• Registered: 2010-03-14
  • Posts: 31

Topic: Resonator/dobro brands and models?

Hey everybody,

Just wanted to get some opinions on resonator guitars.  I'm looking to find a vintage resonator, either metal body or wood.  I met Eric Sardinas at a show here in Fargo last year, and he had an amped up National that sounded killer.   I wish I could throw down the cash for a 1930's National Duolian ($3000-$6000....eeeek), but I think finding another model would be a bit more realistic.  I am primarily going to use the guitar for blues and slide work.  Does anyone have a particular brand that they like or have heard of that is high quality but more budget friendly?  I would love to have a project guitar too, that way I can understand the design better.

thanks,

Robbie

"Aaaaaawwww Sh*****t!!!"-  Buddy Guy
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Resonator/dobro brands and models?

I've played the Fender ones and the Dobro ones at Guitar Center.

The Fender ones were 'louder' but more cheap feeling... or felt more like an electric guitar. The Dobro didn't seem as lively or loud, but it had a really great tone and it FELT like a 'real' one. The cost for them was around teh $500 mark.

Jay Turser has some interesting ones on ebay with a cutaway and lean more towards an electric guitar feel as well.

I wouldn't mind owning one someday. But I have yet to pull the trigger on one.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

3 Reply by robbieashe (edited by robbieashe 2010-03-20 22:44:02)

  • Registered: 2010-03-14
  • Posts: 31

Re: Resonator/dobro brands and models?

The Dobro is the Gibson designed line right?  I have seen a few of them around but have yet to play them.  I've been digging around on ebay for National project guitar to fix up, but the only ones I've seen are pretty haggard.

I'm really looking for a deep this sound with the resonance fluttering in upper frequencies.  Ideally, something with a mahogany body and a National style cone.  I own a small Alvarez folk guitar I use for slide and I love the dark, subtle tone of the mahogany on that one.  I'm thinking that a fully metal body might be a bit too "tinny" for me, but who knows.

This ebay one is kind of like what I'm looking for.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DOBRO-SOLID-WOOD-NA … 19badc31e9

"Aaaaaawwww Sh*****t!!!"-  Buddy Guy
  • From: The Gates of Delerium
  • Registered: 2008-05-07
  • Posts: 1,412

Re: Resonator/dobro brands and models?

Here is an interesting article concerning the first resonator guitar (the National Tricone) and the first electric (the Rickenbacker "frying pan".

http://www.rickenbacker.com/history_early.asp

Major Tom to ground control...
  • Registered: 2010-03-14
  • Posts: 31

Re: Resonator/dobro brands and models?

That was a really interesting article.  I've really only read about Les Paul's work with electric guitar production but never from the Rickenbacher side.   Thanks for posting that!

"Aaaaaawwww Sh*****t!!!"-  Buddy Guy
  • From: western north caroilna
  • Registered: 2008-06-16
  • Posts: 47

Re: Resonator/dobro brands and models?

Dean, regal, michael kelly, are some manufacture's that I can think of that are priced reasonable.