Dobro: Set-Up Questions

Subject: dobro
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2004 19:06:48 -0500

I read a lot of articles and adds about setup just what is this ? Is this something i can do myself? IF i get a dobro someday

The set-up of an instrument ensures ease of playability...if an instrument is not set up properly, you're likely to find it difficult to play...or, maybe there will be buzzes at a few of the frets, or you might find that the instrument just doesn't sound right...or you might find that the neck is bowed...and so on...if an instrument is properly set up, then none of the above problems should be encountered when first receiving it.

Set-up on imported instruments is quite critical...most imports require some filing and sanding of bridges and nuts...along with truss rod adjustments and, sometimes the strings needing to be replaced for the best sound possible.

Yes, you can do it yourself...it will require some experience and education...it's not recommended that you set up your own instrument without having some background knowledge in this field...

We set up each and every instrument shipped from our shop, both new and used, with a full 9-point checklist signed by one of our repair technicians...we believe that set-up is one of the most critical factors to consider in every new and used instrument shipped...and should be the most important consideration that every purchaser should make...whomever you decide to purchase your dobro through, and there are many well-respected music stores to consider, make sure that they include a full set-up with the purchase...this will save you from the normal frustration encountered when purchasing your first dobro...Mickey

Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 22:38:26 -0500
Subject: Can the action on my dobro be lowered to play fingerstyle?

Hi!

I just read all of the emails back and forth about resonators. I bought several years ago a dobro with the intention of learning slide. Never happened. I do love the tone, however, and would keep and play the guitar if I could lower the action. I've been told that that can't be done - ruins the geometry of the rest of the guitar. What's your take on this? I sent an e-mail to Gibson, but they never responded. I am trying extra light strings, but they're too light (the sound isn't there), and heavier strings, combined with the high action, is very uncomfortable to play.

Acoustic guitar just gave very good reviews on the cheapo Johnson and Regal, as well as a Dean resonator. If I can't lower the action on my dobro, I may sell it and buy one of these cheap Asian products. What's your advice?

Thanks for your help,

John

Greetings John,

If your Dobro is a squareneck, you'll most definitely not want to alter to a roundneck...

You shouldn't have a problem lowering the action on a roundneck Dobro...only, keep extra bridge inserts on hand...in fact, if yours is a vintage Dobro, you'll want to pull the bridge inserts in it now and retain them as original parts...and, find replacement bridge inserts of which you can sand and file to fit for a lower action...

Keep in mind, your neck itself may need work as opposed to the bridge inserts...if the neck angle is off, or if there's a bend in the neck, you'll find the action to be very stiff...to repair this, you'll need to know how to reset a neck, or adjust a truss rod...

The Regal Dobro is one of the best values in the industry...when and if you decide to purchase one, you only need to request whomever you're purchasing it through to set it up with a low action for ease of playability...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 03:51:16 -0700
Subject: Adjusting action on a Dobro

yes I have got a resophonic guitar but the action is some what high,, would I have to take it all a part and guess at

what I feel would be better or were could I find the best way and easiest way

help LOU

Greetings Lou,

It can be problematic to adjust the action on a dobro...I would highly recommend taking it in to a local repair person for this type of work...

Before you look to adjust the bridge...to lower your action...first check to see if the neck is straight. If the neck is warped, this may be the reason you're contending with a high action. In this case, it may be a simple truss rod adjustment.

After checking your neck, you'll also want to check the nut to make sure that it also has the slots low enough to make it easy to fret the first few frets. This would require a nut file to properly adjust...and a knowledge of how to level each string properly so that all strings are at an exact distance above the first fret.

Next, you'll want to adjust the bridge pieces...
To file the bridge pieces, you'll have to do it one side at a time...do not remove all the strings at once...be very careful to use a flat surface when filing...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Subject: Ebony Bridge Questions
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 19:27:50 -0400

I thought that after all that Gibson had considered consulting with Jerry Douglas over the sound and specs of this Dobro that it probably sounds "just right". Your experience and voice of reason have basically persuaded me to enjoy the voice that Gibson and Jerry Douglas have
offered. It is really sweet. I'm a lucky guy!

Do you think that swapping out the saddle with a Beard ebony/maple, that you sell, would make much difference?

It would make a difference...maybe an extreme one-maybe a subtle one. In this case, unless you try, you'll never really know. Since this wouldn't be as intrusive on the instrument as routing out for a Quarterman, it certainly would be interesting to experiment. Always save all of your original parts though...it helps retain your investment value.

I like the sound right now, but I'm also concentrating on it's setup as I begin on this fantastic Dobro journey.
......and I really do appreciate your personal involvement with me. I
really mean it when I say that you guys have made this a really special event for me. Thank you.

I'm glad to be of help to you and find Dobros to be the most interesting of all the acoustic instruments I play. A Dobro is like a Jeep: it can be taken apart and put back together in myriad ways...and, you never know what sound you may end up with...in my book, as long as you're not altering the integrity of the instrument, experimentation can be a "fantastic Dobro journey"...assisting with the learning process, bringing you closer to your instrument, putting your signature on its set-up, increasing your knowledge of the mechanics, and so on...

It's evident that you enjoy your line of business very much.....you seem to be a "lucky guy" too. I'll be in touch.
........and if you think it's worth it, I'll order the Beard ebony saddle.
Let me know, I'll follow your lead!
...................I need a decent Dobro strap too, but that's easy to fix!

Thanks Marty...

I'm completely at your disposal...as far as Dobro parts go, it's invaluable to have plenty laying around.

You're right: I consider myself too lucky for my own good...I can only hope that it's well-deserved, and I am always able to be a contributing denizen to our society for which it stands.