Questions Regarding Regal Dobros and Quarterman Cones
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2004 15:00:20 EDT
Subject: Re: Dobro Purchase
Greetings Dave,
Just a quick question . . .
I've read some of your notes regarding doing the upgrade on the Regal. It sounds like you note that it's not a huge difference.
No, it's not a HUGE difference...however, there is no doubt a difference between the Quarterman and the standard cone...now, this difference is more noticeable to the experienced player than it is for the stark beginner. I believe that the standard Regal set-up works fine for the student dobroist; nonetheless, this Quarterman upgrade will allow the beginner a ceiling to grow into...
I bought an RD75 from you guys. I really like it! I'm new to Square Neck Dobro so I don't really know the difference. Will I hear a big difference? I also have the pickup installed. I would assume that it wouldn't make a big difference there?
I believe the RD-75, as it stands, sounds fine...and really doesn't require the upgrade...if you're looking for a fatter sound, you might consider this upgrade...it seems to add a lot of bottom end too. We have a video sampler demonstrating the differences at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2520.htm
I believe you're going to enjoy the RD-75 as a stock dobro...it has plenty of resonance and volume...and does have that "classic dobro sound"...great for blues settings and fingerstyle guitar...Mickey
Thanks in advance,
Dave
Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2004 12:39:46 -0500
Subject: RD-45 tone issue
I recently bought a RD-45 and I am generally pleased with it. I have
played guitar for many years (I'm still not that accomplished a player
though) but thought it would be interesting to learn to play dobro. My
concern is that on the 5th and 6th strings I don't get very loud or
clear tones when using the slide. It seems that most songs I have seen
so far don't use those strings nearly as often, is that because they are
"muddy" sounding?
I'm not too sure what you may be referring to here....are you saying that the notes are just not clear...or that there's no volume? Did you listen to our video samplers on roundneck dobros? Maybe you'll hear the same thing on these and can further determine if there's a problem with your RD-45. Some of our video samplers do demonstrate the dobros with a slide....did you purchase your RD-45 through us? We set up every instrument before it ships...I would hope you have our 9-point set-up checklist signed by a luthier...
Would the Quarterman cone upgrade clean up the sound
on these strings especially or is there some problem with my setup?
The Quarterman cone shouldn't be that much of an influence...you might want to first try changing the strings to ensure that it's not the strings themselves. The Quarterman cone fattens the tone and gives the Dobro more punch for a bluegrass setting...it may or may not clean up the sound on your RD-45...one thing's for sure, it will change the tone for the better.
What does a Quarterman cone kit cost? how much would it cost me to send
to you to install it (including shipping)?
Here's our Quarterman options:
QC-1 Dobro Conversion by FOTW QC-1CONV $200.00 Order by shipping yours in to us…or order a Dobro through us…
Installation Includes the Following: Convert a Regal/Johnson/Morgan Monroe
1. Quarterman Cone Installed...with Routing
2. Maple Ebony Bridge Installed
3. Bone Nut Installed
4. Sand Cast Spider Installed
5. High-End Beard Dobro Strings Installed
QC-1 Dobro Kit without Conversion QC-1KIT $117.95
Kit Includes the Following:
1. Quarterman Cone QC-1
2. Maple Ebony Bridge
3. Bone Nut
4. Sand Cast Spider
5. High-End Beard Dobro Strings
Shipping 10.00 on the Dobro Kit QC-1
Or would I be better off to
have someone local do the installation? Or do you think I would be
better off using the trade-in policy to get a different dobro with
louder, cleaner tone on all strings?
Well, I believe you'll first want to troubleshoot your problem:
1. Try a new set of dobro strings...or phospher bronze guitar...avoid nickel wound for a brighter clearer tone...
2. Make sure your strings are in their respective slots on the bridge pieces....and make sure there isn't any lint or obstruction in the slots themselves...
3. Are you using an electronic tuner to ensure that you're up to pitch?
4. Be sure to use a heavy metal slide for a clearer tone...
I guess my basic question is how
do I remedy the lack of tone and volume on the 5th and 6th strings? Is
this a typical concern people have or am I unique? I've only had th
dobro about 2 weeks. I actually play guitar with a school based fiddle
group (made up of kids and adults) and would like to incorporate the
dobro into some songs I hope to able to play (in public) with it in a
couple of months, assuming I can get in enough practice!- Art Prince
Hope something here helps...Mickey
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 09:51:09 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Looking for Regal RD45 squareneck with quarterman
What I am looking for is a Regal RD45 Squareneck with a quarterman upgrade. Ideally, with a mahogany finish, but I will consider others. Please quote me a price.
Regal Squareneck Models Order Code Retail FOTW Price
RD-45MS Clear Finish, Mahogany RD-45MS $475.00 $325.00
Archtop HS Case: 89.95
Shipping: 30.00 (2-day priority)
QC-1 Dobro Conversion by FOTW QC-1CONV $200.00 Order by shipping yours in to us…or order a Dobro through us…
Installation Includes the Following: Convert a Regal/Johnson/Morgan Monroe
1. Quarterman Cone Installed...with Routing
2. Maple Ebony Bridge Installed
3. Bone Nut Installed
4. Sand Cast Spider Installed
5. High-End Beard Dobro Strings Installed
Total with Shipping and Insurance: 644.95
All of your descriptions say "Re-engineered for more volume & projection". What does that mean?
This is a description written by the manufacturer...what they mean by this, I'm not sure. Maybe they mean that it's re-engineered from the original Regal of the 1930's...the volume and projection would be mostly determined by the resophonic cone system...so, this may not apply if getting a Quarterman upgrade...
I am new to resonators. If you've got a really hot deal on another brand/model that you think is a better deal, I'd like to know about it.
I'm not sure about there being a better deal than the Regal with QC upgrade...however, for a little more, we have a new Dobro on the market offered by Andrew...and, they're an amazing fully featured Dobro, made in the US with the QC from Crafters of Tennessee...the Andrew Standard can be found on our website for under 1k in price...be sure to check it out:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3949.htm
Thanks,
-Bob Miller
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Please let me know if I can assist you further . . .
Mickey Cochran
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