regal Dobro Bass...

A chipboard case is considered a softshell case...

Mickey

Subject: Regal Dobro Bass
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 15:29:25 +0100

Hi Folk Of The Wood
I play a solid body bass detuned from E A D & G to.... D G C & F....
I use gauges 110, 90, 70 & 50.... to keep the string tension good.
I'm looking for a loud acoustic bass and the Regal Dobro Bass seems to fit the bill.
Could I use this tuning and these string gauges on this short scale instrument?....
and do you know anywhere I can get these gauges in a short scale string?
How do phosphor bronze strings sound on the Regal also?
Thanks for your help
Geoff Lincoln

Greetings Geoff,

The scale length for the Regal Dobro Bass:
BRIDGE TO NUT: 31 INCHES

I believe you could pretty well accomplish the tuning as you've described with the larger gauges. The Regal Dobro Bass is exceptionally loud; however, if you're playing with the flesh of your fingers, as opposed to a pick, it won't have the same punch. Of course, this is true of most acoustic basses. Just the same, the Regal is the loudest acoustic bass I've heard in person.

The Phosphor Bronze strings are the way to go on the Regal acoustically...makes for a decent sizzle with a true bright sound...the Regal RD-05E, with magnetic pick-up, would require nickel wound. We do carry the GHS Phosphor Bronze...however, I'm not sure on their length. You're most welcome to call our 800 number and have someone measure them for you: 888-209-8434. You can always have a Shadow Transducer installed for good sound reinforcement.

Hope this helps...Mickey

Date: Thu, 09 May 2002 15:47:47 -0500
Subject: Regal Dobro Bass Question

I was wondering on this bass, if you wanted to play it lap-style with a slide like a regular dobro, does that work and how does it sound? Thank you for your time and assistance. -Ryan Herr.

Greetings Ryan,

It wouldn't work...I've tried playing slide on these and the sound is just muddy. As an acoustic bass, they're extremely loud...however, when using a slide, they just wouldn't carry as would be true of any acoustic bass...

Now, if you were to plug in, the slide would carry...but, be aware, it would still sound somewhat muddy.

At your disposal, FOTW
--

Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 15:31:17 +0100
Subject: Resonator Bass

Hi this is Peter from Germany

At your web-side I read your FAQ and answers concerning this beautifull Regal
resonator bass presented by your company! Really Great web side!
(Unfortunately your Resonator Bass will only be sold within USA I guess).

Now I've got a question and hope you take the time for answering!
I've been looking for a long time for a Resonator Bass in Germany, but I did'nt
find any hint!
Do you have a partner in Germany who sells resonator basses and were I can test
the sound?
Maybe you have a presentation of you company in Germany where I can take a lok
at the resonator bass and maybe buy it.

(Shipping from USA is to expensive and risky for me. I bought a guitar from the
staes in the last months and it was damaged and UPS didn't take the
responisibility for the damage nor the trade so that's a whole mess)

Great if you can help me!

Ah, just one more question: I never heard a resonator bass! (but I love the
sound of resonator guitars, that's why I'm looking fore such a bass)
Do you have any short sound sample of a resonator bass, (in wav or mp3 format)
that you can send me? That would be really great!

Thanks for taking the time!!!

Greetings

Peter

Greetings Peter,

Thanks for your kind words regarding our website...

We do ship overseas...even so, I'm in agreement with you: it can be risky no matter how well we pack. Currently, we're sending out a replacement mandolin to one of our faithful German customers in Berlin...we've discovered that you cannot ship overseas with the strings taut...his mando neck arrived warped.

Sorry, I don't know of any other Dobro bass dealers in Europe.

I do have one and the same customer we're working with named H.P. Daniels whom may be able to assist you with acoustic music stores in Germany. I'll forward your e-mail to him; if he can assist you, maybe he'll write you directly. Sorry, it's not my place to disclose his e-mail address, and it's solely up to him to assist you if he can...

We do have sound samples available for the bass directly off of our website.

Go to: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Get back with me if I can be of further assistance...Mickey

-- Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2001 00:05:58 -0600
Subject: Re: Regal Dobro Bass Questions

I'm afraid that I spoke too soon...
I have a two more quick questions. Is it possible to get an acoustic
electric dobro (either the Regal or the Johnson) in black? After further
exploring your website I quickly noticed the Johnson Resonator bass, which
appears to be the exact same bass with the Johnson name instead of Regal.
Are there any other differences that I should know about before purchasing
one? If there are no apparent differences I would appreciate it if you can
recommend which one might be more reliable.
Again, thanks for the help in advance.

Greetings...glad to assist you further...

We do pick-up installations on any choice of acoustic dobro bass we carry...of course, these are permanent transducer style pick-ups that give the basses more of an acoustic feel with less of the solid-body electric sounds gained from the lipstick style pick-up on the RD-05E.

One of the most popular pick-ups is the Shadow...this pick-up retails for 95.00...both the pick-up and installation is a total cost of 139.00.

There aren't any noticable differences between the Johnson and the Regal...although, the Regal has been around for many years now; whereas, the Johnson dobro bass was just introduced a few months ago.

Mickey

Subject: Regal Dobro Bass
Date: Sat, 14 Jul 2001 23:26:48 -0400

Mickey,
I currently play in a band that tunes all guitars down a 1/2 step, including the bass. Will there be any issues doing this with the Regal Dobro Bass, or is it something you don't recommend? Thanks. Kevin

Greetings Kevin,

Shouldn't be a problem whatsoever. There might be a little more rattle on the E string, although, it shouldn't be too much different than standard pitch tuning.

Mickey

From: Jonathan Earpod
Subject: RE: Regal Dobro Ac Bass
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 10:34:53 -0700

A couple more questions --

How does the non-electric version work and sound with a pick-up; is it
better to get the RD-05E? I plan on equally using it in electrified and
non-electrified situations.

Also, could I trade in a Peavy (circa 1980) electric guitar?

Thanks,

Jon.

Greetings Jon,

The Acoustic Regal RD-05 and RD-05E dobro basses sound loud and resonant acoustically...and, the sound reinforcement difference between the RD-05 with installed pick-up and the RD-05E factory installed magnetic pick-up lies in the nature of the electronics:
1. The RD-05, with installed transducer/piezo, has warm, acoustic overtones. The transducer is transcribing the vibrations directly off of the resonator cone which recreates more of an acoustic tone.
Pros: A rich acoustic sound very unique to the Dobro Bass. Great for acoustic settings.
Cons: Problematic if playing with an electric band with drums. Possible feedback and reverberation results.

2. The RD-05E, with factory-installed single coil pick-up, has a standard electric bass sound. The single coil magnetic pick-up is standard on most solid body electric basses. The RD-05E, plugged in, sounds very similar to a solid body electric bass.
Pros: Great for playing with a loud drummer...minimizes feedback and reverberation.
Cons: No longer sounds like an acoustic bass (after plugging in) Recommendation: Use an acoustic amp, with in-line pre-amp, so that settings can be adjusted to create more of an acoustic quality. Mickey

Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 23:36:01 -0600

Mickey, where would I mount this Shadow pickup on the Regal 6 string regular Dobro guitar? Would you mount it in the same place the lipstick is mounted on the base? If I don't buy the base with the pickup installed from the factory, will I regret it later? or is the quality of the shadow similar ?....Slim

Hello Slim,

The Shadow pick-up is a transducer type that mounts on the very bottom of the resophonic cone. It recreates the acoustic quality of a dobro far better than a magnetic pick-up. The lipstick pick-up is magnetic (single coil) that gives the instrument more of an electrified tonal quality. As far as regretting: it would depend on the tonal quality you hope to achieve (whether magnetic or transducer).

Mickey

Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 00:38:30 -0600

Gentlepeople:

Is the Resophonic Bass made to be fretted or played with a bar??

Chuck Haynie

Hello Chuck,

The Regel Dobro Bass is made to play just like any other acoustic bass...in fact, the tone is more like a regular acoustic bass with added bite and volume due to the resophonic cone system.

Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 23:48:33 -0600

Hi there! Your website is great, and you seem like a very customer oriented company!!
I would like your opinion on a couple of things.....I've been looking to purchase an acoustic/electric bass guitar for some
time, and just haven't been satisfied with what I've found out there. I've tried the
Tacoma Thunderchief, El Capitan, Fender BG-32....they all sound okay, but lack acoustic punch. I
realize that no acoustic bass is going to give the sound of an upright, but I'm looking
for a reasonable compromise. Anyway, I've been reading your site info on the Regal Resonator Bass, as
well as the Johnson Acoustic/Electric Bass. Both sound wonderful, each different though...The
Johnson looks beautiful, with the inlays, etc. Bit I've also always liked the different
sound of the Dobro. Not being able to actually try each of them, what is your honest opinion
of which is louder, which is fuller, nicest tone, etc.? I'm looking for something to play along with
other acoustic guitarists, in an outside setting. Thanks for any opinions and info you can give me! Gary Cunningham

Hello Gary,

thanks for the kind words regarding our website...

The Regal Resonator Bass has more of a cutting edge tone than it does a stand-up bass thump. Still sounds great though...especially if you're looking for a bass that will hold its own in a bluegrass ensemble...the Regal Dobro bass is the loudest acoustic bass (guitar-style) we know of today! Everyone that ever gets one says the same thing: "Wow! This bass is loud!" Now, the Johnson has more of a round tone which may work well if you play with the flesh of your fingers instead of a flatpick. It won't have the volume of the Regal Dobro Bass, but they do have a typical bass sound. If you're looking for a bass to play in an outside setting, and are looking for the volume to support a full band acoustically, I'd have to recommend the Regal Dobro Bass. Mickey

Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000 10:09:29 -0600

Hello,

I am interested in this instrument. Is it available in another finish
besides sunburst?

Thank you,
F. H.

Hello Mr. F,

We recently had some Black Finished Regal Dobros made exclusively for us...they are usually in stock ready to ship. We can install a really nice transducer in one of these if you'd prefer this color. We do not have the RD-05E Acoustic/Electrics in Black and won't have any made (at least not planned to be made)...within the near future.

Hello again,
Thank you for your prompt reply,

I may be interested in one of these black finished Acoustic Dobro Basses
with a Transducer. What type of transducer do you install? Is it possible to reserve one and then to have you contact me when they
arrive?

Yes, you may reserve one for a 25% deposit...total cost on the Black Finished Dobro Bass is only 495.00 with installed Shadow Transducer Pick-Up (A normal add-on cost of 125.00...the pick-up itself is 95.00)...The deposit is completely refundable and is only a good faith deposit that ensures that you're locked into one. Total deposit due would be 125.00.

What is your warranty/return policy if it turns out the bass isn't what I am looking for?

We have a 100% guarantee on everything we ship...if the instrument doesn't fit you, we'd prefer to refund you, or exchange for another instrument, than force you to have to keep it. We've never had a disgruntled customer to date.

Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000

Thanks again,

2 more questions. The pick-up is located on the neck? How does this work,
can you be more specific about how it is installed?

Also, what different types of case do you have available? I noticed on your
website it mentioned a couple and said that you are looking for a hardshell
case appropriate to this instrument. Have you had any luck?

Thank you,
F. H.

Yes, we have a manufacturer working with us on the Regal Dobro Hardshell Cases. They will be selling through us at a discount of 79.95...their retail will be 129.95...We currently have a high-end, heavy duty gig bag available for 39.95...retail is 59.95...

As far as the pick-up on the Acoustic/Electric standard (RD05E) they're magnetic pick-ups (single coil lipstick) located at the very end of the fretboard...on the transducers (Shadow Pick-Ups) we install, they're located at the very bottom of the cone, so that there's no interference when playing acoustically. These type of pick-ups really capture their characteristic acoustic tone. The Magnetic Pre-Installed pick-up sounds electrified.

Mickey

Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2000 19:28:42 -0600

Hello...Is THIS BASS REALLY LOUD ENOUGH TO BE EASILY HEARD OVER A LOUD BANJO? also, HOW GOOD IS IT WHEN PLAYED THRU A MIKE LIKE YOU DO WITH THE OTHER INSTRUMENTS?

Hi....Everyone that we've ever sold one to said they're the loudest acoustic basses that they ever got their hands on! Because of its tremendous projection, the bass works effectively when played through a microphone. The sound does not dissipate into thin air as is common with acoustic guitar style basses. Mickey

Date: Fri, 26 Nov 1999

Mickey, Thank you for your quick response. I have a few more questions: does the Regal resophonic bass have a sound well? Does it use a standard cone, incase I need to replace it? And given the tension on an acoustic bass, what is the risk of crushing the cone?

I am really interested in purchasing this bass. I'm in a band and play an electric but I'm frustrated that I can't play acoustically, especially outdoors. I really don't want to get an upright, and I purchased a used Fender acoustic, but the action is too low and the strings buzz. I can't get it set higher because of the tension on the neck...plus it's not loud enough. Thanks, Miss Stephanie

Hello again, The Regal Dobro Bass does have a soundwell and does have a step-up cone because it's spun instead of stamped. Surprisingly, I haven't seen a cone crushed to date on a Regal Dobro Bass...I believe the distribution of tension is displaced somehow while still translating vibration to the cone...I can promise you that since you're already an electric player, you'll love the feel of this bass. It is far thinner than the average acoustic bass and the neck is also slimmer and comparable to an electric bass feel. Because the tone is being generated from the resophonic cone, the body does not have to be fat to generate volume and low end.

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

Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1999

Hi ...I have a few questions @ the Dobro Bass guitar.It certainly is a beautiful instrument, and I am very interested in owning one. I am a professional musician by trade, so feel free to use technical language if you like. I notice you use a "lipstick case" pickup on the electric model instead of a piezo type transducer (i.e Fishman)....how does the sound of the bass when plugged in compare to the acoustic sound? Does it use regular bass guitar (steel) strings? How does it balance on your lap? Is the list price the "real" price or is there room to negotiate? That looks like an awfully flimsy case...is the bass sturdy enough to make it to Ohio intact without a case?( i would like to get a better case for the instrument..no offense.)

Hello, In answer to your questions:

1. No doubt, since it is a magnetic pick-up, you're getting more of an electric sound...

2. Yes, it uses regular bass strings and comes strung with GHS Brand strings...

3. I feel the balance is perfect...especially as compared to the average acoustic bass that makes you feel like you're hugging a tree...

4. There is room for negotiation with all of our instrument pricing...we only want to meet the needs of the budget-minded musician...

5. Yes, we receive them without cases direct from the factory...currently, the softshell case and the heavy-duty gig bag are the only cases we have available that will accommodate its long scale....certainly, the quality of this bass deserves a higher class case! Mickey

Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999

Is it played like a dobro with a slide? does it have a built-in pickup or is it loud enough to play along with a mandolin and a couple guitars and still be heard?

Hello,

The Dobro Bass is played just like any other bass. You may optionally purchase one with a built-in pick-up. It's one of the loudest acoustic basses that can be purchased as attested by many of our customers...it certainly will cut through any acoustic jam session.

The Regal Dobro Bass is an import that offers immuculate craftsmanship, tremendous volume/tone, and easy playability (similar to an electric bass because of the thin body). I've been very impressed with mine and wouldn't trade it for any other available acoustic bass. Gibson used to manufacture a Dobro Bass, but for some reason, they discontinued them. This is the only Dobro bass that I know of as being currently available. It possesses tremendous volume, projection and bite. The tone and projection is dependent on the spun cone and spider bridge giving it a natural amplification that no other acoustic bass can match.

Length: 44.25" Tall

Body Heighth: 19" Tall

Body Depth: 3.5"

Action: Low to Medium (not high)

Tone Quality: Has a deep tone with both volume and bite.

Acoustic Volume: The loudest I've heard for an acoustic bass...also attested by our customers who have said the same.

Date: Wed, 16 Jun 1999

Hello Philip,

I am inquiring about the Acoustic Resophonic Bass Guitar RD-05:

1.Does it have a good singing sound high in the register?

High register playing on these only seem to cut through with tremendous volume and sustain...no loss in tonality whatsoever..

2.Could it be played in a purely acoustic folk group and be easily heard?

I think this is where the Regal Dobro really shines. It really has a cutting edge that stands tall above banjo, fiddle, or mandolin.

3.Is it a purely acoustic instrument without a pick-up?

Yes, it's a purely acoustic instrument without any electronics. You may optionally add a transducer or single coil pick-up for electric settings. Or, order our Acoustic/Electric version of the Regal Dobro Bass that has a single coil magnetic pick-up.

4.What savings can I get off retail?

Your price on a Regal Dobro bass would be 425.00...the case may be optionally purchased for 39.95.

Mickey Cochran

Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999

Hi, Thanks for the quick response... I had a couple more questions for you regarding the Regal Dobro Bass. Being an import, could you tell me where it was made?

Korea

Also, what kind of tone does it have?

A real nice low end sizzle-looud and resonant.

Is the bass's body made from laminated wood or solid peices?

Laminate...but the tone is dependent on the resonator cone almost completely eliminating a dependency on solid woods.

I can probably see that the bass will be loud, but how is the overall tone? Is it thin and/or twangy?

All I can say is it's loud, resonant and booming. Or does it produce a full rich tone? I have a Martin right now...how does it compare to that? The Martin bass probably has more of a thud to it with less sustain...although, I haven't played one personally, I'm familiar with the all-wood acoustic bass sound. The Dobro bass cuts through and has more of a bite to it...and very good sustain without reverberation.

Is there another hardcase that may fit the bass? One of better construction or material?

I've been looking for one through my supplier; they are attempting to find one now.

Regarding the return policy, how many days do I have to send it out? I.E.: 2 day inspection?

You may have up to 48 hours to determine if the bass is what you were looking for...we also offer a longterm trade-in policy with full value towards the purchase of any other instruments we have in stock. If after 6 months you'd like to try another bass, we will take your Dobro bass back in on trade and give you what you've paid for it toward the purchase of another instrument.

Last, that bass at ebay comes in a tobacco burst finish, if I may call it that, does it come in any other finishes/colors?

They only come in the tabacco burst...I've pushed for other colors such as solid black or natural mahogany. Let me know if I can assist you further...Mickey Cochran