Getting Started - Instruments Under $1,000 - Josh Graves Tribute

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.(author's note: Last I heard Ted Smith had shut down his business. Look for these on the used market only)

Used Dobro® are also available for less than $1,000. The Dobro® 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. Dobro® 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 poobah@resoguit.com. and I'll see what I can do to help.

Gathering of the Resonateurs and Josh Graves Tribute This year's SPBGMA gathering in Nashville was quite extraordinary on several counts. Oh sure, they had the usual gathering of the bands and the jamming cluttered up the lobby of a perfectly respectable hotel.

What really stood out was the gathering of resonator guitars and their players. Everyone is on tap to play tribute to the father of the bluegrass Dobro®, Josh Graves. Before I get to the tribute let me relate the resonator happenings.

I don't believe I have ever seen so many players in one place. Many of them were there at the invitation of Phil Leadbetter and naturally wanted to compare notes, instruments, whatever. Luthier Paul Beard made life just a little bit sweeter by having an arsenal of instruments at his show booth, inviting one to 'play them all'. He and his family further complicated life by opening up his suite on Saturday evening, providing food and inviting the hoards to jam. For anyone that doesn't think this is the 'Golden Age' for resonator's here is my recollection of instruments in attendance:

As far as I can tell, about forty players participated in the Graves tribute. Phil Leadbetter handled the logistics and the presentation went on without a hitch. Us 'lesser known' players were joined on stage by Mike Auldridge, Curtis Burch, Gene Wooten, Randy Kohrs, LeRoy Mack, Jerry Douglas and Phil. After an emotional speech by long time promoter and friend, Lance LeRoy, we launched into 'Fireball Mail' and 'Fireball'. Josh countered with a solo rendition of 'Flatt Lonesome'. JD Crowe and The New South served as our 'backup' band.

Josh was presented with a tribute plaque and photo album. I had the good fortune of playing just behind Josh. He was in great spirits and I could tell he was getting a bit emotional. I was pretty overwhelmed myself. What a night!!