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Topic: Opinions/Advice Needed and Welcomed-Want To Go Acoustic |
David Soreff
From:
North Las Vegas, NV
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 11:19 am |
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Aloha Kakou,
As of late, I have been listening quite a bit to acoustic steel...in particular I was inspired by the Barney Isaacs album, Hawaiian Touch. I am thinking that for Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah, I might treat myself to a resonator. Of course, having only played electric, I am not familiar with what to look for, or if there might be a general consensus on one to look at in particular. Also, I am interested in sticking with the tunings I am familiar with...C6 (and variations thereof), B11 and D9. Budget wise, I would like to stay under 1K.
So, with that in mind, can I solicit some thoughts on what I may want to look for? Any experiences and opinions are welcomed...letʻs see if we can find us a prezzie for the tree, alright? Mahalo plenty to all.
Dave |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 11:33 am
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| Happy Festivus!! |
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Stephen Abruzzo
From:
Philly, PA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 11:56 am
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Probably a Gold-Tone Beard or a Wechter-Scheerhorn squareneck would be nice. Good, quality instruments without costing a fortune. However, these are generally set-up in Dobro High G tuning (lo-to-hi; G/B/D/G/B/D).
So, be aware of this fact, because you would have to have the nut re-done to accomodate the drastically different string gauges for C6 tuning. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 12:01 pm
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David,
Check into the Goldtone 8 string resonator signed by Beard. It would work out great for C6th.
They run about $750.00
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Steve Ahola
From:
Concord, California
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Posted 23 Nov 2011 7:00 pm
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That 8 string Gold Tone dobro sure looks great and doesn't cost an arm or two and a leg! For a 6 string to play C6 I would suggest that you look into the W-style hollow-neck Hawaiian acoustic guitars (the Weissenborn name has been trademarked by Breezy Ridge Instruments, Ltd. in Center Valley, PA, 18034 along with "Django" and "Nuages".)
Steve Ahola
_________________
www.blueguitar.org
Recordings on electric guitar:
http://www.box.net/blue-diamonds
http://www.box.net/the-culprits |
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Mitch Crane
From:
1000 Oaks, CA
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L. Bogue Sandberg
From:
Chassell, Michigan, USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2011 10:03 am
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David, since you're comfortable playing 8 string already, that might be the way to go. In addition to the Gold Tone, Gregg McKenna (mckennaguitars.blogspot.com) has an 8 "on special", including a good case for $1000 plus shipping.
You could try the G6 tuning that is sort of the standard for 8 string dobro. I use the G13 variant most of the time, along with an A11 and a Bb6/G7:
G13: A11: Bb6/G7:
D D D .016
B B Bb .018
G G G .028w
E E F .030w
D C# D .036w
B B B .046w
G G G .056w
F E F .058w
If I'm working off a tab chart for (say) B11, I just play it two frets up. If you're used to a 22.5" scale you'd be in about the same place. Alternatively, if you dropped the gages above a size or two, you could tune A6, B11, C6, etc. In the spirit of "if it ain't broke don't fix it," I'd try that with the existing nut and bridge insert slots, before going to the trouble and expense of having new ones cut.
Since I only play acoustic, it's really exciting to see more very talented players showing a renewed interest in acoustic steel guitar outside of the bluegrass style.
Bogue |
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Jim Eaton
From:
Santa Susana, Ca
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Posted 28 Nov 2011 10:18 am
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I just added a GoldTone 8 string to the "flock" and I am really impressed with the sound and quality of it. A good value for the $ IMHO.
JE:-)> |
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David Soreff
From:
North Las Vegas, NV
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Posted 28 Nov 2011 6:33 pm
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| Mahalo to all for the responses...keep them coming. I am leaning towards the GoldTone but most sites have them on backorder right now...until at least January. I'm gonna keep digging... |
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Jim Behnke
From:
SW USA
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Posted 28 Nov 2011 8:16 pm
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I'd been looking @ the Chinese-made/US-assembled 8-str Gold Tones for a bit. Have ended up acquiring an '83 OMI 10-str Dobro that's currently @ luthier's being re-done [nut/saddle] for 8. Total investment will be ~= to cost of new Gold Tone 8, will report.
For 6-str I've found that my '34 Nat'l Style O round-neck is great for bottleneck-style but doesn't cut it re-strung/tuned for lap-style. I get more sound & satisfaction from '40 Oahu squareneck in open D or E than the single-cone reso does in a tight-voiced 6th configuration. I just pull behind the bar to get that "6th" on the Oahu. Everybody's got their own preferences though.
My fantasy of the Dobro [once done] is that it'll be an acoustic doppleganger for my mid-'50s sgl 8 Fender lap steel. Kanikapila here we come.
Seems acoustic activity increases as we get older. This said despite 6-hr elec jam yesterday where I played Fender 8, B-3, & Strat with band-mates from past groups @ annual reunion. Ahh, memory... |
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David Soreff
From:
North Las Vegas, NV
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Posted 9 Jan 2012 7:43 pm
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Aloha Kakou,
First of all, thanks to all for their feedback and opinions. I a just waiting for Guitar Center to get their shipments in on the Goldtones and I will be getting one. Now...forgive me one last newbie-ish question. As before, I am pretty settled on keeping a C6 "home tuning" on this, but can anyone think of, or suggest a set of strings/gauges that might allow to play C6, B11 and D9 on it, and sound good? (This is of course after I get the nut redone)
I am not averse to eventually picking up the G tuning, but I would like to start of with things I already know so I can get it gigging ASAP.
Mahalo Nui,
Dave |
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Derrick Mau
From:
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 10 Jan 2012 11:21 am
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Aloha Dave,
Check your forum mail.  |
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