Good brand Resonator Guitar-acoustic or acoustic/electric???

[BigDaddyMojo]

I know nothing about them but I would like to buy one. Thanks, Mo

[Freeman Keller]

Good brands, in order for roundnecks - National, Dobro, Beard Goldtone, - for square neck - Dobro, Sheerhorn, Beard, and many custom builders.

If you are saying you don't know anything about resonators, I have a little introductory word document that explains the little bit I know. If you send me an e-mail addy I'll shoot you a copy. Unfortunately its on another computer and I won't be there until monday.

Amplifying a resonator is a whole art in itself. Bob Brozman argues that the best way is a mic pointed at the sound screens (on his page he tells which mic to use and how to EQ it). Jerry Douglas endorses a Fishman (I think) p/u that costs more than some imported resonators. National has worked very hard to develop transducers to accurately pick up the sound of the cone. Paul Beard uses the little feather thingies on the cone. All different ways to skin the slide cat.

The few inexpensive A/E resos that I've heard sound like bad electric guitars. The few times I've gigged mine we just pointed a mic (Shure 57?) at the screens - that way you get all the other cool racket from the slide.

If I was going to buy an new one and couldn't afford a National I would look seriously at the Beard Goldtones. If I was going to buy any amplifying system it would be Douglas' - I heard/watched him from a front row balcony and the sound (and playing of course) was incredible.



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