Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:59:13 EST
Subject: about the dobro

Hi I have been playing guitar for 30 years and I have been playing banjo for 15 is the dobro close to the banjo?

Yes, the Squareneck Dobro is tuned very similar to a 5-string banjo...G B D G B D 5-string: G D G B D...if you'll notice, the tuning of the bottom four strings is exact...this means that any patterns you now know on the banjo is transferrable to the dobro...only you'll be using a metal bar...the right remains the same...many banjo rolls are adaptable to the dobro too. Check our our free lessons section at:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

I have been wanting to play the dobro but afraid of the expense until I know if I can play I have noticed that some songs play just one note at a time? I am visually imparied and can't see the tabs good. I play all the instruments bye ear will I have trouble with the square neck dobro?

To me, the Dobro is an ear-oriented instrument...when I first picked up the Squareneck Dobro, I found it quite easy to learn songs by ear as opposed to by music...for banjo, it seems that I leaned more towards tabs in my early learning experience...

Keep in mind, our tabs on our website, linked from above, are in an extra large size...so, they may be more visible...and, I'm trying to update them as often as possible...so, there may be many months of study just on our website alone...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Thank you for the answer. Terry Collins

Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2004 18:27:41 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Dobro Purchase

Mickey,

Greetings Keith,

I have been playing the banjo for a few years now. In
fact, I purchased my current banjo from you. I have
been interested in learning the dobro. I have some
questions and am hoping you can help me out.

Glad to help if I can...

My banjo teacher died unexpectedly. He also played
dobro and we had talked some about working on the
dobro. Dobro teachers (& banjo too) are scarce in my
home area. I have continued to work on banjo on my
own, but I am unsure about picking up a new instrument
without a teacher. I know there are books and videos
available. I know these are good aids, but I worry
about picking up bad habits or missing out on tips
without a teacher.

I can understand that...It's best to have an instructor observing your hand positions to ensure that you're not impeding your playing abilities...however, if you find the right video, you can also be extra careful to follow the advice on holding the dobro correctly...along with hand positioning...be sure to look for a methodology video that focuses on technique builders and you'll be fine...it's the next best thing to having an instructor...

I was wondering if you think it is advisable to try to
"self-teach" myself the dobro. If so, then I need
some advice about a good instrument. I have been
looking at what you have on your web site. I noticed
several models that appear to be beginner models.
Which of these do you recommend? I also noticed you
have one starter kit on sale as well as some used
models. If you could comment on these, I will
appreciate it.

You have a good foundation to build your dobro skills on...with your banjo background you're on the way to playing Open G Squareneck Dobro...it's definitely relative to 5-string banjo...one will help the other in fingerboard positioning and fingerpicking patterns...so, yes, I'm confident that you can teach yourself to play dobro....with the right road maps...such as videos or books....

Yes, we have quite a few beginner-level dobros to choose from...all of them are comparable in quality...and they all have something different to offer in construction, tonal range and features...

We have Morgan Monroes, Johnsons and Regals all of which would work well for a high-end student level squareneck dobro...The Regal would be the most traditional with the soundscreens and the wide neck...the Morgan Monroe sounds great stock...the Johnson has neat diamond inlays...and these are only a sampling of the many differing features...

I was also wondering if you could tell me a little
about the construction of the dobro and what to look
for in a good instrument. What is the heart of the
dobro (besides the player)?

The resophonic cone system is where all the tone is generated...most all dobros, even higher end 3k level models, are made with laminate bodies...so the woods are not as critical as the reso cone system...there are also construction features to consider such as the soundwell (which encompasses the reso cone system internally)...

We need to put together a diagram on the construction of the dobro on our website...please stay tuned on our lessons section at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Hope something here helps...yes, everything's going great here in NM...Mickey

I am grateful for any advice you can pass along. I
hope everything is going well for you in New Mexico.

Thanks,
Keith Porter