Newbie to stringed instruments seeks advice

[nordicnorm]

Howdy All!

I'm a lead trumpet player (jazz and big band) who is interested in learning a stringed instrument.

Besides jazz/BB, I do listen to a lot of blues and bluegrass influenced music. Even some country on occasion! ;^)

The resonator guitar has always fascinated me musically so I'd like to learn to play one.

From my initial research, I believe I'm looking for a square neck resonator?

My question is: what are the good models/brands I should consider? What are the ones to stay away from?

Will $700 - $1,000 get me a decent resonator? Or should I budget more? I have seen hand built ones that cost $5,000, but I doubt I'd be able to appreciate their craftsmanship.

Thanks for any and all replies!

cheers,

[Deleted]

Aug 29, 2015 17:20:09 GMT nordicnorm said:

From my initial research, I believe I'm looking for a square neck resonator?


cheers,

Not sure why you'd want to start out with a square neck, when it limits you to a single playing style and position. A round neck resonator can also be played as a lap slide, but you can play it as a normal guitar too.

[Deleted]

If you're after a square neck resonator, based on your preferred styles, you're probably best looking for a squareneck 'dobro' - spider bridge resonator. Most people playing bluegrass plump for a wood bodied dobro. And I think dobros are great for blues too.
You can easily get a decent guitar for that money, and you could also buy a dud.
IMO avoid fender dobros. The hounddog might be OK, but maybe the gretsch would be a good first buy. A beard gold tone is a good bet.
Also IMO, the high end dobros are not worth it.
TT

[nordicnorm]

Aug 29, 2015 18:43:50 GMT @mickeyz said:

Aug 29, 2015 17:20:09 GMT nordicnorm said:

From my initial research, I believe I'm looking for a square neck resonator?


cheers,

Not sure why you'd want to start out with a square neck, when it limits you to a single playing style and position. A round neck resonator can also be played as a lap slide, but you can play it as a normal guitar too.

So which round necks would you recommend?

[Deleted]

Aug 29, 2015 23:36:43 GMT nordicnorm said:

So which round necks would you recommend?

Hmmm - are you not sure about the difference between a squareneck and roundneck? Seems like you need to do some more research about how to play a guitar before thinking about which make to buy. You can't really play a squareneck in any other way than it resting on your lap.
Anyhoo, if you are intending to play it in a 'standard' way, then a single cone biscuit resonator would also be good. A republic, or if you get them over there a Michael Messer blues / MM28.
And this is still valid "IMO avoid fender dobros. The hounddog might be OK, but maybe the gretsch would be a good first buy. A beard gold tone is a good bet."
TT

[orbital]

Hi Nordicnorm,
I would suggest that you learn to play a roundneck guitar to start with as your first stringed instrument. As has already been stated,if you are venturing into the resonator market,a roundneck can also be played lapstyle.
In regards to a resonator,there are many brands out there that have inferior build,sound and tone quality. It really is about doing thorough research.
You wouldn't go wrong if you choose one of the MM range. You will find many threads on here in regards to the three models,qualities and differences between them.
Having just recently purchased an MM Blues as my first resonator after 3months of research,I know I made the right choice. These are great guitars.
Maybe an MM Blues28 would suit your preferred style(s)?
Continue with the research and good luck!
Orbital.

[Dessery]

Hi

I know a lot of people here are recommending playing a round neck but id say it really depends on what you want to do. If it's a lap style you want to play, get a square neck, if your just starting out, too many different ways of playing can cause a distraction and instead of really learning one thing, you just end up learning a little of a few things.

Best starting place for me is always YouTube, watch lots of vids of different guitars and styles and see what resonates with you (pardon the pun).

Just my 2 pennies worth, you might not be as easily distracted as me in which case you may be fine

All the best and good luck
David

[nordicnorm]

Aug 30, 2015 16:10:20 GMT Dessery said:

Hi

I know a lot of people here are recommending playing a round neck but id say it really depends on what you want to do. If it's a lap style you want to play, get a square neck, if your just starting out, too many different ways of playing can cause a distraction and instead of really learning one thing, you just end up learning a little of a few things.

Best starting place for me is always YouTube, watch lots of vids of different guitars and styles and see what resonates with you (pardon the pun).

Just my 2 pennies worth, you might not be as easily distracted as me in which case you may be fine

All the best and good luck
David

Thanks David! Good advice.

The reason I chose a square neck resonator was to specifically limit my options. Having never played a stringed instrument, I wanted to learn one playing style. It seems to me that a round neck would appeal more to 'traditional' guitar players since that would more closely resemble their style of playing. But perhaps not?

While I do not have aspirations of becoming a professional dobro player, I would like to become proficient enough to jam with others (and be musical while doing so). 

[Deleted]

There's no need to limit your options -- the fact that you don't know how to play a guitar will limit you enough.

I think you'll reach your goal faster if you spend some time familiarizing yourself with the basics of playing guitar, before you jump into a specific style. Since you're already a musician, it won't take you too long, and no doubt you've already developed the needed discipline to practice, practice, practice.

You can definitely start out learning guitar with a resonator, but I'd recommend picking up a normal guitar first. (I know very few guitarists who own only one guitar anyway!) Resonators tend to have flatter fretboards and heavier strings, which will make learning frustrating.

But of course, if all you really want to do is learn to play lap style slide guitar, and you're certain it's the only thing you want to play, then it sounds like you have the budget to get a fine squareneck.

[orbital]

If I can make an addition to my last post...it may have been MM who said this in another thread previously,something along the lines of following your heart/dreams when it comes to purchasing an instrument.
If it's a squareneck you really want,go for it! Sure you'll get good information on here regarding brands/models.
It seemed from earlier posts that maybe you were unsure, and a roundneck would give you both options.

Having come from a 'brass' background in my youth,I've been contemplating getting a trumpet at some point (I never really enjoyed french horn) so may come to you for info/advice on a good starter model in future.

Cheers,
Orbital.

[nordicnorm]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Lots of good information here.

Since I don't play guitar, I assumed (perhaps erroneously) that a square neck resonator would force me to learn one style/technique and not get bogged down/confused trying to learn both styles.

[nordicnorm]

OK, so after much deliberation, I finally bought a Paul Beard Goldtone PBSD square neck. I settled on a square neck as I want to focus on playing bluegrass music.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their comments and experience! This is a great community! And thanks to MM for providing this forum!

cheers,
Norm

[orbital]

Enjoy learning your new instrument Norm!
Orbital.

[Dessery]

Lovely instrument, im sure you will enjoy!!

Happy sliding
David