Dobro: Questions on Fretboard Width

Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2002 06:56:41 -0400
Subject: dobro question

Hello:

Hopefully, Mickey can answer this. I consider myself to be an advanced
beginner on a squareneck dobro. Advanced beginner because I have prior
knowledge of the 5 string banjo yet after about 3 months on the dobro, I
can play some songs but I'm still not very smooth. This is a brief
background on me.

I own a Johnson dobro with a 2 inch wide fretboard. (Measured at the
nut). I have played other dobros that only have a 1 and 3/4 inch wide
fretboard. Quite honestly, my opinion is that based on my "advanced
beginner" abilities, the narrow neck is easier to play. It seems that I
can move the bar quicker without rattling the strings...........as an
"advanced beginner" might do. What are the pros and cons of each
fretboard width? Which width do the professional use? I really want to
buy a new dobro with the narrow fretboard but I'm concerned that after my
skills improve, I may realize that I should have bought another dobro
with a 2 inch neck. Can you please advise me?

Thank you, Ken Brammer

Greetings Ken,

Glad to assist if I can:

What are the pros and cons of each fretboard width?
Which width do the professional use?

Fretboard width can be both a drawback or an advantage depending on the player's approach.

A wider fretboard makes it easier to accomplish an accurate slant...the narrow fretboard requires more accuracy to attain in-pitch slants.

A wider fretboard ensures that adjacent strings are not picked inadvertently. A narrow fretboard, with the strings being located closer together, requires good picking accuracy.

My personal preference would be the wider string spacing...I can also gain more volume since the string spacing allows right-hand picking that allows to grab underneath string...

Be aware, all of our current high-end Dobros are made with a wider string spacing than the vintage traditional Dobros...therefore, this must be the consensus of most advanced players too...

At your disposal, Mickey