Why only #14 Spider

Russell Baker · Post by **Russell Baker** » 14 Apr 2015 2:02 pm

Hi Gang...

In my effort to familiarize myself
with the Square Neck Dobro (Resonator Guitar)
it seems like the only Spider Bridge that you hear
of is the Beard #14.

It would appear that popular opinion says anything else is inferior.

Now Stew Mac shows a Replogle Spider Bridge that looks intriguing. I would assume there are others.

Must one really have to get a Beard #14 to get a decent sound?

Thanks

Dave Thier · Post by **Dave Thier** » 14 Apr 2015 2:53 pm

My only experience is with the #14. There are others, Schoonover makes one as well as Steve Smith at Red Line Resophonics. A review here:
http://www.resohangout.com/topic/41201

Schoonover here:
http://www.schoonoverresophonicguitars. ... spider.htm

Michael Kienhofer · Post by **Michael Kienhofer** » 14 Apr 2015 5:11 pm

#14 was a number designated by the foundry to identify the mold used to make the spider.
It is my understanding P,Beard bought the original mold.
#14 stamped on it seems to assure a feeling of Quality.
And that is my review of the RLR spider.

Mark Eaton · Post by **Mark Eaton** » 15 Apr 2015 6:53 am

I will be getting the Schoonover modular spider soon for the purpose of having the Fishman Nashville pickup installed in my guitar. In a recent interview Rob Anderlik did with Kent Schoonover, Rob asked Kent about the spider. Rob has done a great job with his new website and blog:

http://squareneckjournal.com/2015/04/10 ... choonover/

National Reso-Phonic has developed their own version of the spider bridge which is being used in the Scheerhorn, aka "Nati-horn" line.

This is the Schoonover modular spider:

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 16 Apr 2015 9:08 am

it seems to me that whatever was used on mid '70's dobros like mine work pretty well. it records very well.