dobro vs. national for sound quality

[Deleted]

I've been playing slide on a flattop guitar for about 30 years and I'm aching to buy a resonator.... I just don't know what type I'm really after.

The sound quality I am looking for is best exemplified by Derek Trucks' slide work on "Old Friend" (Allman Borthers' album 'Hittin' The Note') - it is more "round" than the typical blues tincan effect and sounds almost "smoky" as opposed to tinny. WOuld that more likely be a dobro style instrument?

I read your web article on "dobro" style resonators versus "nationals", and I *think* it is the dobro style I'm after - info form you on this would help alot.

Thanks....
pk

[Michael Messer]

Hi PK,

Good to hear from you and welcome to the forum.

I don't know what guitar Derek Trucks plays on the track you mention as I haven't heard it. I like his playing a lot, but have only heard a few songs. I think I have heard him playing various guitars....electrics, Nationals, Dobros and flattop acoustic. I really should check out some more of his music. I heard something he recorded recently with Jerry Douglas that sounded very cool.

Can any of the forum members help here and answer PJ's question about Derek Trucks and 'Old Friend'?

I understand what you are saying about National guitars and a tinny sound, but perhaps you should listen to some National players who do not sound like that. Sol Hoopii playing a National Tricone on his early 30s recordings is an artist that springs to mind. A 1920s or 30s National Tricone will give you a sound that is a long way from being tinny.

I do hope my article in Acoustic magazine was helpful and not confusing? It's not easy trying to fit the history of the world into 1600 words!

Shine On & keep in touch,
Michael.

[Russ Young]

pk: "Old Friend" is a guitar duet played by Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes, with the latter doing the vocals.

I'm certain I don't hear a "dobro" -- a spider bridge guitar -- on the track. And while the guitar that leads off (Haynes?) is definitely a standard acoustic guitar being played with a slide, from there I don't totally trust my ears. My best guess: the guitar that responds (Trucks?) sounds to me like a single-cone, possibly a brass-bodied guitar like a National Style O, hence the somewhat smoother sound. There are two other guitars that solo over the top -- the first sounds like another single-cone resonator (played through a pickup?); the second definitely sounds like Derek Trucks playing slide on his Gibson SG ... reminiscent of Duane Allman.

Based on what I'm hearing, you should probably check out a brass-bodied single cone or a tricone. (And those of you who haven't heard this version of "Old Friend" should definitely check it out!)

[Ian McWee]

The good Mr. Young is quite correct here The guitars used for 'Old Friend' are :-

Warren Haynes:- Gibson J200 acoustic for both pickin' and slidin'...

Derek Trucks :- Washburn acoustic for pickin'; an early '30's National Duolian for acoustic slide stuff and his Gibson S.G. for the slide lead break near the end of the song.

If you really want to both hear & see this lovely piece of work, get hold of the 'Allman Brothers Band Live at The Beacon Theater' D.V.D. Disc 1 is the full concert - but the gem is D.V.D. 2 which has interviews, backstage pictures....and finishes off with a jam session in the dressing room featuring Warren & Derek with two acoustics playing.....yep - 'Old Friend'.

Slide On!

Ian.

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