Opinions Wanted -- Dobro vs. Crafters of Tennessee

Tom Olson · From: Spokane, WA

If you had to choose between a Dobro 60D and a Crafters of Tennesse Tennessean for exactly the same price, which one would you choose, and why?

Both are square necks.
The Dobro is made of maple while the Crafters is made of mahogany.

Thanks.

D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

I'd listen to both of 'em blindfolded, played by my best resonator-pickin' buddy, to get the best sounding instrument.

I'd guess that the mahogany would sound warmer than the maple. On the other hand, the maple might sound brighter and cut through a group of instruments better. I'd also guess that the well-respected hand-built Tennessee guitar might sound a bit better than the factory-built Dobro. But accoustic instruments are all like chili peppers -- some are hot and some are not -- so listen before you buy.

For the one that is more likely to hold its' value, you can't beat a bigtime brand name -- like Dobro or Gibson or Fender -- on the peghead. And that ain't right, but it's so.

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

I have to agree. I've been to Gryphon Stringed Instruments several times to play their selections of Dobro® and Tut Taylor Tennesseean resonator guitars. Each time I find that the difference between individual instruments is notable. If you can get the two instruments side by side and do a comparison, that will be your best way of figuring out which one is the right one for you.

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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Michael T. Hermsmeyer · From: Branson, Missouri, USA

About two months ago I played my 1985 Dobro 60D (which ain't a bad guitar) next to a Crafters TTT Tennesean and the Crafters blew mine away. I was impressed. I also played a new (Gibson) Dobro 60D (Maple)and a Jerry Douglas model (mahogany with tone bars and sound posts) recently,(although not at the same time or place)and my $250.00 Johnson (mahogany) would have blown them away. I did compare them to a used 1995 F60, and it did blow both of them away, so I bought it. I am sorry, but I think Gibson is missing the boat on their Dobros lately. I did like the Tut TTT model, it has a lot of power and tone. They do have other models, however. There is the Virginian, which I believe is all maple, and another one which I cannot remember at this time. See if your music dealer can get one of those. That way you aren't comparing apples to oranges as I probably did, LOL. The best "Resonator Guitar" (Gotta be P.C. these days) (IN MY OPINION)is made by Carroll Benoit, www.benoitguitars.com. I was blown away with all of the instruments that he had at on display at the convention. But he let me try one that was all European maple that wasn't on display, and believe me, that was it. I should have enough saved up in... oh ... about 20 more years of musicians wages, LOL, but I guarantee it will be worth it. If you are looking at new Crafter's instruments on ebay, I heard that some of them could be seconds. Not a big problem, really, just possibly a finish flaw. Email the seller and get full details, just to be safe. Good luck.
Michael T.

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UTILITY MAN PRODUCTIONS
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE,
'85 DOBRO 60DS, '95 DOBRO F60S,
'95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1955 FENDER TRIPLE NECK STRINGMASTER. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps.

[This message was edited by Michael T. Hermsmeyer on 25 November 2002 at 11:02 PM.]

Terry Goodman · From: Daphne, AL 36526

If this is a starter guitar and you plan on selling later to upgrade to maybe a Scheerhorn, Harlow, Beard, etc., then I'd go with the Dobro brand for the resale value. Although fine instruments, I've seen several Tut's languish away on eBay with no bids.

mikey · From: New Jersey

I agree w/D Schubert, Blind "taste" test...but I have played a few of those guitars Tut and his son make and I think a bit more dedication goes into the making of those guitars, especially if it's a "Gibson" Dobro or if the Dobro was made after John Dopyera left Dobro(after 1972 or 3) and after they moved the factory in 1975...quality control really went downhill...but there are always a few special ones made by ANYONE...so the blindfolded test is the way to go...let your ears and the feel decide.If you can,it's always a good idea to bring another player w/ you as well so HE can play and you can listen for another perspective
Mike

Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

Buy the Crafters. They don't call it that for nothing!

Paul Warnik · From: Illinois,USA

I agree with Stephen (at least this time) I am enjoying my model TTC-since retiring my 1929 model 66

I have owned more than a handful of OMI guitars over the years-I cannot recall even one that sounded as good as the original vintage models or my new Tut Taylor-I also have heard that since Gibson took over the Dobro name-quality has suffered

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

If I had to choose between a dobro 60D and a Crafters of Tennesse I'd buy a Benoit.

Fred Brown · From: Austin, TX

I have one of the Crafter's Tennesseans (model TTT). I have had it for several months now and love it.

I should qualify this though. This my first experience with this type guitar and really have nothing else to make a fair comparison. It is almost impossible to find real live guitars to try out. When I was shopping I found only one in all of Austin. So I went internet shoppping at Folk of the Wood and eBay. Impossible to set down and try out several models and individual guitars.

Mine was one of the "factory seconds" from eBay. Deep discount for a small cosmetic blemish. I had to be told where it was. It came with the case, but no warranty.

I have the fellow's name, etc if you are interested. I have no connection to the dealer (..and he is a real Crafter dealer) other than being a very satisfied customer.

Fred

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