Dobro: Quarterman Cones

Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 09:24:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Regal RD 45

Hello, my name is Lukas Helrich and I reside up in Shelburne, VT. I called you guys this morning aquiring about your Regal Dobros but unfortunatly you are all out of the particular one I had my eye on. I am looking to get a Regal RD45 Mahogany squareneck with the QC upgrade and a hardshell case.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention Lukas....I called our supplier on your behalf today...they said they will have the RD-45 Mahogany SN's in within 9-10 days...we'll have a backorder of 6 of them due us within 3-4 days after that...so, it may not be too long a wait...

I have been looking for a decent entry level dobro for some time now and this seems like the perfect choice for me. Listening to the clips of before and after the QC upgrade was deffinitly the selling point. What a diference! Your website is wonderfull. This will be my first Dobro and I am very excited to get my hands on it a start playing.

Thanks so much for noticing...we try our best to supply a full avenue to all acoustic artists...and, when someone, such as yourself, reminds us of the good job we're doing, we gain even more inspiration to try harder...Mickey

IThank you very much.
Lukas

Subject: RD-45 w/quarterman conversion and pickup??
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 19:44:20 +0000

Hey,
I am emailing as a musician fairly new to the world of dobros, but nonetheless very interested. After doing some research on entry-level priced dobros, I came across your site, and after some extensive research, I have a few questions that I would be thrilled to have answered.
I am thinking about getting a RD-45 (curly oak)with the Quarterman conversion package, a hardshell case, and I was wondering what you offer for pickup options on these guitars, and as well what the prices are?

Greetings,
Yes, the RD-45 is more than likely the best value in the industry for an import dobro...and, with the Quarterman upgrade, you shouldn't have to concern yourself about any lack of tone...the Quarterman adds a lot of roundness of tone to the 45...as can be attested on our video sampler section: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm where we compare an RD-45 with a Quarterman and one with the stock resophonic cone assembly...the Quarterman offers an amazing bottom end quality of which the original RD-45 cannot compare...Mickey

Subject: Which Squareneck Resonator?
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2003 14:21:34 -0500

Hi,

Greetings Roland,

Glad to assist if I can:

If I was to plan on a Quarterman upgrade, which would you choose?

We've done quite a few RD-45 Quarterman upgrades with great success on most imported Dobros...both roundnecks and squarenecks...it makes a tremendous difference in tonal quality...offering a nice fat low-end...coming very close in tone to more expensive dobros. Even so, if you're just starting out, this conversion may not be necessary...especially since your focus will be on learning technique...I didn't used to think it would make much difference when I heard the first conversion performed by a local friend...however, after completing our first in-house conversion, and doing video samplers, there's an obvious improvement in tonal range.

Final question, is it really worth the Quarterman upgrade for a beginning player?

Only if you plan on holding on to the dobro you're converting...this ensures that once you do gain some technique, the tonal range offered by the Quarterman will have its place. And, if keeping it as a second dobro even after purchasing another more expensive dobro at a later date. If you're planning on using our 100% upgrade policy, you'll want to keep the instrument stock since there would be a depreciation on the custom upgrades.

Hope something here helps...Mickey

(You have a very famous name!)

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Roland White

Subject: Mickey Quarterman questions
Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2003 19:16:58 -0500

Dear Mickey,

I read and appreciated your comments on the page of Quarterman FAQs.

I own a 1936 Regal roundneck, with all original insides, set up for lap playing with a funny Nick Manoloff metal nut extension.

I want to upgrade the instrument, which I've had since 1976. I liked the package you have put together for $117.50. I'd like to have my local repair man Bob Jones do the work, or maybe another resophonically-specialized shop.

Can you advise about ordering correctly? Will the QC1 be right? Should I carefully measure the present soundwell before ordering?

Greetings Pual,

We appreciate your interest in purchasing our kit. However, and in all fairness to you, we would suggest that you check with Paul Beard (the foremost expert on Quartermans) at http://www.beardguitars.com/index_ll.html

You might also research further with Mark Taylor at http://www.crafterstn.com/

I believe you'll find the perfect cone set-up with one of them...and, hopefully, will be lead down the right road...I personally wouldn't alter a 1936 dobro...especially if there's any routing required. I believe it could take away the integrity of your Regal.

Sincerely, Mickey

Subject: Regal Rd-45, Morgan Monroe and Quarterman Cones
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2003 13:55:55 -0400

Dear Folk of the Wood,

Greetings from FOTW:

Soon I will be purchasing my first Squareneck Dobro, of
course from you.

Thanks so much for your confidence in us!!!

I have been doing a lot of research on
two specific beginner Dobros: the Regal RD- 45 and
the Morgan Monroe MSQ-TB. After researching the
different specifications, I noticed that the Regal RD- 45
has been re-engineered. Now it appears to come
standard with a cast aluminum spider and bone nut.

Here are the current features of the RD-45:
Product Code: RD-45 Category: Instruments Brand: Regal Features:
Spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Solid mahogany neck
Rosewood fingerboard
Mother-of-pearl dot position markers
Nickel-plated brass coverplate and tailpiece
Ivoroid bound body and fingerboard
Multi-ply soundwell
Exclusive hard alloy spider for 30% increased volume
Bone nut
Shop adjusted

Will these new features afford the Regal with same
tonal quality as the model with your Quarterman
conversion?

No...the Quarterman Cone is completely separate from the cast alloy spider...the cone that comes standard with a RD-45 is spun...and, it will suffice for most playing instances. The Quarterman cone will add to the bottom end and fullness of the Regal...it can always be upgraded at a later date...if you're a beginner, you may still want to develop an attuned ear sot that when you do upgrade you'll truly appreciate the difference.

If not completely, would I only need to
add the quarterman cone and maple/ebony saddle,
instead of the entire recommended parts list?

Up to just recently, we're still finding that the spiders that come with the RD-45s are not as high quality as the spiders that we use in the Quarterman Cone...for instance, to purchase a alloy spider from Saga...we pay 8 or 9 dollars...the ones we purchase with Quarterman kits cost 25.00...

Also, what
quarterman cone is Mickey playing in the video sample,
the QC-1 or the QC-4?

This is the QC-1...

I have talked on phone several times with Tradd

(VERY HELPFUL) about the Morgan Monroe. He
informed me that he recently bought the MSQ-TB for
himself and is very satisfied with its sound and overall
quality. I have read and also heard that the Morgan Monroe
line of guitars and resonators have a better level of
craftsmanship, more consistent level of quality, and
better overall tone, than what is currently being manufactured
by Saga (Regal). Do you also echo the same sentiment?

As far as the Regal Dobros go, they've been very consistent in quality...we're also thrilled with the new Morgan Monroe MSQ-TB...they have a great look and tone...and are a tremendous value.

To be honest though, I like the sound of the Regal with the
quarterman cone upgrade; it has a little smoother top end
and better bass response than what I hear with the MSQ-TB
example. Is this because of the cone, or is it just the acoustics
during recording.

I'd have to say the Quarterman cone would be the contributing factor (as stated earlier in this e-mail)...the video samplers are set up with the exact mic and recording setting. Your estimation in tonal differences is exactly what I personally have concluded.

Any information and opinions you can offer me would be
helpful in my decision, since I am unable to actually play
these instruments prior to purchasing.

The Regal has the soundscreens; the MSQ-TB has F soundholes. This doesn't necessarily make a difference in tonal quality...the F soundholes seem to derive from the traditional blues dobros...the soundscreens are more commonly found in bluegrass dobros. Again, both of these dobros are superb...the Regal RD-45, with the Quarterman upgrade would be as powerful a bluegrass dobro as you'll need when starting out. The Morgan Monroe seems to have the edge in tone if you're not planning on upgrading to the Quarterman and are looking for an all-around squareneck at a tremendous price.

Hope this helps...Mickey

Sincerely,
Brian Whelan

Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 17:22:43 -0400

HELLO,

I RECENTLY E-MAILED YOU REGARDING INSTALLING A QUARTERMAN CONE ON MY J.D. MODEL DOBRO. YOU RECOMMENDED NOT PURSUING THE UPGRADE BECAUSE OF MODIFICATIONS THAT MIGHT BE NEEDED. I HUNTED DOWN A 10 1/2" CONE AND WITH SLIGHT TRIMMING FITTED IT. I FOUND THAT MY INSTRUMENT NOT ONLY HAS NOTICABLY BETTER SUSTAIN BUT INCREASED VOLUME. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE UPGRADE. I ENJOY YOUR VIDEO SAMPLERS. CAN YOU TELL ME THE NAMES OF THE TUNES YOU PLAY ON YOUR BEARD V. CHERRY #1, 4 AND 8 DEMOS? I LOVE PLAYING THEM. I HAVE A SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER INTERESTED IN FIDDLE/VIOLIN. WHAT INSTRUMENT CAN YOU RECOMMEND FOR STARTERS? I HAVE A JOHNSON MF 300 MANDOLIN THAT I WOULD GLADLY TRADE IN TO GET HER STARTED. IS IT WORTH ANY THING TOWARD A NEW INSTRUMENT? IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITON. HOPE YOU HAVE TIME TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS.
GOOD PICKIN' TODD GEROY

Greetings Todd,

Thanks for the positive report on the Quarterman upgrade on your Jerry Douglas...I'm really surprised there would have been that much improvement of tone...I can understand on a Quarterman upgrade for an import such as the Regal or the Flinthill...I've always noticed a tremendous difference in tonal range before and after on the Regal...The JD's come in sounding full and responsive...however, if you had that noticeable an improvement, we will experiment on this end.

At your disposal,

Mickey

Subject: dobro cones
Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 12:55:15 +0100

I own a 33h metal body 1987 which i think has a 10 1/2 inch cone which quarterman cone is right for this guitar please

Greetings,

It would depend somewhat on what type of tone you hope to achieve...

And, be aware, most of the time, routing is required for installation. Therefore, I'd recommend that you go to a reputable luthier, who has had experience installing Quartermans, before attempting this job yourself.

There are many variables involved with installing a Quarterman cone...and one of the most critical is seating it properly for optimal tone.

If you're looking for a bluesy tone, most metal body dobroists are, you might consider the Chicago blues cone...if you're looking for a loud full bluegrass tone, you'll want to go with the standard Quarterman...I do have a couple of metal bodies with squarenecks (The England Models) that serve well in a bluegrass context...

Let me know if you have further questions...Mickey

Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 17:38:40 -0400
Subject: jerry douglas dobro

Hello,

I purchased a Jerry Douglas model Dobro last year on a visit to Nashville. I enjoy it very much. Can you tell me if it that model comes with a Quarterman cone as a stock feature? I am interested in upgrading if it is not. I hope you can answer my question. You have a great website. I enjoy the video samples. They have allowed me to learn a few new licks for my banjo and dobro! I will contact you for my next instrument purchase.

Regards, Todd

Greetings Todd,

It's my understanding that these do not come with a Quarterman cone...however, they do have a high-end spun cone which do sound great stock.

Installing a Quarterman cone can be intensive due to the routing required. And, due to this, there would be no backtracking if you do not like the results.

My suggestion would be to keep it stock unless you've played a Quarterman that you prefer...On an import, such as a Regal or Flinthill, the Quarterman will make a tremendous difference by adding fullness and volume to the tonal range.

Thanks for the kind words regarding our website and video samplers...

Let me know if you have further questions...Mickey

Subject: Regal Dobro Upgrade
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 14:54:22 -0500

Hi Mickey,

Although you've heard it plenty of times, thanks for a great site on the web. I love hearing your playing as well, with the video samplers.

I am a banjo picker and mandolin picker. I was wondering about the regal dobro conversion. I think it is a great idea! Does the upgrade also figure into your trade up policy i.e. an additional $200.00 when/if I wanted to upgrade to a different dobro? Does the conversion/upgrade make the regal a better bluegrass instrument in reguards to volume? Does the conversion have to be done at the time of purchase or can it be done later? Thanks for the great options!

Best reguards,

Jeff

Greetings Jeff,

Thanks so much for the kind words regarding our website...yes, we do hear it quite often, however, we never tire of hearing it.

Yes, the Quarterman conversion on a Regal is the next best thing to owning a Paul Beard dobro. You'll get a fatter sound with lots of volume. Especially since the conversion covers all facets of where the sound may be affected: bone nut, maple ebony bridge, high grade strings and the Quarterman cone will all contribute to a powerfully sounding dobro. It most definitely will make a better bluegrass cannon than the spun cone the Regal ships with...keep in mind, the cone the Regal ships with still sounds fine...it's only when you put a Quarterman conversion side by side with the Regal that you can really tell the difference.

We highly recommend having the cone replaced before the instrument ships. It will save you shipping costs at a later date. If you'd prefer to hold off on the conversion, you might opt to buy the standard Regal and use our upgrade policy at a later date to get into a Beard.

Hope this helps...Mickey

We now have video samplers on the difference of the Regal Standard and the Regal with Quarterman Conversion

Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 14:29:35 -0600
Subject: Quarterman Cone Questions
From: "lnmgirsch"

I'd like to thank you guys for posting my MP3 to the Jerry Douglas Dobro page......very cool. I have
had fun sharing the page with friends. Thanks for the offer to enhance my section on the Dobro page. I may
send you a little something to add one day soon. Is it hard to swap out MP3s on the page? Maybe I'll send
another MP3 that's a little better.

My brother-in-law, John McNair, said he called you guys and is heading up to have you work on his banjo mandolin
and to purchase a mandolin from you. Very cool. I wish I was coming up there with him. Next summer he'll
be here for a couple months and we plan to record a CD at that time. We'll share it with you if it works out the
way we plan.

Mickey......have you ever considered a section on your website where others could post MP3s? It would be
fun to hear others like myself pickin'. I'm flattered that you posted my MP3. It has really made my Dobro experience
special. It was above and beyond my expectations to say the least.

One question for Mick - I keep reading on all the dobro sites that the Quarterman Cone is so very essential for
getting a great sound. I have even heard that the only way to get the JD model to sound great is to swap out the cone for a Quarterman.....is this true? What's your honest opinion? I feel you guys surely setup my Dobro well - it's sweet, but
is it worth me purchasing Beard Maple/Ebony bridges from you - and having you install a Quarterman cone?

I love this Dobro and anything that makes it sound better is interesting to me. Just let me know if you think it's
worth to hassle and expense. I'm pretty sure that Gibson used their own cone in my Dobro.....They wouldn't have
installed a Quarterman in it would they?

Mick - Bryan - Nathan - Suzie - everyone at the shop.......thanks for everything - I think this is just the
beginning of a long relationship!

I look forward to reading your thoughts Mick. The best to all of you, and I'll be in touch!!,

Marty

Hey Marty, We now have the MP3 page up and running. Click Here
In answer to your Quarterman questions:
No doubt the Quarterman offers supreme tonal quality and bell-like fabrication...but, to be honest from my perspective, I believe the tonal quality of your new JD Dobro to be as superior as you can ask (I did enquire about where they acquired their cones and I believe was told that they have them specially made to their specs). I tell you what, to hear the Quarterman cone, you only need to check out the Paul Beard videos...I'll be posting more in the near future. Then compare to your MP3 files. I cannot find any fault, or lack of tonal fullness, with your MP3 file: "Banks of the Ohio"...I'm especially looking forward to further MP3s from you. Something else to think about: to install a Quarterman in your Gibson would require further routing. This would be a substantial intrusion on such a beautifully constructed instrument. Now, if it was a Regal or Johnson (which would definitely contribute to further the tonal quality), and considering their price range, then there wouldn't be any concern about altering integrity.

Hope this helps in some way...Mickey