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Topic: Dobro purchace question |
Ken Metcalf
From:
San Antonio Texas USA
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Posted 6 Oct 2007 8:54 am |
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Two questions:
1st, I am looking at getting an inexpensive dobro and noticed some difference and what I am looking for is a sort of ragity tone in the sound as opposed to the cleaner tone... Is there something in the construction or model type I can look for or is it like you have to try it before you buy it and just hear it?
I have tried a Johnson (new one) that has a fairly good tone but need to order one and am wondering if the same make and model ordered will sound the same.
2nd, I would like to order this guitar so I can get a Fishman pick up in it, Do these pick ups do a fair job of re-producing the sound.
Any input is good… Thanks
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MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes |
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Ron Randall
From:
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Posted 6 Oct 2007 7:01 pm
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Ken,
From my experience with 2 hi-end resonator guitars and Fishman Pickups.
First thing I did after installing the pickups, was to remove them. They are at best ok for a little sound reinforcement before feedback. I have not had the opportunity yet to play the dobro with a band that understands reosnators. Resonator is another word for feedback. The bands are never quiet enough, to get a good sound.
IMHO use a dynamic mic like a SM57 on a stand, or install a tiny condenser mic to the grill.
That tone you are looking for, use wound rusty crappy strings as big as you dare, a rough bar and a mic.
The high dollar guitars have sustain, brightness, loudness, tone, depth, etc.
My 2c |
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Andy Sandoval
From:
Bakersfield, California, USA
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Posted 6 Oct 2007 7:10 pm
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| Ken, have you looked at these? Click Here |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 7 Oct 2007 5:51 am
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I used to have an upgraded OMI 60DS with a gooseneck mic installed in the soundwell, a magnetic p/up on the top, a fishman blender preamp, a couple stereo cords, etc. It sounded really good and cut through on stage with drums, electric bass, guitar and all, but it was a real hassle with all the gear and the fact that I carried a full pedal steel rig also.
Amplifying dobro is tricky. The mic suggestion is a good one. I'm currently working on upgrading a chinese squareneck and am looking for a simpler method of amplification as well.
As instruments go, if I had the cash, I'd consider the one Michael Hardee has listed over on the buy and sell board.
All the upgrades installed, comes with a nice case, free shipping and these resos sound as good as it gets for a modest price. A very good buy here overall.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=118291 |
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Rob Anderlik
From:
Chicago, IL
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Posted 7 Oct 2007 7:15 am
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| What is your total budget for guitar and pickup installed? Is your budget "fixed" in stone or is there any flexibility? |
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Ken Metcalf
From:
San Antonio Texas USA
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Posted 7 Oct 2007 7:46 am
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My budget is not set and I should add that I am looking for a round neck.
I have owned a couple of Dobros cheap ones...a dean and a fender. the dean had a real banjo-y sound and the fender... the fret placement was ridicules.
My 1st question was why some have a cleaner sound and some have what I call a ragity tone?? model, type,
I don't know what the diff. is in a spider or cast??
nor have I compared a quarterman cone.
Thanks Ken
_________________
MSA 12 String E9th/B6th Universal.
Little Walter PF-89.
Bunch of stomp boxes |
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D Schubert
From:
Columbia, MO, USA
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Posted 7 Oct 2007 8:05 am
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| Ken, if you are looking for a bluesy, swampy kind of roundneck sound you may want to look at a National-style "biscuit bridge" guitar instead of a Dobro-style "spider bridge" guitar. And you might like a brass or steel body as well, as those are usually favored by bottleneck and blues guys. |
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Andy Sandoval
From:
Bakersfield, California, USA
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Posted 7 Oct 2007 9:47 am
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| Ken, that guitar I linked to before is also available in a round neck with the same pickup. click here |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 7 Oct 2007 11:41 am
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Sorry, I did not read your question thoroughly. I answered assuming you were looking for a clean, clear bell tone such as bluegrassers seek.
There are forumites here that build these instruments and will most likely drop in with some qualified comments.
My observations have been that the spider bridge models, 8 leg cast bridge that sits on the cone edge are popular with the squareneck, lap style reso while the biscuit bridge may be more popular with those that favor playing with a slide over the finger ala Keb 'Mo et al. Models like the Duolian, Triolian and National biscuit bridges per another reference above.
Some of the rough, edgy tone may be due to the tunings most often used with these roundneck models as well. Consider the open D has a meaner growl than the 135 G tuning most often used in Bluegrass.
Perhaps some information from more qualified players can be found over on www.reso-nation.org and possibly some of the aforementioned forumite builders will check in with better explanations.
If I may add this, dobros are no different than steels or any other instrument. They vary greatly in sound, quality and construction and you generally get what you pay for. |
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