Regal Acoustic Dobro Bass Questions
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2000
Is it at all possible to learn theory, chord progressions, licks, etc. on a bass guitar and translate that knowledge to upright at some later time? Obviously, there is a technique to the upright that must be learned, but I was wondering if time spent with the dobro bass would help me later on if I wanted to learn upright.
Yes, the principles of playing a bass crosses over from electric, regal acoustic and stand-up. There are some technique differences, but most of it would be the attack. Any time spent on electric or acoustic guitar-style basses will contribute to your abilities later on a stand-up.
Do you carry/recommend any method books or videos that would be appropriate?
Yes, we carry both Bass videos and books...both for regular bass playing and Stand-Up bluegrass bass.
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.
Regal Dobro Bass Retails: 595.00 Your Cost: 425.00
Case would be 39.95...
Shipping 20.00 any where within the cont. US
Regal Dobro Bass with Pick-Up Retails: 695.00 Your Cost: 495.00
Includes "Lipstick" neck pick-up w/volume and tone controls positioned on top...
Case would be 39.95...
Shipping 20.00 any where within the cont. US
Thanks again for your continued interest and let us know if you ever need
anything else bass related...
We have strings, electronic tuners, picks, and instructional books/videos...
Let me know if I can assist you further...
Mickey Cochran
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
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