What about those *cheap* Dobros?

[katmetal]

Been a Steel guitarist most of my life; Started out on 6 string lap steel, had a Fender twin 8 string, a few single/double neck pedal steels, currently own a Sierra D 10.

But, never owned a Dobro. Always had a hankerin' for one though. Funds are a bit short right now, however. I was looking over the selection on ebay, & I see guys selling them new for less than $150.

I know, you get what you pay for, but has anyone here ever played one of these el' cheapos? Wonder how bad it could be? For a beater to play around the house, I am considering one. I just hate to plunk down $150 if it is going to be a total piece of junk...

Any feedback?

EDIT: - The ones I was looking at are the DEROSA line.

[dogbite]

there could be all kinds of issues with inexpensive dobros. buzzing cones is one.
however, each guitar is different. there may be a nicely built one in that price range.
the quality of tone I think would be the biggest issue. try before you buy if you can.
I am not familiar with that line.
Johnson, Regal come to mind for other brands to look into.

[Ricochet]

I had one of those, a Johnson JR200 "Chicago Blues" roundneck. Got it for $185 in 2001. Traded it off. Miss it.

[katmetal]

dogbite - wish I could try it out, but the ebay seller is far away from me, so that is out. I can't find any reviews online, other than sellers that give pos. feedback.

Ricochet - I have learned the lesson of selling off gear & missing it later! I had a Dean in the 80's that I let go, & I really miss that one...

I have a couple Johnson electrics that I enjoy very muich, I will be hanging onto those.

The Hound Dog Round Neck Dobro Guitar is $350.00 on Musicians Friend. It gets good reviews from purchasers on there & other sites, but of course, I would rather pay $150.00 if I had the choice!

[dogbite]

you could check oover at the steelguitarforum.com they have some info on resos.

also, acousticguitarseminars.com they arte all acoustic reso nuts there.
I believe the link names are correct. let me know.

[Ricochet]

You'll have a hard time finding anyone who'll say something nice about cheap resos on the Guitar Seminars board, unless I go over there and post on it.

[BluezOldy]

... steelguitarforum.com ...

Hmmm ... you have to pay $5 to join that one. Not saying that's good or bad, just interesting.

[BluezOldy]

I'm actually getting the fender FR50 resonator. It's pretty sweet.

My local shop has a Fender FR50 model with two pickups and four knobs. I've not been able to find the model on the net. The closest is the FR50CE with one pickup and two control knobs:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN955005

[BluezOldy]

..... or even fender them selfs?

Yes, they show it with 3 control knobs which make it even more confusing although it does have the two pickups:

http://www.fender.com/products/search.p ... 0955005032

I'm saving like crazy at the moment because this is definitely my next GAS purchase.

Cheers,
Ron

[dogbite]

... steelguitarforum.com ...

Hmmm ... you have to pay $5 to join that one. Not saying that's good or bad, just interesting.

you can lurk for free. I did for a year. then when I had something to contribute I ponied up the fiver.
that forum is excellent. many informed and fantastic players post there. some are historical players...meaning they backed some of the famous recording stars.
the five dollar charge keeps the spammers at bay.

looking is free.
check out the for sale section. you may find what you are looking for there.