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Post new topic What's good these days in sub-$1000 dobros/resonators?
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Author Topic:  What's good these days in sub-$1000 dobros/resonators?
Jim Fogarty


From:
Phila, Pa, USA
Post  Posted 13 Jul 2016 10:46 am    
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I do a lot of sessions and backing up songwriters, and I played a wee bit of dobro in the past, but couldn't get used to the picks, so I put it aside. Now that I'm making headway with the PSG and picks, I want to have one in the repertoire again, but don't need anything super fancy.

Squareneck, BTW.

So, what's hot in the cheapies these days? Regal? Gold Tone? Recording King?? Others??

Any advice is appreciated!
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John Sluszny

 

From:
Brussels, Belgium
Post  Posted 13 Jul 2016 10:57 am    
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Gretsch's pretty good too !
http://www.gretschguitars.com/products/folk/resonator/g9210-boxcar-square-neck-rosewood-fingerboard-natural/
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Scott Duckworth


From:
Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies
Post  Posted 13 Jul 2016 11:13 am    
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I bought this one a couple of months ago. Looks good, built good, plays good, good deal.

http://www.elderly.com/departments/elderly-instruments-deal-packages/elderly-instruments-bluegrass-reso-phonic-guitar-outfit.htm
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Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 13 Jul 2016 3:41 pm    
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If you'll be needing an amplifed resonator guitar, the Gretsch G9230 Bobtail is probably the best choice under $1000.

For better tone overall, the Gold Tone Beard guitars are a good choice.

You can also find original Dobro® brand resonator guitars for under $1000; some of them are good.
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Jim Fogarty


From:
Phila, Pa, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jul 2016 10:53 am    
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Thanks.

Has anyone played the Regal Black Lightning (RD-52, I believe)?? The specs seem nice, as well as the price.
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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 14 Jul 2016 11:26 am    
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I just sold a RD52. It had a bone nut, Quarterman cone, and a great set up. It sounded fine to me...a little on the mellow side but definitely not muddy. Soundwell v. baffle, so more on the traditional sound than modern, but nice.

They don't get much love around here for some reason, but I think they are a great value. I owned one, and have played a couple others to my complete satisfaction for a mid grade instrument. You can pick up a new one for around $500 from Elderly but they don't come with a case. FWIW.

[I haven't kept up with the recent issues of these, but if they are like the earlier ones, they are just fine IMO.]

I would still be playing it, but I found a Wechter/Scheerhorn RI model that I'd been looking for, so that's why I sold it.

The W/S resonator guitars are a nice value too but you can only find them used as they are not made any more.


Last edited by Jerry Overstreet on 15 Jul 2016 8:35 am; edited 3 times in total
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jul 2016 11:38 am    
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I have a Black Lightning and I think it's excellent value for the buck, it has some very nice appointments!

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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 14 Jul 2016 11:57 am    
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Erv Niehaus wrote:
I have a Black Lightning and I think it's excellent value for the buck, it has some very nice appointments!


Yessir, and it's pretty too. Winking
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Jim Fogarty


From:
Phila, Pa, USA
Post  Posted 16 Jul 2016 2:21 pm    
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I got a ridiculous price on a new Black Lightning, so I took a shot. Being delivered tomorrow. I figure, even if it's not A+, at the price I paid, I could pay for a pro setup and upgraded and still be ahead of the game. We'll see.
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 17 Jul 2016 6:19 am    
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You'll like it! Very Happy
If not, trade it in for some white lightning! Laughing
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