Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 07:10:46 -0700
Subject: Regal RD-45 w/McIntyre Dobro Pickup

Hi Mickey,
I just bought my husband a Phantom of the Opry Mandolin (can't wait for
it to finally get here!). For myself, I have a Regal RD-45 on layaway
with FOTW. I have two questions: 1. If I have you install a McIntyre
Dobro Pickup will that degrade the sound of the Dobro when I don't have
it plugged in? The reason I ask is because I see that that it is
attached to the Spider Bridge, and since I am new to Dobros, I don't
know what effect that would have on regular acoustic sound. 2. What
books and/or videos do you recommend for a beginner on Dobro, but a long
time guitar player? Is their a package deal (I am ordering the Dobro,
Pickup, Capo, Strap, Arched HS Case, 2 steels, etc.). Thanks, Jan
Moulds - Washington State
PS-Love the website, and particularly the awesome pictures. Most people
won't buy things they can't look at, but your pictures are so good, it's
like being there. Great Job!

Greetings Janice,

I love the "Phantom"...I like finishes that deviate from the standard sunburst. Morgan Monroe is putting out a fine mando at a tremendous value.

In answer to your questions:

1. If I have you install a McIntyre
Dobro Pickup will that degrade the sound of the Dobro when I don't have
it plugged in? The reason I ask is because I see that that it is
attached to the Spider Bridge, and since I am new to Dobros, I don't
know what effect that would have on regular acoustic sound.

The McIntyre Dobro pick-up is designed to not interfere with the acoustic properties of the cone system...and, at the same time, to optimally reproduce the sound of the a Dobro electrified.

Hope this helps, Mickey

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Subject: Megnetic Pickup
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 15:19:45 -0500

I recently jammed (I played bass) with a guy playing a dobro with a Kent
pickup in the neck position. He played through a Fender Princeton Amp. This
set up sounded quite similar to a steel guitar, not like a dobro at all. My
question is what dobro and pickup combination would give the best steel guitar
sound? I hope this is not a question that sounds sacrilegious to you. This
guy's abiltiy combined with his instrument yielded some great sound on the old
country we were playing.

Thanks, MIKE SUMERALL

Greetings Mike,

Glad to assist...

Since you will be plugging the Dobro in, and be depending on the magnetic pick-up for sound reinforcement, the quality of the Dobro wouldn't be as critical. As long as it's got great playability, and the string spacing is comfortable, you should be able to use any import Dobro to fill your needs. My suggestion would be a Regal RD-45...which does have the spun cone and is reasonably priced. Then, using a single coil magnetic pick-up at the base of the neck will give you that Fender Pedal Steel sound...since the Regal is relatively inexpensive, drilling holes for mounting the pick-up wouldn't be an issue.

Hope this helps...Mickey
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