Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 15:41:31 EST
Subject: 12th/14th fret dobro

Greetings Steve,

Wow, I always visit your site, but didn't realize that you had such a wealth of technical advice at hand!
I've been a banjo player since about 1980 (not constant!).  I have always wanted to learn squareneck dobro, too. I made my last banjo from a Gold Tone kit and made several upgrades along the way--I'm very happy with it and greatly enjoy instrument building.
I'd like to buy an introductory dobro to learn on and then eventually build my own from a kit--probably a Stewart McDonald.
Anyway--I'm looking at Regal and Morgan Monroe and have read much about it on your website. I have one question that I couldn't find an answer to. What is the difference between a squareneck dobro that has a 12th fret/body joint (Regal) vs a 14th fret/body joing (Morgan Monroe)!

Yes, the MSQ-TB Squareneck does have the 14-fret body/neck joint...and, yes, these are rare in squarenecks...Our only other squareneck that offers a 14-fret position is the England metal body...there are a few players who refuse to play on any squareneck other than a 14-fret one...I personally can play on both and find them to be mostly similar...other than there's a little more stretch to reach the first position...if you feel you have longer arms than average, I'd highly recommend the 14-fret neck...it might add a little more comfort to playing in the first position...even so, to me, both necks are easy to play...Mickey

Thanks

Steve
Neenah, WI

Subject: Resonators
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2004 20:29:20 -0500

I'd like your take on the best Resonators.
I'd like to think the Gibson Dobros are the best.
I read the information on Regal tri cone, (RC-51).
But, there are no videos of it.
Is it really the best.
Also, after listening to many of the clips, it seems to my ear,
the Morgan Monroe guitars sound the best by far.
Is this simply a problem with the sound equipment?
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Gary

Greetings Gary,

Gibson Dobros are still held in high esteem today...Gibson purchased the OMI name which was originally started by the Dopyera Brothers and they now also own the Dobro® trademark...They offer a professional level dobro with an amazing tonal range...

The text you're reading on the Regal Tricone is from the manufacturer...they're certainly of excellent quality and offer a tremendous value...I haven't played the RC-51 to date and cannot pass fair judgment on one...the upside is that the Regal metal bodies are now made in Czechoslovakia....

I tend to agree about the Morgan Monroe dobros...they have an amazing resonance...in fact, one of our top luthiers owns one as his sole dobro...and plays his professionally...you might want to call him about his take on these...his name is Tradd. We just finished producing his video: "Roundneck Dobro Slide and Blues Technique" of which has both the Morgan Monroe Metal Body and Wood Body Dobros utilized throughout...

Keep on Pickin', Mickey