I am researching resophonic guitars, and need some advice

Lincoln Goertzen · Post by **Lincoln Goertzen** » 7 Jan 2002 8:55 pm

I am looking for a resophonic guitar (six-string, squareneck), and I need some advice.

I have ordered a catalogue from DOBRO, which should be here soon, since several models caught my eye. However, these instruments seem to be rather expensive for someone like me.

I do not want to upgrade continually. I may only buy one squareneck in my life. At least, that is what I tell myself.

I do not want a cheap copy instrument.

I will contact Melobar, and add them to my list of comparisons. Actually, I just finished a search here on the forum, and it seems as though I can't go wrong with a Melobar.

Please give me all kinds of advice. (Yes, I know what I am in for.

I am hoping not to spend too much more than $1000.

Sincerely, Lincoln Goertzen

Howard Parker · Post by **Howard Parker** » 8 Jan 2002 6:43 am

Lincoln...

For under $1,000 your choices (new) are going to be limited for a "professional" quality guitar (imho). The Melobro is a great deal. Another(considerably less than $1,000) might be the Flinthill, as modified by Paul Beard Guitars (301-733-8271).

Consider the used instrument and add a bit of patience and you just might end up with a fine hand built example by several luthiers. Check out www.resoguit.com for a fairly complete listing. I'd also search on this forum for past discussions.

Cheers,

Howard

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Howard Parker
poobah@resoguit.com
www.resoguit.com
ListOwner RESOGUIT

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 8 Jan 2002 4:34 pm

I'll agree with what Howard said (sheesh! what a name) although I have no first hand experience with an upgraded Flinthill.
No, you won't go wrong with a Melobro. The best value for sound IMO. There seem to be a fair amount of used Dobros out there shy of $1000.00, but they all have their own tone and sound. That is a difficult thing to buy without sitting down with one.[This message was edited by HowardR on 08 January 2002 at 04:35 PM.]

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 9 Jan 2002 6:37 am

frankly, i'd get one of the regals on buy and sell for $250 until some incredible deal came along, then sell thr regal for what you paid.

Lincoln Goertzen · Post by **Lincoln Goertzen** » 9 Jan 2002 8:34 pm

How can I get in touch with Regal? Are they still making instruments?

Thanks, Lincoln

Tab Tabscott · Post by **Tab Tabscott** » 10 Jan 2002 8:01 am

Get a hold of Dick Deneve in Pennelleville, NY. He builds the best dobro for the money there is...his models are around $1200 and will flat out dust most Gibson dobros...and anything else in the price range, for that matter... www.squareneck.com
for some pics in the "dobro gallery"...
Tab

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 10 Jan 2002 4:13 pm

Check out the buy & sell now if you haven't already.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 10 Jan 2002 7:08 pm

Lincoln, when you say less than $1000... do you mean Canadian dollars? If so, that would be about $600 US dollars. There are several low end Dobros (squareneck or roundneck) for around $600 or less. Some of the makers are Dean, Regal, Johnson and Fender. Most all of them are Korean made... and made in the same 2 or 3 factories. Samick is the manufacturer. Any large music store can order one of these Dobros for you. We carry Dean in the store where I teach ($399 wood body , $599 metal body).

I needed a Dobro for a recording session coming in 2 weeks, so I just bought a beautiful like-new Regal on ebay for $160 with a beautiful hard shell case! The case alone is worth $100. When I opened the package I was floored. The guitar is brand new, never played. The case still has a store tag on it and the guitar glitters like new... it even smells new! It sounds good, records well, and has plenty of volume. And the best part... $160. I know you don't want a "copy" instrument, but for this kind of money, you can try a Dobro to see if you like it before spending a lot of $ on a high end one. Just my opinion.

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My Site | Doug's Free Tab

[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 10 January 2002 at 07:19 PM.]

Lincoln Goertzen · Post by **Lincoln Goertzen** » 12 Jan 2002 9:12 pm

Doug,

Yes, I was referring to Canadian dollars. It seems, however, that to find a really good quality dobro for that price is difficult, to say the least.

Thank you all for your input.

Lincoln