|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 19, 2023 15:04:36 GMT -5
Today I received a Fender email about their new range of ‘Traditional’ acoustic instruments.
I’m covered with the banjo, mandolin and ‘normal’ guitar stuff.
They have a resonator. I’m not going to buy a Fender, but my interest was piqued. (I spellchecked it)
If I was looking to add a resonator to the arsenal, what would you recommend? I’m looking for a round neck and don’t want to spend thousands - no National must buys!
Edited to add that I’m reasonably competent with a slide. I have a couple of guitars in open tunings as I post.
|
|
|
|
Post by snakeboy on Jan 20, 2023 9:44:31 GMT -5
If you're wanting to dip your toes into the budget resonator waters, I'd recommend checking out the Gretsch line.....they have several models to choose from.
There's a lot a difference between the tone of a wood bodied and metal resonator......then you get into spider vs. biscuit vs. tricone.
A good setup with a quality cone can make a budget resonator punch above it's weight.
I've played a few Republic resonators that were pretty nice for the price as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 20, 2023 14:35:12 GMT -5
Thanks snakeboy
No Gretsch nearby. I’ll probably have a shot on some in Glasgow and narrow down my choices.
Thomann do Gretsch so I can order one from Germany in my preferred style if I hit it off with a particular type.
We have some budget European makes that might hit the spot too.
Thanks again.
Barry is ambivalent about this type of guitar.
|
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Jan 20, 2023 15:18:09 GMT -5
Maybe this will help Barry off the fence.
|
|
|
|
Post by Barry on Jan 20, 2023 15:37:39 GMT -5
I enjoyed that .
I’m really hoping LesTele goes down a more acoustic route with his resonator.
I don’t think he has the chops for that kind of thing anyway.
Don’t tell him I said that.
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 20, 2023 15:40:16 GMT -5
I saw that.
You’ll be more deflated than usual in the coming months.
|
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Jan 20, 2023 15:56:57 GMT -5
I fear a Barry stabbing might be in the works.
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 20, 2023 16:08:56 GMT -5
Then the puncture repair kit comes out.
He’s a contributing giraffe!
|
|
Jim622
Halfnote
Posts: 83
Age: 58
|
Post by Jim622 on Jan 20, 2023 17:50:39 GMT -5
Today I received a Fender email about their new range of ‘Traditional’ acoustic instruments. I’m covered with the banjo, mandolin and ‘normal’ guitar stuff. They have a resonator. I’m not going to buy a Fender, but my interest was piqued. (I spellchecked it) If I was looking to add a resonator to the arsenal, what would you recommend? I’m looking for a round neck and don’t want to spend thousands - no National must buys! Edited to add that I’m reasonably competent with a slide. I have a couple of guitars in open tunings as I post. I got this to get my feet wet. I love it. Around $450. The video has some Open G in the outtakes. Is Amazon an option or is that a stupid question? |
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 21, 2023 11:25:17 GMT -5
UK Amazon isn’t an option. Only one Gretsch showing up.
Not the model I’m interested in.
No rush.
|
|
|
|
Post by ninworks on Jan 21, 2023 12:57:55 GMT -5
I bought a Gretsch G9240 Alligator that gets the job done for me. I am definitely not a reasonator aficianado but it clicks that resonator box for me. I bought it new about 4 years ago for about $400. I have recorded it a few times using it as both a slide and a rhythm guitar. I found that using very light strings on it sounds better than heavier ones. I think that perhaps the lighter strings don't dampen the cone as much as heavier ones. The lighter strings make it harder to play slide on it though for obvious reasons. i.postimg.cc/ZqGCFBNR/Gretsch-9240-Alligator.jpg |
|
|
|
Post by funkykikuchiyo on Jan 21, 2023 13:39:53 GMT -5
If you can't play in person, get something with a return policy and let someone check it for playability. The neck angles can be all over the place on those, and some are really only suited for high action/slide playing right out of the box. They seem to have a higher rate of warranty replacement than equivalent flat tops for some reason. Not trying to be scary - just a good thing to check first, and to get it evaluated within the allotted time period.
|
|
|
|
Post by langford on Jan 21, 2023 20:45:18 GMT -5
I bought a PBS/Gold Tone a number of years back. Love that guitar, although it's on semi-permanent loan to neighbour who a.) loves it, and b.) is willing to help me in my denial that I own too many guitars. It's a terrific instrument. Design and QC via Paul Beard with production in Asia. I paid around CDN$800 when I bought mine, but I notice that the prices are quite a lot higher these days. Definitely work checking out if you have dealer in your area.
|
|
|
|
Post by windmill on Jan 22, 2023 2:33:48 GMT -5
The Regal brand is worth a look.
It is in the value for money category.
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 22, 2023 12:07:08 GMT -5
I’m up in Glasgow tomorrow - Lucinda Williams at the Concert Hall - Celtic Connections.
May take a half day and try some guitars.
I didn’t realise how complicated this purchase would be.
|
|
|
|
Post by funkykikuchiyo on Jan 22, 2023 13:25:29 GMT -5
Shouldn't be too complicated. Mostly just if you like it then buy it. I'd just say that if the action is a mile high, it isn't guaranteed that it'll be able to come down to where you like it. If it plays how you like it (or very close to it) in the store, you're good. If you order online, just make sure sending it back could be an option.
Resonators should probably be redesigned to have adjustable neck angles. The bridge/saddle isn't very adjustable, probably a little less so than a regular acoustic saddle. On top of that, some people want really high action for a big slide sound and others want it to play like an electric, so there isn't any guarantee a given setup spec is going to work for everyone. That could be why tolerances are pretty loose on these.
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 26, 2023 1:05:07 GMT -5
It’s complicated because I’m now looking for a resonator with a pickup.
I looked at some of the Gretsch YouTube footage and the Freshman Nashville pickup was demonstrated.
I liked the way it sounded and will now have to find a guitar with one installed. I’m playing out a lot more now.
The funny thing is, the Fender reso that started this whole exercise has one installed.
I didn’t manage to get to the shops on Monday due to work commitments but will try over the next couple of weeks to get up to Glasgow and try some in person.
Lucinda was fab. Two amazing guitarists and a great singer/songwriter. A great night.
|
|
Davywhizz
Wholenote
"Still Alive and Well"
Posts: 444
|
Post by Davywhizz on Jan 27, 2023 11:36:33 GMT -5
I had a 1980 metal body Dobro, with the palm tree etching on the back. I wish I still had it, but needed some cash one year. I only ever played out with it at very small places, so never fitted a pickup; miking was enough.
I was lucky in that, when I bought it, there was a good set up of nut and bridge height, giving a good balance for both slide and fingering chords. Whatever you decide on, I'd say try before you buy and don't assume anything but minor changes to how it plays are possible.
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 27, 2023 17:24:21 GMT -5
Never sell instruments you like.I have no regrets so far. I may have been lucky.
I do have a small diaphragm condenser mic and phantom power. I use it for the banjos.
I’m old and plugging in seems to be the path of least resistance.
I’ll be up in Glasgow later this month and will keep you posted on my ‘journey’😀
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 29, 2023 13:35:12 GMT -5
Playing in Largs this afternoon. Someone had a resonator bouzouki.
Mind blown.
Reset required.
|
|
Bopper
Wholenote
Motor City USA
Posts: 507
Age: 72
|
Post by Bopper on Jan 30, 2023 10:37:15 GMT -5
Steel bodied Beltona...
Sounds good, too...
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Jan 30, 2023 14:48:55 GMT -5
A UK maker I was not aware of. A bit spendy though.You’re probably looking at £2000 to commission an instrument.
The resonator bouzouki yesterday was an Ozark - budget trad instrument brand and it may be UK only
Due to their rarity they are also more expensive than they should be.
Will probably continue down the guitar route.
|
|
|
|
Post by larryguitar54 on Jan 30, 2023 21:40:39 GMT -5
I have a National and love it. But it is pricey. I think the Gretsch and Regal models are really nice values and have no problem recommending them.
|
|
Davywhizz
Wholenote
"Still Alive and Well"
Posts: 444
|
Post by Davywhizz on Jan 31, 2023 9:46:30 GMT -5
LesTele: I've sent you a link you might be interested in.
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Feb 1, 2023 16:46:32 GMT -5
It seems rude not to acknowledge Davywhizz’s contribution.
Theres a sale on at a North East of England retailer that involves a metal bodied resonator- Ozark brand I mentioned earlier.
I bought a Casino from the same people during lockdown and it was immaculately set up. The best ever internet purchase.
I’m not really looking for a metal bodied guitar.
I know that you were dying to know😀
|
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Feb 1, 2023 17:04:31 GMT -5
I wasn’t dying, but I was somewhat under the weather with anticipation.
|
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Feb 2, 2023 15:49:22 GMT -5
I've had a round-neck Regal bell brass tricone for many years. It's a peach! I looked around for a few months and ended up at Appalachian Bluegrass music shop, where they had Dobro, Beard, and Regal brands. A pal of mine who worked there convinced me the Regal was nearly as good as the Beard, which at the time cost almost three times the price of the Regal. I don't know if the brand's current stuff is made the same way as this 20-year-ole twanger, but the price sure is right. www.instrumentalley.com/Regal-RC-51-Tricone-Style-1-Resonator-Guitar-p/rc-51.htm |
|
|
|
Post by Barry on Feb 25, 2023 9:44:49 GMT -5
live.staticflickr.com/65535/52710096316_2fe08d11a0_z.jpgHe bought the Fender. Only resonator in Glasgow with a Fishman pickup within his budget. He seems really pleased with himself. Very limited stock of this type of guitar locally and I'm sure he would like to express his thanks for the advice provided. Even if he seems to have ignored it!
|
|
|
|
Post by Taildragger on Feb 26, 2023 21:38:49 GMT -5
I had a Dobro a long time ago.
Here's something that, while not exactly a resonator per se, is kind of "in that neighborhood":
|
|
|
|
Post by LesTele on Feb 27, 2023 15:44:23 GMT -5
I didn’t like the YouTube immediately.
Most of my hair is blocking the the shower drain. He has luxurious locks,
Jealous.
It looks a bit banjo adjacent. It did sound good.
It also costs around $7000 - or some of its pals do.
I’m happy enough with my entry level guitar for the moment.
I need to get to a stage when the guitar holds me back. Not in the immediate future.
|
|
