Mahoney Dobro simulator questions

Chris Mahoney · Post by **Chris Mahoney** » 31 Oct 2009 10:32 am

Just finishing up on my version of the Match Bro and it sounds amazing. I went with top quality components for low noise and long life. The build quality is top notch and the unit is built like a tank. I have a few questions for the forum about the final version.

Where would be the best place to mount be for this effect in a playing situation be? The original mounted to a leg but for me it is awkward.

What type of switch would Steel Players prefer? I am thinking of using a tall lever switch or standard slide switch. Of course whatever switch I use, will be wired true-bypass.

Where do you guys place your effects? I have thought about a small 12X12 tray that could fit on top of a mic stand. This tray could hold tuners and other small effects

I have been entertaining the idea of a multi unit that would include a compressor, B-Tone fuzz, Dobro simulator and tuner bypass. All of these effects would have their own On/Off switch and be true bypass.

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Joe Harwell · Post by **Joe Harwell** » 31 Oct 2009 2:18 pm

Hey Chris

Would you post a picture of the unit?

Might help answer your questions.

Could be equal demand for leg mount,
stomp box, and rack mount.

Steve Norman · Post by **Steve Norman** » 31 Oct 2009 6:24 pm

I bet a multi unit mounted to the led would do well, personally I like the top toggle with the black switch. something that could be got to quickly without having to search and risk hitting the wrong switch.

Sounds interesting!

Chris Mahoney · Post by **Chris Mahoney** » 1 Nov 2009 8:08 pm

Thanks for the suggestions guys. So far I have not decided on a switch so this final proto box is yet to be drilled. It seems that the leg mount is still a preferred mounting method? Any ideas you can share are most appreciated.

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Rick Johnson · Post by **Rick Johnson** » 2 Nov 2009 4:58 am

Chris

Do you have any sound clips so we
can hear your new design?

Rick

www.rickjohnsoncabs.com

John McGuire · Post by **John McGuire** » 2 Nov 2009 7:39 am

For me I would prefer a leg mount with a simple toggle switch. Sound promising.

Joe Harwell · Post by **Joe Harwell** » 2 Nov 2009 4:33 pm

Looks good, Chris.

Looks a little cramped on top for a toggle.

Maybe a rocker switch on the side?

Unless you enlarged the case.

I can envision a nice micro stomp box, too.

Steve Norman · Post by **Steve Norman** » 2 Nov 2009 9:46 pm

for a leg clamp on that box you need 2 locations for jacks, usually the in from the guitar is on top, but with the knobs there isnt much room. Maybe in on the side and out(to the Vped) on the bottom? I think if they are both on the bottom it will be problematic.

John Groover McDuffie · Post by **John Groover McDuffie** » 3 Nov 2009 12:49 am

Can you put the knobs on the face, put the input jack and a toggle switch (like the 1st one pictured) on the top and an output jack on the bottom, and a leg clamp on the side?

That seems most ergonomically ideal to me. As far as a tuner out, I don't know. Maybe on the bottom also.

It would be great if this combined a) basic "matchbox" functions, (including tone control) and a Boss-tone-type fuzz along with the Dobro simulator, and had a tuner out. Mute function for tuning seems redundant if one uses a vol. pedal, but having the tuner-out buffered so it doesn't interact with the signal going to the main output would be nice.

John McClung · Post by **John McClung** » 3 Nov 2009 12:13 pm

Chris, I'm looking for some help with a custom rack with toggle-switch true bypass for stompboxes. Looks like you're halfway there, would you be interested in working on this project with me? Send me PM and we'll go from there, thanks.

John Lacey · Post by **John Lacey** » 4 Nov 2009 9:26 am

Chris, would you consider making it in the shape of the Boss Tone effect that you make? I find them extremely handy to plug in and out and to use; no extra cords etc.
John Lacey

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 4 Nov 2009 10:42 am

In my opinion, you should not try to make this a multi-functional unit. I think more people would be interested in purchasing a reso-simulator that did just that. Many pickers already have buffer/imp. matching devices, some are built in to the volume pedals. Make it small and sell it as inexpensively as you can. Not everyone wants a fuzz or compressor. I like the looks of the small box and the color. I think I would prefer to have a stomp box, instead of another device clamped on to a leg of the guitar.

Cliff Kane · Post by **Cliff Kane** » 4 Nov 2009 1:12 pm

Are compressors popular among steel players? The fuzz, dobro, and buffer are, but compressor seems to be less used. How about modular units that plug into each other, sort of like Lego blocks? You could do one piece that plugs into the guitar, and then other pieces that can be added by plugging them into each other, all of them clipping to the leg.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 4 Nov 2009 1:35 pm

I have a Matchbro (one of the original models with the Tone control in the bypass position). As I'm an electronics tech and former amp tech, I would say go with a single device, not a multi-unit or have two types one just the single dobro simulator and a second model a multi-effect unit. I prefer the leg mount model - I can't operate "stomp boxes" and the pedals and the volume pedal.

I like the model I have which basically has a matchbox or a low Z output device with a tone control in the bypass mode. But I've really considered a three position switch - complete bypass, tone control mode and Matchbro mode. I also have a power on/off switch that I've installed (on the bottom as that was the only space left) that is in series with the regular "power on" grounding that is done on the input jack. With this "power" switch, it can be left hooked up and with the switch in the "off" position there is no drain on the batteries. Also since it's in series with the regular power switching if the on/off switch is accidentally switched on when transporting it in my seat it still will not "power on" since there is no plug in the input jack.

There have been several attempts at producing a dobro simulator but none can match the Goodrich MatchBro (so far). I did a recording session several years ago and used the MatchBro on one song and it fooled Bluegrass pickers.

Finally, it has to be priced "reasonable". Do not price yourself out of the market like Goodrich did with the Matchbro. They have other reasons they will tell you why they discontinued it but the real reason was the price. With a few price is no object, but the majority are not in that position.

Chris Mahoney · Post by **Chris Mahoney** » 6 Nov 2009 5:14 am

Hi Jack, I modeled my unit after the one you mentioned. Thanks for the advice and great info. A three way switch sounds like a good idea. My price will be very fair and I hope to have these ready soon.

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 13 Nov 2009 2:16 am

Chris
As an earlier poster implied, if you have a sound clip available at some stage you will generate much more interest than by the type of switching or mounting used. Bottom line always.....the sound.

Chris Mahoney · Post by **Chris Mahoney** » 13 Nov 2009 4:42 am

Hi Ken,

That is a valid point for sure. I am just not ready to sell them and still working on the final version. I am hoping to have them done and ready to ship this month. I will try and post some sound clips in the next few weeks.

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 21 Nov 2009 3:43 am

Bump for interesting product

Michael Hartz · Post by **Michael Hartz** » 21 Jan 2010 1:15 pm

Anymore info regarding availability, final design?? This product sounds very interesting as used Matchbros are expensive.

Jon Steel · Post by **Jon Steel** » 16 Feb 2010 12:17 pm

Status, pics, sound clips yet?

Eddie Thomas · Post by **Eddie Thomas** » 1 Mar 2010 7:39 pm

Any news yet?

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 23 Aug 2010 11:43 am

Bump.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 23 Aug 2010 1:35 pm

How about using a push/push switch? I've used them on guitars when I didn't want to drill another hole for a switch. Works quite well in a cramped/tight space too.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 23 Aug 2010 7:31 pm

Chris hasn't posted on the Forum in quite a while. I think he's the guy that was producing the "Buzz Tone", styled after the old Boss Tone fuzz units.

Here is a link to his web site:

Click Here

The Steel Guitar Forum

Mahoney Dobro simulator questions

Mahoney Dobro simulator questions

unit picture

Looks good

Update??