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Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 19:13:56 EST
Subject: Dobros

I'm 42 years old and interested in a squareneck Dobro. I'm a beginner but I would like a guitar that isn't necessarily beginner quality. I would like something that I won't tire of to quickly as I hone my skills. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.       

Thanks

Yes, I understand...however, squareneck Dobros come in a variety of models and price ranges.

I, as a longtime veteran of the squareneck, feel that a beginner model like the RD-45 is sufficient enough to learn on...they have excellent string spacing that allows the beginner plenty of room to separate the notes...these can also be upgraded with the Quarterman Cone System giving them a near-pro level sound quality. This comparison can be heard on our sound sampler page linked from below.

You might also check out our online lessons for squareneck which can also be linked from below. This way, you'll gain an idea of the mechanics required to learn dobro...it's really a fun instrument to learn...only, you'll want to tackle it methodically from A to Z.

Other possibilities, for a beginner squareneck include the new Gold Tone Beard Signature...more expensive than the Regal...or the Andrew... Mickey

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Subject: Resonator Questions
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 22:45:52 +0000

I would like to pruchase a resonator guitar but I am having a tough time deciding between the Regal Traditional Series RD-45 roundneck Dobro and the Regal Triolian RD-3. I am planning on using it to play fingerstyle blues and slide, but would like to potentially learn some Bluegrass dobro stylings. Would I have to modify these instruments to play lap style bluegrass dobro? Also, what are the main differences in tone and sound between the above choices and which is more versatile for the aforementioned playing styles? Thank you very much for your help.

Greetings,

If you were to play strictly blues and slide, and are looking for a traditional Delta blues sound, I would suggest the RD-3. However, if you're looking for a fatter tone, maybe more versatility, and would like to try your hand at bluegrass, you'll want to stick with the RD-45. Additionally, you'll want to purchase an extension nut with your RD-45 so that you can experiment with lap-style bluegrass.

The upside, on the RD-45, is that you can use it for all styles including blues and slide. You might also want to check out our instructional video selection on both roundneck and squareneck at: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page645.htm

We also have many video samplers that may give you a better idea in the tonal differences between the RD-45 and the RD-3.
For video samplers, on most instruments we carry:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Mickey

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Subject: Dobro quandary
Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2004 14:41:42 -0500

I love our Web site. I have been playing guitar for over 35 years and picked up some good tid-bits  on my first visit.

Greetings Dave,

Thanks for the kind words...

Here is my quandary. Lately I have become enamored with the resonator / dobro sound, and started experimenting with open tunings and various types of slides on my Martin flat-top. I think that I am ready to take the plunge and purchase a resonator instrument. I cannot decide if I want a square-neck or round.
The round would certainly be an easier transition for me, but I suspect will eventually become a limitation somehow. I like blues, country, & bluegrass music. Does either one lend itself better to a particular type of music?

Well, no doubt, the only bluegrass dobro there is would be a squareneck; for blues stylings, you'll want a roundneck. Notwithstanding, a squareneck has been used effectively within blues settings...only, to this date, a roundneck has never been used as a bluegrass dobro (unless it was converted with an extension nut).

To gain an idea of how well a squareneck can be applied to both blues and bluegrass, check out the Jerry Douglas "Under the Wire" CD.

It sounds like you might want to consider an RD-45 roundneck dobro, along with an extension nut, so that you can experiment with a variety of styles. Once you've found the style you want to focus on, you might then consider purchasing your ultimate dobro.

Also, any suggestions for my first instrument purchase? I read things on Regal, Johnson, National, Johnson. Should I look at new or used instruments? I want to spend under $500 for my first reso.

You could also consider the Johnson roundnecks...National would be quite expensive to start out with...Mickey

Thanks !

Dave W.

Tampa, FL

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Subject: Re: Fwd: Dobro's
Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2004 08:57:40 -0500

Now here's an example of why I'd do business with you folks, Mickey. The time stamp on this note is almost midnight, and here you are answering to me, THAT'S dedication.

Yes, sometimes I put in all-nighters...however, the reason I do this is because I love what I do. And, I certainly love talking acoustic music and acoustic instruments...

The Regals seem to me to be the best value as well, since I assumed you'd have upgraded them with a quarterman cone (not sure what that is only know its a good thing :) and done the *proper* setup. You don't know how many other stores herein NC I've spoken with who do not believe you need to *setup* a guitar. 

Every import we've seen, seems to need some kind of set-up work...even the squareneck dobros, which have no action issues, will have necessary reso adjustments and bridge adjustments...

Now, on the Regals, they do not necessarily need a Quarterman upgrade...especially if you're just learning...however, if you plan on performing with it, or recording, the Quarterman upgrade is a worthwhile investment...since it fattens the tone substantially. To learn on, and have fun on, the stock resophonic assembly will do you fine...and it costs less to boot.

From my limited experience playing out nights I know this is not so. My brother has a couple of beautiful old ( more than 20 years) Ovations, 12 & 6 string which He had setup by a friend who was in the business 20 years ago. He taught my bro how to do it and my bro has been faithful in respecting the process. Do your videos teach this process, and will I need to learn how?

Yes, the Dobro video part 1 offers some set-up suggestions...only on the surface though...such as pinpointing buzzes...and what to look for to ensure that your dobro is in playable condition. Most of this video series offers a comprehensive methodology on playing Dobro...and many of the essential details on playing...such as choosing your medium...adjusting your picks...the many approaches to the squareneck dobro...and so on. We carry the Paul Beard Dobro Set-Up Video for in-depth instruction on the set-up and construction of the Dobro.

Hope you're having a great weekend,
Mickey


Thanks for all Your help.

Dave

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Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 15:17:26 -0400
Subject: Mckey with Folk of the wood

Dear Mickey:

First let me say that I recently purchased a fine new Regal RC-2 from your company. The instrument exceeded my expectations. Simple in appearance yet elegant, with a wonderful tone and nice action. The action was a little bit low for use with a metal slide, but worked well with bottleneck.

I had a question about dobros. I am a full time sound engineer and muscian with a large community church in Southern Missouri. I play mostly acoustic guitar and piano. I own several fine acoustics including a Martin and a Taylor. My question is this. As an experienced musician,I can clearly hear and feel the difference between medium priced acoustic guitars and high-end instruments. What puzzles me is that the RC-2 plays and sounds as good as several $2000 plus instruments I have tried out! Am I just imagining things or is the construction, playablilty and tone of these Regal instruments truly comparable with the Dobros and the Nationals? Perhaps I do not have the appreciation for the full range of the dobro's capabilities, but I am truly confused by what seems to be outlandishly priced premium instruments. I would like to purchase a fine Dobro, but not if the price does not equate to increased playability or tone.

Thanks!

David Lawrence,
Sikeston, MO.

Greetings David,

I've found the same to be true...it appears that import models are mostly climbing in quality. Regal is offering a tremendous value. Price relation to features is nothing short of substantial...

Now, when discussing other domestic makes, such as Gibson, National and Beard...there is no doubt that the quality of these (in materials, craftsmanship, etc.) do exceed that of all the imports I've seen to date. However, this value difference does not equate with the substantial cost difference. Thus, you're right: it's amazing what is being offered in quality from the likes of Regal, Johnson and Morgan Monroe...for metal body dobros...when comparing to the truly expensive domestic makes and how much more they are priced.

Things to consider when purchasing:
* Budget Needs (if you have an unlimited budget...American makes are the way to go)
* Investment Value (American makes have a very high resell value)
* Quality of Materials (spun cones, durable metal parts, etc.)
* Craftsmanship (American makes are still ahead of imports)

I'm happy you've found the Regal to meet all your needs as a Dobro player...even though I can afford other makes and models, I also have imports in my collection of which I'm more than satisfied with...both in playability and tonal range...so, don't feel alone.

Thanks again for sharing your perspective with us...Mickey

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Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 19:32:12 -0700
Subject: Re: dobro purchase

Hello

I am trying to purchase a Dobro for my husband for Christmas. He has always wanted one.  Since he is only beginning with the Dobro (but  is an experienced guitar player) I wanted to purchase the Regal Resonator RD-45, (some of the more expensive ones are beautiful, but he would kill me if I spent that much money!)   I don't know whether to get him the roundneck or the squareneck.  I am thinking the roundneck, that way he can convert it to his lap if he wants to.  Do you agree?   I know I want the black finish.  He will also need a slide, picks and a case.  And do I need to get strings too, or do they come with it?

I am not a guitar player, so I need some help.  This is to be a surprise.  Can you put together a package for me?  (include everything he will need, perhaps even a lesson book or video)  If you me back a list of the items I need, I will then phone in the order.   

Also, just in case, what is your return policy?

Thank you.  I really enjoyed your web site.  I didn't know what a dobro was, and now I know what one is and more. It was great.

Mary Davis


Greetings Mary,

Glad to assist if I can:

I would recommend the squareneck if he wants to pursue bluegrass...the roundneck does not work as well on lap-style playing...and, you'll have to have a conversion nut...therefore, if he's interested in playing bluegrass dobro, go for a squareneck. Additionally, be sure to get him an instructional video on learning to play squareneck dobro.

Now, if he's a guitarist, and plays a lot of blues, you might consider getting him a roundneck. This way he wouldn't be relearning another language...however, you'll still need to get out of him whether he wanted to pursure bluegrass dobro or blues dobro.

We have the Stevens Steel slide for Squareneck priced at 15.00...we can also provide the picks and case at the below pricing:

Picks: 2 metal fingerpicks (Dunlop) 1.00 ea
1 plastic thumbpick (Dunlop) 1.00 ea
"Intro to Dobro" Part I Squareneck: $34.95
or "You Can Teach Yourself Dobro"
or "Learn the Dobro" by Tim McCasland

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