Opinions and advice needed

[Bill Groner]

I have been looking at some square neck resonator guitars. It will be my first one. I don't want to buy junk, but I can't afford to break the bank either. I think I have it narrowed down to 2. Looking at a Gretsch 9210 Boxcar and a Regal RD-40. I would like some opinions and advice from some of you guys own either one. There is a considerable difference in price. I know which one I like the best, but I am seeking some guys with experience to offer their opinions.

[Jeff Bell]

I had a Gretsch Bobtail and thought it was a really fine guitar. Sold it because I had a vintage Harmony resonator that had a character quality I preferred. I found the Gretsch to be a little sterile, but it felt great to play. If I was more skilled (or skilled at all)I might have had a different take. I took a chance on the Bobtail because of the pickup and thought the resale value would remain strong. It did.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Not knowing your budget, but the Recording King Phil Leadbetter model has a lot of good reviews. Used ones have been seen in the $5-600 range, maybe less...or new. Other RK models can be had for less, but the Leadbetter is the one you want.

Online stores, or check your local Guitar Center or MusicgoRound if there's either in your vicinity.

[Paul Seager]

I was in a similar position a couple of months ago. Here are the results of my test and purchase:

viewtopic.php?t=406154

Still happy with my choice!

[Richard Sinkler]

I've had an RD40 for years. I think it is basically junk. The sound was so poor that it actually made me not want to contnue learning. So, last year I bought a Recording King Professional model (around $800 from Sweetwater) . So much better and a pleasure to play. I also got a Beard Legend cone and put it into the Regal. Big improvement. Neither sounds like a Beard or a Sheerhorn (sp?), but since I am not soley a dobro player, they do the job well.

[Robert Murphy]

If you are patient an OMI Dobro will come up for sale in your price range. They are quite good to learn on and with an upgraded cone later on hold there own with more expensive guitars.

[BJ Burbach]

I have an earlier version of the big body RD Regal (RD35?)from Korea. The body split near the neck set and it bent. Not worth a new cone, but it's fixed.
On the other hand, I just got a terribly beat up dobro, for cheep, fixed all the cracks, new cone, insert and tuners and it sings! Couldn't be happier, for $300 total.
I love Howard's Resobits videos!
I am a big James Adams fan. He makes a variety of dobros, including a birch laminate one that used to go for $800 and there might be a couple left.
Beard cone in a super solid guitar. I have never played one, but I have the 8 string version, as well as his 8 string tricone. They are indestructable and loud. He uses a Benoit style neck set.
I Like Robert's idea, too. Some OMI Dobros seem OK.
I will do anything not to buy a guitar new.
BJ

[Bill Groner]

Thanks guys for your opinions and advice. For now I am going to do some more research on the subject.