Best replacement Dobro cones ?

[snakehips]

Hi there !

I have no idea about Dobro cones myself - but a friend asked me for advice.

I'm assuming my friend wants a traditional cone tone, as I think I read somewhere, top Nashville players prefer modern cones and change them regularly, for more treble or something

Dobro ? Beard ? National Resophonic ? Who else makes good Dobro type cones ??

I'm not convinced "Dobro" make the best cone.

Any good budget brand Dobro-type cones ??

Many thanks for your advice in advance.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Snakehips,

Just a quick reply...

The best Dobro cones available at present are Beard cones. If the budget won't stretch to a Beard, get a Continental.

Shine On
Michael.

[snakehips]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for that. Where is a goodplace to get a Continental cone do you think ?

I checked NRP's website for their cones (and also Thomann's website, as they sell NRP cones) - and neither listed their own dobro type cones.

All the best and thanks again !

[rbe]

Snakehips - John Quarterman's Dobro cones are good too. He is even making a lugged cone now.

[leeophonic]

I have a beard cone in my Dave King Dobro and am very happy with it, I recently had a National model D which was also great with the National spun cone.

Quaterman was the industry standard, if he is now back in the game that is also the 3rd option.

Resophonic outfitters was once the go to place for spider related items...

Also do not forget the spider is integral in all this

Lee

[Michael Messer]

Hi Rik,

I only ever recommend products that I am sure about. However, I am pleased to see that you have mentioned John Quarterman's new range of cones. I have not seen one in the flesh, but I have heard mixed reports about them. The one of most interest in his range is the stamped lugged cone.

Back in the dark ages the only cones to get for Dobros were Quarterman. I have one in my M32.

Shine On
Michael

[leeophonic]

I also have a quaterman cone & spider set awaaiting the renovation of a little known Dobro by Don Gann, they were excellently made but finished with a bass broom!!!

Lee

[rbe]

Michael,
As you know, Quarterman has been spinning cones for a long time. Don't quote me, but I think he taught Don Young in the OMI days. I have not heard one of his new lugged versions in action, but I am happy to see that it is being done. Quarterman's cone is actually a spun cone, with the lugs stamped in. As opposed to the originals which where just stamped. It is my impression that the stamped cone has a different tone than a spun version. Even though John Dopyera had said, in an interview, that they didn't sound different. The stamped cones generally had a less bowl-like shape, which is why vintage spun cones can be problematic in fiddle-edge guitars. If the new ones weren't $100, I would give one a try. I am curious how the new cone sounds in an M32.

[snakehips]

Hi again !

Many thanks for your help everyone.

I emailed NRP as the "Store" page on their website did not show Dobro cones for sale.

Jason from NRP replied saying that they do sell Sheerhorn cones - so, it seems NRP don't make their own Dobro cones any more ???
Not sure if that is what he was saying or not.

Anyone know anything about the Sheerhorn cones, compared to all the other Dobro cones ??

[leeophonic]

NRP/National are in bed/collaboration with Sheerhorn, they are high end & pricey from the last time I checked the website. Quality will not be an issue but what tone you are after might.

try & source some sound clips of the different guitars, that said what is it going into???

Apply your National knowledge to the kissing cousin of the Dobro!!!

Lee

[Michael Messer]

Snakehips,

I don't know where one would buy Continental cones. I have a couple, but they are not for sale. You could try Robin (ex Busker Guitars), he might have one around that he would sell. I'll see if I can get a couple put into my current order.

If you can't get a Continental, just get a Beard cone.

Shine On
Michael

[leeophonic]

This may be of interest.

www.ebay.com/itm/Resophonic-Guitar-Setup-Parts-Beard-Cone-14-Spider-Fishman-Pickup-/132209179586?hash=item1ec847fbc2:g:ZPYAAOSwi7RZLG68