A few guitar questions...

[benjot]

Hi,

I've fancied a resonator for some time now and think the mm lightning is the one for me.
As they seem to be out of stock everywhere I was hoping someone could tell me about the size of the neck and action set up? I've never played a reso before and am keen to learn some slide but also to play in the standard way I know!

I'm pretty sure it'll be fine but I've never bought an instrument a haven't played first before so I'm just a bit worried!

Cheers,
Ben.

[Deleted]

Hi Ben
Good choice - a reso and a MM one at that (there is one on ebay, and has Robin at Busker got one?).
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Michael-Messer-National-style-o-Dobro-type-resonator-guitar-/160702924825?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item256aa40819
I can't give you specifics in terms of dimensions etc, but reso actions can feel a bit higher and wider, and will initially feel quite different to a dread / electrics. It may take you a few weeks / months to feel really comfortable with one, but you'll get there. If you buy from Robin, he should be able to set it up as you want it - if you know what you want that is. Find a few guitar shops a try a reso or two. If you give us a clue where you are, you might get some pointers to good shops.
TT

[Matt]

MM/Busker guitars are a good shout. I tried yet another Ozark in my local guitar shop (this was a round neck Dobro, I've also tried 2 biscuit bridge ones there). They confidently sell them for over £400 and talk about their amazing tone and finish etc, but they'd do better as firewood and scrap metal tbh.

Don't worry about waiting ages for the shops that stock them to get one in, Robin at Busker Guitars will set one up to your liking, and I believe they offer a no quibble money back (if in perfect condition, buyer pays postage) or will alter the set up in the very unlikely case it's not quite right for you (to be honest, their standard 'hybrid' set up will probably be perfect for your needs).

Also, if you ask about 'seconds'/B-stock you might get one faster and cheaper if there's a wait on the A-stock, in exchange for some slight cosmetic flaw.

[thebluesbear( al)]

Hi

You need not worry about buying a michael messer or busker guitar the standards and ethics are really second to none IMHO many others would agree

al

[benjot]

Thanks everyone,

Just bit the proverbial bullet and put my name down for one with an incredibly helpful Robin at Busker Guitars. Now to play the waiting game...

Is it February yet?!


Ben.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Ben,

Welcome to our forum.

Thanks for putting your name down for an MM guitar, and thanks for the positive comments from TT, Matt and Al. Much appreciated.

If you have any questions, or would like to ask anything about MM, or any other guitars, ....or about playing slide, please don't hesitate to leave a message. If I am not around, there is usually someone online who can help.

Keep in touch,

Shine On
Michael.

[benjot]

Thanks Michael,

I've ordered a copy of your tuition DVD so that should help me start off on the right foot. For now, if you or anyone else could recommend a good all round model of slide (for a beginer!) to use with the lightning set up with medium 13gauge strings I'd be grateful - other questions can wait until I get to start playing!

Cheers,
Ben.

[Matt]

I'd say go to www.diamondbottlenecks.com/DB08/index.asp and take your pick, they'll do you a length, wall thickness and internal diameter to your liking, and will be able to recommend a product to suit your needs. I expect you'll end up with a 'redhouse' or a 'blue diamond', but they're all great.

Daddy Slides ( www.daddyslide.de/ ) also come highly recommended, but are quite pricey, as do Tribotone slides ( www.tribotone.com/ ) although I've yet to try either.

Hope that helps

[benjot]

The blue diamond looks like the one - it seems Busker Guitars sell them so I'll get one when I arrange delivery of my guitar.

Thanks again for your help everyone - this is a very useful forum!