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Topic: Resophonic Square Neck under $1,000 |
Bud Harger
From:
Belton, Texas by way of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Posted 4 Jun 2022 3:28 pm |
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Anybody? What do you have?
I just sold my “very low end” Reso.
I’m looking to upgrade a bit.
bUd
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bUd
1969 Emmons D-10 8f/4k; Evans Amps. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 5 Jun 2022 9:07 am
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I don't have any in that range (I collect vintage models), but you can find prewar model 27's (with Regal or Dobro labels - either is fine as Regl made many of the bodies/necks for the Dopyera bothers) - which often require just a new cone, possibly a new #14 spider, DEFINITELY new saddles and a CORRECT setup by an experienced resonator tech (guitar techs, for the most part, cut the nuts and saddles completely wrong - I've "reoriented" several long time pro techs around here) for roughly $1000 - 1200.
And after doing some reading/study (see below) post a "wanted" ad on the Reso Hangout forum.
You can find 60's-newer OMI's in that range, but most have glued in cones (which kills the tone and projection); and if you want to buy something ready to go that's near(and in many cases equal) to the level of the hand-made Beards and Scheerhorns, look for a used "Appalachian".
You'll pay a little more, but usually under $1500 - which is what a $1000 vintage or OMI squareneck will cost you by the time it has decent parts and is set up. My 4" deep, made-to order Appy is solid broadleaf maple with a custom "Les Paul Sunburst" lacquer finish, tuned soundpost tone chamber, soundhole reflector and has gone head-to head with a couple of Beards and more than held its own - because they are not as well known you can often find them in the $1500 and under range - although prices are starting to rise as builder Tom Warner sadly passed away - a victim of Covid 19.
If you're located anywhere near a good resonator tech I suggest one of the early Dobro or Regal square necks. Some have screens, some F holes - but I generally remove screens during a setup anyway. Find a bit of a "beater" with worn finish but a solid neck and tone chamber, and the rest is handled by the tech.
2 years ago I bought a sad-looking Dobro model 37 with 4 rusty strings a discolored finish - but it looked structurally sound - on eBay for $900 (including tax & shipping) - and was stunned to find a near mint 1936 Model 37 with no corrosion - it seemed the finish and metal parts were protected by a thick layer of dust/dirt. The original case was in great shape, and the original sales receipt was in the case. I installed a new cone and saddles and cleaned it up, and it's virtually identical to the Dobro models used by Mike Auldridege and Jerry Douglas.
Before "upgrading", though, I suggest you buy the book "Dobro Roots" by Steve Toth and educate yourself, even if you want to buy a newer instrument. It's about $45 of the best money you could spend - gives a detailed history of the prewar Dobro and Regal resonator models with extensive pro photography and a CD with examples of different models played in country and bluegrass settings.
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No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Bud Harger
From:
Belton, Texas by way of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Posted 5 Jun 2022 10:29 am Thanks, Jim
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Thanks for taking the time to give me a better understanding of the Resophonic instruments. I am a pedal steel player and only occasionally pick up my reso. When I do, I expect it to have good sound qualities and quality construction.
I was never really happy with my “low end” reso guitar. So, I’m venturing out! You’ve helped me make some decisions on the next one.
Congratulations on your new Resound65. I have a 69 Emmons PP restored by Mike Scaggs and a 67 Bolt-on. My 69 is the “Layla” of that group of Scaggs redos. I want a Resound65, too!
Best regards.
Bud Harger
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bUd
1969 Emmons D-10 8f/4k; Evans Amps. |
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David Venzke
From:
SE Michigan, USA
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Bud Harger
From:
Belton, Texas by way of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Posted 5 Jun 2022 4:56 pm Thanks.
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Will do.
bUd[/b]
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bUd
1969 Emmons D-10 8f/4k; Evans Amps. |
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Howard Parker
From:
Maryland
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Posted 5 Jun 2022 5:18 pm
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Sticking to your posted budget you still have options.
Two that come to mind are the Wechter/Scheerhorns (discontinued, several models), designed by Tim Scheerhorn and the Paul Beard designed Goldtone square necks. Three models.
You can still find OMI vintage Dobros for around $1K but they are typically "tired". The 2 guitars noted above are superior in fit, finish and sound...
IMHO
YMMV
Cheers
hp
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Howard Parker
03\' Carter D-10
70\'s Dekley D-10
52\' Fender Custom
Many guitars by Paul Beard
Listowner Resoguit-L |
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Larry Allen
From:
Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii
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Posted 6 Jun 2022 11:30 am Dobro
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Bud I have a 2009 Paul Beard Maple Dobro, like new, ser#2902398…Scherfler. Electrostatic Pre-Gain, basically unplayed..HSC, $800 plus shipping …  Larry
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Excel steels & Peavey amps,Old Chevys & Motorcycles & Women on the Trashy Side |
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