Questions Regarding Regal Dobros
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 19:38:48 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Dobro questions
Hi,
Greetings Eddie,
First of all let me start off by saying I know little
to nothing about guitars in general. I own a yamaha
cx-40 classical gitar which was given to me as a gift.
I'm trained in east-indian classical music, I have
been training in it for about 4 years now(vocals). A
lot of musicians however have adapted the guitar for
our music. Because of the NECESSITY for sliding, all
these artists use lap-style steel guitars and metal
slides(looks like they're using some kind of metal
picks for each finger too). From the pictures I've
seen, they look like Gibson/Epiphone archtops. I've
done exhaustive research on the internet, and here's
what I've come up with.
The slide-guitar of choice is a resonator guitar
(whats the difference between this and an f-hole in
terms of sound?)
If you're referring to the F-hole archtop guitar, there's quite a bit of difference. The F-hole archtop is designed for projection and does not have the resonance of a resonator guitar. The resonator guitar, otherwise known as the dobro, has a unique tonal range that's desirable for blues and bluegrass.
Regal's probably the best way to go interms of pricing
and quality.
Not necessarily, yes...they're a tremendous value, but there are other dobros, quite a bit more expensive, that will easily exceed an import's features and tonal range. Now, if you were to get a quarterman upgrade on a Regal, you may find that it's hard to be beat in tonal range...they have more fullness and a deep bass range with the Quarterman cones...making them more comparable to the expensive counterparts.
I was hoping you could give me some advice on what
kind of instrument I should get. I've JUST started
working and have TONS of college loans to pay off...so
I don't have too much leeway with funding, but I know
for sure I want to learn lap-style slide. I also
contacted you guys cause I've heard really good thing
about you from my friends.
Yes, for lap-style slide, you'll want a squareneck. For affordability, the RD-45 is the best deal going within its price range...
Also I'm totally clueless on the different kind of
"plates" used on these guitars...biscuit, tricone,
spider....absolutely no idea what any of these mean.
Any advice at all would be completely appreciated
The larger Regal bodies, such as the RD-45, use the standard 10 9/16" cone...these offer more fullness and overall volume. On a lap style, this is the standard. For blues bottleneck, the smaller 9.5" cone is commonplace...giving the instrument more nasality...which is contributory to a Mississippi Delta tonal quality. The smaller 9.5" cones are called Biscuit cones...and are only found on roundneck dobros.
Hope something here helps...If you'd like to talk with a dobro expert, please call Tradd @ ...
Mickey
Thanks
Sincerely,
Eddie
Subject: which Regal?
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 12:24:15 -0500
Hello. You guys have THE most comprehensive and useful website with regards to resonator guitars. I haven't explored the many other sections of your site yet, but this portion is outstanding. The video samplers are a great idea and are very helpful. Thanks!
You're most welcome...and, thanks for the inspiring compliments...
I plan to purchase (from you) either a Regal RD-3M or RC-2. The guitar will be used pretty much exclusively for slide blues, and/or maybe a little finger style blues -- more along the lines of the old Delta blues style. This will be primarily for home/hobby use only.
I like the RD-3M for various reasons -- its mahogany finish, its headstock style, the 12th fret-to-body construction, and really just its similarity to the National M2. Just a classy, attractive, authentic looking resonator guitar. I like the RC-2 because of its shiny steel appearance and its similarity to those type of National's. I don't like the plain look of the headstock, but that's not a deal breaker. Just a great guitar for the style of blues I want to play.
Can you please give me any further input or advice on these two models to put me over the top on either of them? I've reviewed video samplers and some FAQ's & reviews for both but I haven't been convinced either way yet. Anything you could add about the sounds, the quality of construction, the maintenance aspects, etc etc would be very helpful.
The RD-3M will have a warmer tone...very nasal sounding...truly a traditional delta blues sound...sounds like an old radio from the '30s with a monotone speaker system...truly an amazing sounding dobro...
The RC-2 would have a bigger sound...less nasal by far...very resonant...not as warm in tonal range...yet a reall metallic sheen of a voice...
I like them both and would have a hard time choosing one over the other...they both would lend themselves to different styles effectively...
Also, if you would recommend a Quarterman or National replacement cone for either of these models, would that put one above the other? Or would a replacement cone even be necessary or recommended for these models?
I wouldn't recommend upgrading to the Quarterman necessarily (unless you'd like to spend the extra money)...even though it would make the tone fatter on the RC-2...and maybe more resonant on the RD-3, they both come stock sounding fine...and they have their own voice as they come stock from the factory...both already have spun cones and are well made for the money...they're a tremendous value.
I'd like to make the purchase very soon (within a few days), so your prompt response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Please get back with me if you have further questions...you're also welcome to call our in-house Dobro expert, Tradd at ...he plays roundneck dobro and wrote the instructional video "Roundneck Dobro Blues and Slide Technique"...
Keep on Pickin', Mickey
BEN PADGETT
Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 07:43:25 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Regal Reso's Measurements & Specs...
It took me awhile to get my staff to measure one of these...
Here you go:
Body Depth: 3 3/4"
Neck Width at Nut: 2" made of bone...
Includes Soundwell
String Spacing: 1/4-inch
Regals are all laminated...
I'm not too sure about the re-engineering...you might want to contact Saga directly at www.sagamusic.com
I believe the Regal's tone is fine for a student dobro as it stands...fatness and depth of tone can be improved with the Quarterman cone upgrade...however, to learn on, I don't believe this would be necessary...
Overall, I'd have to say Regal makes one of the finest import dobros available today...a great value period.
If you're looking for something that's reasonably priced, with professional features, you might also look at the Andrew offering....
Best of luck to you in your research efforts...and a happy prosperous year to you too!
Mickey
Subject: 1st Resonator Purchase - Advice Please
Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2003 02:28:51 +0800
Hi,
I am looking to buy my first resonator/dobro type guitar. I play
fingerstyle and would like to learn slide so a roundneck seems to be
the one for me. I've been attracted to both the Regal RC-1 Duolian
Polychrome and RC-2 Duolian as well as the wooden body( I think)
RD3 Triolian ( silver finish). Thanks to your most informative
website (good on ya mate!) I have learnt enough to now probably be
confused as all three sound good to my ears. Can you please describe
the practical differences between these model for me. Would you
also tell me how much it would cost to ship either of these guitars
to my address in Australia (Melville, Western Australia, 6156).
Cheers from Oz,
Hollis
Greetings Hollis,
Glad to assist if I can:
The RC-2 is a well-rounded metal body dobro with a classic metal body sound...it offers a longer scale neck than the Triolian and would be considered a more versatile dobro in tonal range. The Triolian has a shorter scale neck and offers a more specialized voicing...the Triolian sounds very nasal and seems to have a smaller voice...because of this, it makes a great traditional blues dobro...
If I had to choose only one Dobro, I'd most definitely go for the RC-2 for its more complex tonal range and the easier access up the neck...If I could afford two dobros, I'd love to add on the Triolian as a second dobro for more unique applications.
Mickey
Subject: Regal Rd-45, Morgan Monroe and Quarterman Cones
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2003 13:55:55 -0400
Dear Folk of the Wood,
Greetings from FOTW:
Soon I will be purchasing my first Squareneck Dobro, of
course from you.
Thanks so much for your confidence in us!!!
I have been doing a lot of research on
two specific beginner Dobros: the Regal RD- 45 and
the Morgan Monroe MSQ-TB. After researching the
different specifications, I noticed that the Regal RD- 45
has been re-engineered. Now it appears to come
standard with a cast aluminum spider and bone nut.
Here are the current features of the RD-45:
Product Code: RD-45 Category: Instruments Brand: Regal Features:
Spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Solid mahogany neck
Rosewood fingerboard
Mother-of-pearl dot position markers
Nickel-plated brass coverplate and tailpiece
Ivoroid bound body and fingerboard
Multi-ply soundwell
Exclusive hard alloy spider for 30% increased volume
Bone nut
Shop adjusted
Will these new features afford the Regal with same
tonal quality as the model with your Quarterman
conversion?
No...the Quarterman Cone is completely separate from the cast alloy spider...the cone that comes standard with a RD-45 is spun...and, it will suffice for most playing instances. The Quarterman cone will add to the bottom end and fullness of the Regal...it can always be upgraded at a later date...if you're a beginner, you may still want to develop an attuned ear sot that when you do upgrade you'll truly appreciate the difference.
If not completely, would I only need to
add the quarterman cone and maple/ebony saddle,
instead of the entire recommended parts list?
Up to just recently, we're still finding that the spiders that come with the RD-45s are not as high quality as the spiders that we use in the Quarterman Cone...for instance, to purchase a alloy spider from Saga...we pay 8 or 9 dollars...the ones we purchase with Quarterman kits cost 25.00...
Also, what
quarterman cone is Mickey playing in the video sample,
the QC-1 or the QC-4?
This is the QC-1...
I have talked on phone several times with Tradd
(VERY HELPFUL) about the Morgan Monroe. He
informed me that he recently bought the MSQ-TB for
himself and is very satisfied with its sound and overall
quality. I have read and also heard that the Morgan Monroe
line of guitars and resonators have a better level of
craftsmanship, more consistent level of quality, and
better overall tone, than what is currently being manufactured
by Saga (Regal). Do you also echo the same sentiment?
As far as the Regal Dobros go, they've been very consistent in quality...we're also thrilled with the new Morgan Monroe MSQ-TB...they have a great look and tone...and are a tremendous value.
To be honest though, I like the sound of the Regal with the
quarterman cone upgrade; it has a little smoother top end
and better bass response than what I hear with the MSQ-TB
example. Is this because of the cone, or is it just the acoustics
during recording.
I'd have to say the Quarterman cone would be the contributing factor (as stated earlier in this e-mail)...the video samplers are set up with the exact mic and recording setting. Your estimation in tonal differences is exactly what I personally have concluded.
Any information and opinions you can offer me would be
helpful in my decision, since I am unable to actually play
these instruments prior to purchasing.
The Regal has the soundscreens; the MSQ-TB has F soundholes. This doesn't necessarily make a difference in tonal quality...the F soundholes seem to derive from the traditional blues dobros...the soundscreens are more commonly found in bluegrass dobros. Again, both of these dobros are superb...the Regal RD-45, with the Quarterman upgrade would be as powerful a bluegrass dobro as you'll need when starting out. The Morgan Monroe seems to have the edge in tone if you're not planning on upgrading to the Quarterman and are looking for an all-around squareneck at a tremendous price.
Hope this helps...Mickey
Sincerely,
Brian Whelan
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 19:52:25 -0500
Subject: Regal RD-45
Mickey:
I am interested in getting a square neck dobro. I don't have a lot to spend, so I thought I would start with the RD-45. I saw your price which looks very good. I'd also be interested in the price with a Quarterman installed BTW-the videos on your web site are very helpful. I'll need a case as well. Some of the soft cases out there are pretty nice now. Let me know if you have a good one.
Thanks, George
Greetings George,
Glad to assist if I can...
You'll find the RD-45 the perfect start-up squareneck...it makes for a great workhorse Dobro (and, even sounds decent stock)...the Quarterman upgrade we offer will certainly bring out more fullness of tone, however, if you're budgeting for this purchase, my suggestion would be to buy one stock...
I would have to highly recommend the archtop hardshell case to ensure that your reso cone assembly is properly protected...even so, if you're careful, you certainly could get away with a gig bag...we do have decent gig bags that retail at 59.95 of which we sell for 39.95..
Hope this helps...Mickey
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 19:23:36 -0700
Subject: Re: RD 75 Squareneck
Hi Mickey, I'm currantly playing a 1980 Dobro squareneck that belongs to a
friend of mine. I love it. I've got to return it soon, though. I really like
the looks of the Dobro, hence my interest in the RD 75. It looks like a
traditional Dobro, more so than the RD 45. I read on the FOTW site that the
string spacing is narrower than the RD 45. What is the difference? What is
the string spacing on the two? Is the spacing similar to the Dobro? Thanks,
Brian
Greetings Brian,
The older Dobros, the OMI line-up in 1980, had narrower string spacing similar to the RD-75...
Most all newer squarenecks are now offering wider string spacing.
Yes, the RD-75 is more traditional in shape and in playability...
The RD-45 does have the wider string spacing...some players do like the string spacing to be narrow, and others, such as myself, prefer a wider string spacing.
Hope this helps...Mickey
Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 18:13:24 -0700
Subject: Re: Regal RD-45 Squareneck
Hi all
Whats'the difference between the spruce and mahogany top versions of the
Regal RD-45 Squareneck sound wise? I'm also considering getting you to
install the Quarterman upgrade ,how does that fit into the equation?
Thank you
Greetings,
There really isn't that much difference in tone...sure, there's a subtle difference...the mahogany having a warmer tone...the spruce having slightly more brightness...it would take a distinguishing ear to tell the difference.
The Quarterman would make both Dobros sound fuller...
Be sure to check out the video samplers on the difference between a Regal with and without a Quarterman cone:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm
Mickey
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 16:00:36 -0600
Subject: Re: Regal Resonators
Hey....I'm a steel player by trade and also play electric slide. Time to add a resonator but can't go the 1500/2000.00 route. I talked with one of your order takers this afternoon and she mentioned The Regal was a best seller. Would I gain any thing in sound by choosing the rd-75 over the rd-45? I need something I can amplify it with as it would be used on stage soon. Will one of these guitars give me that quality? What do you recomend for a pick up? How would it be installed? As you can see I'm new at this resonator thing. Like the sounds, just want the most bang for my buck but good enough for on stage.
Hello Mike,
When considering price vs. construction/tonal quality, the Regal dobro models are the best deal on the market. We have sold hundreds through the years, with nothing but praise regarding the instrument. They are well made and sound great! More info can be found on our website's 'frequently asked questions' page.
There really is no noticeable tonal difference between the RD-45 and RD-75 models. The 75 has a slightly smaller body, and a narrow neck width (adhering to the vintage Regal of the '30s) when compared the 45 model - other than that, there really is no other important feature difference that would affect the instrument's tone. (both have the same resophonic cone assembly)
We recommend the McIntyre resonator pickup - 149.00 installed. This pickup is specially made for resonator instruments. Another option is the German made Shadow transducer pickup (specially made for all acoustic instruments) - 129.00 installed. With either of the above pickups, the end strap pin is replaced with a combination strap pin/jack.
Be sure to keep our upgrade policy in mind: it gives you the leverage to get back the full purchase price of the instrument (at any time) towards any higher end instrument! No time limit! More information on our upgrade policy can be found on our website.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance...Thanks!!
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 19:42:55 -0400
FOTW,
Thanks much for the reply. I am interested in the trade. I can't really afford to pay the difference for a Gibson or Beard,but, it sounds like the Regal is making everybody happy. Am I understanding you correctly that you would give me $700.00 trade value for my Larrivee?
What is the difference in the spruce topped Regals and the mahogany one? I am interested in Bluegrass/Country music if that helps.
What next? I'm excited!!
Mike Harrell
Greetings Mike,
The Spruce top Regal might be slightly brighter while the mahogany would be slightly warmer in tone...they're still laminated, as is true of even most all high-end Gibsons and Beards...Be aware, most of the tone emanates from the resophonic assembly so choice of woods wouldn't be as critical.
My suggestion would be to go with the finish that you like best...since most all of them only vary in tone subtly. Be aware, we also have the Beard Quarterman cone set-up available for any Regal at an additional 200.00...this would give you the optimal return on your trade-in...and, you also will get a full trade-up value through us whenever you might feel you're in an affordable position to upgrade.
Hope all of this helps...Mickey
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2001 17:30:11 EDT
Subject: RD-45 vs RD-75
Hi Mickey,
I just can't seem to stay away from your website. I have a credit with you
guys and am considering a roundneck Dobro. I am interested in either the
Regal RD45 or RD75.
I do play the guitar and just recently got a Gold Tone 6 string banjo from
you (still getting used to it but do enjoy playing). From looking at your
FAQ I know there is a "traditional" difference between the 45 and 75 but
wonder which I would enjoy more in the long run and why. I would also
appreciate your recommendation on any of the Dobro's you carry. I ready to
take it on. Thanks.
jim quigley
Greetings Jim,
The 75 is more of an exact copy of the original Regals produced in the 30s...the bout is slightly smaller making it easier to handle as a regular guitar. Now, for squareneck playing, this wouldn't be an issue. For the price, the Regal RD-75 is about as good as it gets...now, if you're looking for a high-end dobro, you might consider a Gibson or a National. With these brands, there is no compromise to quality whatsoever...but the price reflects this. Even so, you might consider checking out our video samplers, available on our website, of roundneck dobros; you'll be surprised at the tonal quality of some imports such as the Johnson and Regal.
Hope this helps...
Mickey
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 10:23:47 -0600
Subject: Regal Squarenecks
I've been thinking about this all weekend trying to decide between the RD-45
and RD-75. How much harder would the RD-75 be to play? What kind of
feedback (as far as sound and playability) have you received from customers
who chose the RD75?
Right now I' been trying to learn how to play "lap style" with my acoustic
tuned to an open 'G'. It just doesn't have the same sound as a resophonic
not to mention all the buzz that comes off the frets because the strings
aren't set high enough. Any additional thoughts you could give me would be
appreciated.
Thank you for your time,
Robert Keeling
Hello Robert,
The RD-75 can be easier to play to a pro due to the narrow string spacing...someone, who already played dobro, came into our showroom and chose the RD-75 over the RD-45 because it was easier to play for him...he found that he could hammer and pull-off faster since the strings were closer together. I believe that the beginner would find it easier to learn on an RD-45 due to the string spacing.
Overall, not one RD-75 has come back to us...meaning that everyone apparently loves them. It can be more subjective to personal taste than something that can be tangibly measured.
Mickey
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 09:12:42 -0600
Hi
I am considering ordering a Regal squareneck in mahogany and have a couple
of questions.
First, I am assuming , although I don't see it on the information page, that
this instrument is a spider type resonator.
If so I have heard much made of the Quarterman cone, does the Quarterman
fit this instrument, do you offer that option / or is it an easy conversion.
Lastly, what is approximate delivery time
Thanks
Chet O'Connor
Hello Chet,
Yes, the Regal Dobro does have the spider type resonator...
Sure, we install the Quarterman cones on Regal Dobros...it really doesn't necessarily improve the tone too noticeably...the tone was just slightly differentwith a fatter tone; many pros would not settle for less than a Quarterman cone. ...but, the average beginner wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
The Regal cone is a spun cone within a soundwell...and surprisingly, they do sound good straight from the factory.
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 13:35:59 -0600
Hi Mickey,
I'm thinking about buying a Regal square-neck Dobro guitar and was wondering
what the specific differences are between the RD-45 and the RD-75 models. I
am a beginning Dobro player.
By the way, you've got a great website. It's jam packed with information!!
Any information you can give me between those 2 particular models would be
greatly appreciated.
I hope to talk to you soon!
Robert Keeling
Hello Robert,
Thanks for the kind words regarding our website...
The Regal Squareneck RD-45 and RD-75 Differences:
RD-45:
1. wider string spacing...
2. wider bottom bout body design
3. slotted peghead
4. tuning pegs face upward
5. available in a variety of finish styles
RD-75
1. narrow string spacing
2. narrower bottom bout body design
3. flathead peghead
4. tuning machines face outward similar to a standard guitar
5. available in two finish styles
Mickey
Date: Fri, 6 Oct 2000 00:55:28 -0600
Hello Tom,
I'd be glad to assist you further...
1. I know these two brands are imported -- what's the quality of these two brands in your opinion in the overall scheme of things? For example, I am familiar with the good quality of the Gold Tone banjos vs their price. Could the Regal and Kentucky be considered the "Gold Tone" of their respective types of instrument? Also, I wouldn't be happy with anything but a Martin guitar which is what I have (a lower-end model). This is due to experience in owning imported quitars that just didn't cut it. So, how would the Regal and Kentucky instruments stack up?
You know, I've been playing both Mandolin and Dobro for 20 years plus...the Kentucky is the only import I can fully endorse 100% and the Regal I happen to play myself. I sold my vintage OMI Hounddog Model because I prefer the wider string spacing of the Regal.
2. What is the main differences between the 45 series and 75 series Regal? I can see that the headstocks and tuners are different, as well as the body shape. It appears that the 75 looks more like the present day Gibson Dobro. What is better about the 75 series that makes someone want to pay an extra $70 (or whatever the difference is)? Is it just the shape or does it sound better or louder?
The main difference I've found is that the 75 has a narrow string spacing...I believe what many look for in the 75 is that vintage appeal...body style, headstock, overall size and fittings are consistent with the original Regals produced in the early 1900s...
3. I am confused about all the different types of Kentucky mandolins. I don't know squat about mandolins, but I know I want an all-solid wood "A" model. Near as I can tell, there are basically three levels. There's the 150S, the 250S (and 200S), and the 350S. >From what I can tell, the difference between the 150S and the 250S is that the 250S has a slightly longer scale, joining the body at about the 15th fret versus the 12th fret of the 150S. Is this worth the extra $130 or so for the 250S? I don't mind paying the extra money (in fact I like the looks of the 250S) but I just want to know what the differences are in the instruments and the reason for the difference in price. Also, what is the difference between the 250S and the 350S other than the extended fret board? Is this the sole reason for the price difference there?
The 150S is a fine all solid wood A-model...still the 250S is more of a professional model in its feel, playability and appearance...the 350S is essentially an F-model disguised as an A-model...my favorite A model made by Kentucky is the KM-250S...
4. Lastly, I've heard that a Quarterman resonator cone really makes for an improvement in sound in a Dobro. What's your take? I guess for $50 bucks or so it's worth it if it does improve the sound.
I'm happy with the spun cone that comes with a Regal Squareneck RD-45...one of our luthiers installed a Quarterman cone in one of our Regals...we compared this converted Regal Quarterman to our standard Regal: the Regal, with the original cone had a tremendous bite and volume; the Regal, with the Quarterman, had a softer, more bottom-end, rounder tone. If you're starting out, the Regal will keep you busy for years...maybe, when you reach a level where the resophonic tonal quality needs to be upgraded, based on gaining the ear to tell the difference, you might consider, at that point, installing the Quarterman...or, upgrading to a Paul Beard. Truly, I like the Regal standard cone system...it has great volume and a really nice bite on the highs.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2000 00:14:12 -0600
New dobro buyer -- currently using home-converted dreadnaught (with extension nut) to play bluegrass with my buddies. I'm finally sold on getting a squareneck after having played one yesterday. It makes me sound...less annoying. ;)
Before I make the plunge; your FAQ mentioned the desirability of a spun cone, OK, but neither of your Regal description pages mentions a spun cone. The 45 mentions a "re-designed, cast aluminum spider", which I'm assuming is similar to the stamped type of cone. Does the 75 come with it?
Hello...glad to assist...
Yes, both of our Regal Squareneck models, the RD-45 and 75 do have spun cones and soundwells. Neither is a stamped cone...
I'm also sold on buying the instrument from you all, so I guess the biggest question is, what's the extra $70 get me?
Well, we do have a really nice accessory package to go with the squareneck...and, we offer a full trade-up value for any instrument purchased through us...and, we offer a lifetime warranty on all instruments purchased through us...and, we also offer full 100% support for all instruments purchased through us.
Second biggest question is, what kind of hardshell case?
The Hardshell case is made in Canada and is plywood with a black vinyl...
Third question is, can you package a deal for guitar, case, recommended beginner's video, and capo?
Sure...we can offer you a Regal SN with Hardshell Case and the Anyone Can Play Dobro video...along with the accessory package (capo, picks, extra dobro strings, electronic tuner) at a tremendous discount!
Last question, I notice that there is mention of a new web site resophonic.com (or something similar). Do you trade work for guitars? I'm pretty good at the web game; everything from flash to databases, design to ecommerce. Check out http://jgoldbach.com , or http://indigodigital.com . I also do consulting and small- to mid-scale hosting as a reseller.
I appreciate your offer...and, I did check out both of your above URLs (looks pro). although, we've completed the entire website under the URLs: resophonicguitar.com and resonatorguitar.com Watch for them both to be uploaded soon...
My main trade was graphic design...which I hope reflects in our FOTW site to some degree. As you know with websites, content is critical...that's why we now have approximately 1500 pages of content on the FOTW site...Mickey
Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2000 23:35:30 -0600
Please help me decide...
What are the differences in the Regal RD-45 Round neck and the RD-75 Round
neck? Is the RD-45 just a "modernized" version of the RD-75? From the
descriptions it seems so.
You're correct in estimating that the RD-45 is modernized. The RD-45 is more practical to play as a squareneck...as a roundneck, since both the RD-45 and RD-75 have standard tuning machines, they are relative for playability. The body style is slightly different between the two...they both have the same resophonic cone assembly.
Here's the factory description:
The Regal RD-75 Story
If you're a fan of vintage instruments and you hearken back to the bygone days of old-world craftsmanship our RD-75 resonator guitar is a collector's item that you can buy right now - at a very affordable price! Our RD-75 has the tone and volume to match any vintage instrument and all the dimensions were taken from a classic original 1941 Regal. Saga had added a few improvements of its own in the interior construction and brought the instrument up to modern standards of playability to give you a marvelous player's instrument and a future collectible all in one!
How do the spruce top resonators sound compared to the mahogany top
resonators? Are the mahogany tops more mellow and the spruce more bright?
I'm wondering how the spruce top complements the spider style resonator.
The spruce top versus the mahogany top is a subtle comparison...they both are laminate so the construction is relative. Most all the tone is dependent on the resophonic cone assembly.
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