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Sierra U-12 Crown Gearless, Peavey Nashville 400,
Peavey TransTube Fx,
Peavey Stereo 212,
Peavey TT Bandit w/ex speaker. Tele, Strat, 1970 Les Paul Std.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic......

I have a custom walnut Dobro with very ornate inlaid fretboard. It is about 20 years old. I would consider selling it for $2,500.

Good luck. It is a zoo out there. Check eBay

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Fender Stringmaster T-8
Fender Strat
8 string Benoit

If you're going to play bluegrass, pick hard, string it up with very heavy strings --I like the Beard Special 29's -- and get a Scheerhorn or Tipton bar that's anatomically correct for slants, hammer-ons and pull-offs. A good set-up -- cone, bridge, nut, etc. -- is important to ensure the best tone & volume.

To my hillbilly ears, the old resonators usually sound better than the ones just picked off the vine (flame suit on!). And they're easier to re-sell if you find that you aren't cut out to be a bluegrass man.

[This message was edited by D Schubert on 05 August 2002 at 07:41 PM.]

I saw a pre Gibson squareneck, all maple, with gold plated covers, original case, and the original gold plated strings. Circa 1980. I played and looked it over good.
$1,200 plus tax at a guitar shop in Dallas. I was tempted to buy it, but I have too many now.

Email if interested.

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Fender Stringmaster T-8
Fender Strat
8 string Benoit

Getting Started - Instruments Under $1,000 -

Instruments Under $1,000
OK, you've decided to take the plunge and make the transition from fan to player. Now what? Choosing an instrument has got to be pretty high on the agenda and you'd like to do it without breaking the bank. Where to look and what can you expect?

Good news. For less than $1,000 you'll be able to find a perfectly serviceable resonator guitar, either new or used, that will last you for years, perhaps for the rest of your playing career. For the sake of this discussion I'll keep the price below $1,000. If this is a bit over your budget, never fear. Some of your choices will be well under this mark, even under $500.

Howard's rule No. 1:

Never buy an instrument without you (or a knowledgeable friend) inspecting and/or playing the instrument first. Please try enlisting the aid of a local player in your search. Contact me if you'd like some names.

OK....What are the choices in this price range? If we are talking new we've narrowed the choices down to imported guitars (with one notable exception). Some of the names you'll see; Regal, Johnson, Flinthill, Fender and others. Most of these guitars are available in the $300-$600 range (all priced are approximate retail). My observation is that every one of these guitars that I have ever played were in serious need of a setup by a qualified luthier. This alone should not deter you from choosing one of the imports. It just means you should budget an addition $75-150 for an additional makeover by your friendly resonator repair guy. For $150 the luthier will set up the guitar properly and replace the resonator and spider with standard U.S. made components. This will make an incredible difference in the instruments' sound. For $75 or so the nut and saddle will be replaced and the strings properly spaced. This will make the guitar much more playable.

The exception to all of this is the incredible and unusual Melobro made by Ted Smith. Unusual because the instrument body is fiberglass and not wood. The components are all standard, U.S. made, high quality parts. The instrument had been retailing for $900 or so which makes it an incredible value. They also sound great and should be considered on the high end of our price range. They do look a bit odd, ie., non-traditional.

Used DobroTM are also available for less than $1,000. The DobroTM is several cuts above the import. Instruments of the O.M.I (pre Gibson) era are available in the $750-$1,000 range. In my opinion these instruments vary all over the place in terms of sound, playability and construction quality. Remember rule #1? Do not buy sight unseen. DobroTM shipped many of these instruments with soft wood saddle inserts and plastic nuts. You can upgrade these instruments for about $50 and come away with the guitar sounding just fine.

Lest I forget. You can find contact info for many reso luthiers on the RESOGUIT website , http://www.resoguit.com , or email me privately at . and I'll see what I can do to help.

[This message was edited by Howard Parker on 13 August 2002 at 06:18 AM.]