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Topic: Resonator and "The Modern Sound"? |
J. Wilson
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 31 Oct 2010 9:49 pm |
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I have read some stuff about the "Modern Sound" for dobro. I have no idea what this means. They all sound very similar to me. Some are warm, some bright and some nasally... some have slightly better sustain than others, however, I have no idea what this expression "Modern Sound" that has been thrown around really means at the end of the day; if anything...
Can someone enlighten?
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If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On. -Shakespeare
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1941 Ric B6 / 1948 National Dynamic / 1951 Bronson Supro / Custom teak wood Allen Melbert / Tut Taylor Dobro / Gold Tone Dojo / Martin D15S / Eastman P10 |
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Alexa Gomez
From:
San Francisco
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Dave Thier
From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
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Posted 1 Nov 2010 5:42 am
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The modern sound has two elements. One is the style of playing, which is what Troy talks about in Alexa's link. It uses lots of hammer-on/pull-offs and other mostly right hand techniques to achieve an aggressive, driving sound. For an extreme comparison listen to Brother Oswald and then Jerry Douglas.
The other aspect of the modern sound is the sound of the instrument. The older instruments were smaller bodied and not very deep, not much internal volume. They may have even used a stamped cone. Almost all of them had an internal soundwell. The sound from these instruments was very mid-rangy with a distinct metallic ring. This is the sound that has become associated with the older style of playing.
As more small builders came on the scene, they implemented changes in almost all aspects of the construction of the instrument. A significant change was the trend toward larger, deeper bodies with sound posts and baffle or completely open design instead of the soundwell. These instruments tended to have a broader frequency response, especially in the bass, and better balance up the neck. Also, the sound was noticeably more open, warmer and less metallic. These new instruments came along as newer players were developing the modern styles of playing and are associated with this style.
This is all very general of course. I hope others here will add to this. |
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Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
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Posted 1 Nov 2010 11:00 am
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The old style typically has a soundwell and smaller body. The "modern" style reso with a larger body, often has sound posts (or nothing) and often some kind of internal baffles.
It is a similar difference as an old-time clawhammer, open back banjo is to a modern Mastertone style bluegrass banjo. Very different tones, and a different style of playing. ...and both sound wonderful to me.
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
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Rob Anderlik
From:
Chicago, IL
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J. Wilson
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 1 Nov 2010 1:53 pm
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VERY interesting! Thanks all. Great info.
Where do you think the Tut Taylor Virginian would fit into this?
How about The Gold Tone resos?
_________________
If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On. -Shakespeare
___________________________________________
1941 Ric B6 / 1948 National Dynamic / 1951 Bronson Supro / Custom teak wood Allen Melbert / Tut Taylor Dobro / Gold Tone Dojo / Martin D15S / Eastman P10 |
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Dave Thier
From:
Fairhope, Alabama, USA
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Posted 1 Nov 2010 2:07 pm
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Keep in mind that there is not a distinct line between old sound/modern sound. Both the Goldtones and the Tut Taylor have soundwells, but they also incorporate many of the elements of modern design. If at all possible, play them for yourself. If you can't, look in You Tube. Here is a link to a couple modern style guys playing Goldtones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3ynXYavql4 |
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Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
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Posted 1 Nov 2010 3:07 pm
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A strong old-time dobro sound is the pre-war cyclops. I seem to recall that Curtis Burch used to play one live. I'll bet that was tricky.
And yes, the above comment seems correct. There is not a hard line between the old sound and the "modern" sound. There is a wide spectrum of reso sounds with some real nice ones right in the middle area. So maybe ask youself this: who would you want to sound the most like: Jerry, Mike, Josh or Oz ? A simplification, I know, but it basically represents the spectrum with 4 data points.
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
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Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
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Posted 1 Nov 2010 7:18 pm
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| Dave and Tom, very nice job of explaining the differences. I think you've hit what most people mean by the "modern" stylistic boundary right on the head. |
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Gregg McKenna
From:
South Windsor, Connecticut, USA
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Posted 3 Nov 2010 7:01 pm
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I often ponder if the old low cost hound dog Dobros without the soundwell were modern or old time sounding? 
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http://mckennaresonatorguitars.com/ |
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