What's the instrument? Bobby Austin - Ten Years Ago

Craig Krause · Post by **Craig Krause** » 18 Feb 2017 10:04 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkauxT2dppY

At 1:09 what's the instrument taking a solo? It sounds like a dobro but a little different. I've heard of a fretted dobro; is that what this is? I've heard this sound on 1960s Merle Haggard records too.

Any idea who played it? According to the picture it's a Capitol recording produced by Ken Nelson, if that helps make the connection. Thanks in advance.

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 18 Feb 2017 11:28 am

You have it nailed. The fretted Dobro was played just as a standard guitar and was very popular in the late 60's. You have a good ear.

Peter Freiberger · Post by **Peter Freiberger** » 18 Feb 2017 4:16 pm

Done at Capitol in Hollywood, 1968. Ken Nelson producing. I bet it's James Burton.

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 19 Feb 2017 7:03 am

I've seen James Burton pictures with him endorsing Mosrite dobros.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 19 Feb 2017 8:34 am

Were the Mosrites electric resonators?

I believe the acoustic National on the cover of "Brothers in Arms" is fretted.

Craig Krause · Post by **Craig Krause** » 21 Feb 2017 9:13 pm

Thanks for the replies. I did a few web searches and found that Jeannie C. Riley's Harper Valley PTA has fretted dobro played by Jerry Kennedy. Also, Merle Haggard's Mama Tried has dobro played by James Burton on the first half of the intro and outro. Does anyone know if it was fretted dobro or a regular dobro?

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 22 Feb 2017 9:11 am

What do you mean by fretted dobro?
All my dobros are fretted.

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 22 Feb 2017 9:18 am

I think the right term is fingered dobro.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 22 Feb 2017 9:30 am

That makes more sense.