Good and Inexpensive Dobro/Resonator?

[dspblues]

I can't afford a national right now... who's making something good and affordable? I saw Dean had a few. Any that come highly recommended?

Thanks!!

[James Sallis]

Lot of good resonators out there, but Republic is these days putting out some really good instruments at affordable prices. I'd strongly suggest that you check them out.

[GuitarsFromMars]

if a dobro/resonator is too much jack,consider a lap steel-they tune the same way...

[Steve Gambrell]

Check out the Beard import line. (I forget what they call 'em, but they're pretty good for<1000.00.
There's also the Wechter/Scheerhorn line, about the same price.
Are you looking for wood, metal, squareneck, tricone, or what?

[dspblues]

Not 100% sure what I'm looking for honestly. I want something with a warm tone.

[texasdave]

Republic and Gold Tone (Beard Import) are probably the ones to beat for sight unseen consistency...

[Troubleman]

Republic and Gold Tone (Beard Import) are probably the ones to beat for sight unseen consistency...

+1
I just bought a Gold Tone/Beard Signature Model a couple weeks ago
http://www.instrumentalley.com/v/vspfiles/photos/PB-GRS-2T.jpg
It's made in Korea, and is pretty darned good for what ya spend. Gorgeous guitar, pulled of well. It arrived with a great set-up (perhaps a tad low for aggressive slide, but spot on for finger-style) out of the box and required no additional anything. It seems to like a brass slide or ceramic. I'm really digging it.
Republic resonators are pretty bitchin' as well. I'm eyeballing one of their tricones. Great value for the $$$


jb

[Groovey Records]

Save your Do Re Mi and wait it out for a National.

Best Quality Dobro made in Generations.

Huge Bang for The Buck

Made in the USA by Musicians for Musicians.


Buy used for best value pretty easy to find one being sold.

EnJoY ThE MuSiC
GrooVeY RecOrds

[JamminJeff]

I can't afford a national right now... who's making something good and affordable? I saw Dean had a few. Any that come highly recommended?

Thanks!!

I've had the Rogue model (now sold by Dean) for about 7 years and actually like it but it does not have the National "throaty" sound. What it does have is a voice of its own. Mine has a lipstick pickup in it that works great through overdrive pedals or direct into a tube amp. Currently a Marshall VM Combo. It also has a decent DI sound for recording. I haven't mic'd it acoustically but it definately has a plenty of natural cutting volume.

The neck is as playable as most Les Pauls (for fingering) but Jerry Douglas this won't make. No guitar does but he has THE TONE to benchark against in most cases.

For trashy foot stompin' blues or just sliddin' around, I'm sure these are fine. I prefer glass slides on electric but with this, chrome seems to work good.

My model is a cutaway and the action is probably too low for loose tuning slide. The simple wood bridge could easilly be duplicated with the intent for more string height and the nut is probably useful as is.

It's the kind of resonator that everyone likes but not good enuff to steal or go to Nashville with.

YMMV

[RGB]

I have a Liberty Copperhead round neck and like it very much. Built in a small shop in Florida by a very nice guy. Not sure what the prices are these days, but I paid less than $500 a few years ago. I upgraded the resonator to a Quarterman too. The pickup he installed isn't the greatest, but that's easily remedied and I would order without one....unless he's doing something different now. Haven't spoken with him in a few years.

http://www.libertyguitars.com/copper.htm

[skydog]

Check out the Beard import line. (I forget what they call 'em, but they're pretty good for<1000.00.
There's also the Wechter/Scheerhorn line, about the same price.
Are you looking for wood, metal, squareneck, tricone, or what?

I think it's Gold Tone, but I'm not positive.

[doc]

I had a Liberty awhile back and discovered that they are actually Asian (I think the brand was "Tyler Mountain" or some such) that he imports, rebrands, install a cheap piezo into, sometimes adds some decoration, then resells as his. I'd pass.
I'd second saving for a real National, but if I had to jump now for less money I'd probably try a Republic.

[RGB]

No kidding! I'd be real interested to know where you discovered that info, doc!

[jpfeiff]

For my money, I'd probably go with a Republic--haven't played one, but have read LOTS of positive reviews and heard lots of nice clips played on them. For warmth, you probably want to consider a single cone, biscuit bridge played with a ceramic or glass slide....