Resonatin' - a little sound demo!!

[chrishpippin]

Thanks for the video. I really like the sound of tricone resonator guitars, and this video really emphasizes this for me. Great playing!!

[TheManjiman]

No contest, Amistar sounds best, all are very good but that amistar is special.

Manji

[zandinjepoes]

Thanks so much for this demo. I want to buy my first dobro/resonator. I would prefer a vintage one, but Nationals are a little too expensive since I want to spent like 600/700,-. I especially play blues both with fingers and slide, but don't want to get that blue grass sound. I know it's all about taste.. But what do you recommend? Thanks!

[BottleneckJohn]

@zandinjepoes

Yeah, vintage instruments do have "mojo" built in but if you're looking for a good guitar to get you started, go for one of the models from Republic Guitars. I got some videos here that'll give some clues about how they sound..

Contact Frank at Republic and find out what they have that might be right for you!! :-)

[marcelohimmler]

amazing!!!!!

[BottleneckJohn]

@marcelohimmler

Thanks for watching this!!

[wrestlingfan12321]

what type of music are you playing at 1:22 and is it possible to play that on an electric guitar?

[Lanakikuta]

country sound yeah!! XD nice guitars

[RJcur]

The Amistar Crossroads sounds fantastic! Thanks for the vid!

[BottleneckJohn]

@RJcur

Thanks!!!!

[admiral8toes]

i love that sound wth the slide

[0713mas]

They all sound really great!!! Do the type of strings or pins also help to get that sound?

[BottleneckJohn]

@0713mas

Thanks!!! Strings add some to the tone, so does the picks used/not used and how hard you pick the strings!

[fenderfish]

mmmmm-mmm tasty!

[BottleneckJohn]

@fenderfish

Thanks for that comment!!

[mkcgoalie35]

Well done John, thanks for posting.

[Hemolymph]

What kind of style of guitar playing is that?

[christianfff]

real nice. im thinking of buying a resonator. seeing these reviews and your railroad come-together, i'm wanting one even more. keep it up, good man

[ramjam418]

each one has its own soul ,real nice

[BottleneckJohn]

@ramjam418

I do TOTALLY agre with you on that! Not better or worse but different.. That's how I like to think about reso-tonality!!

[beyotch1918]

those guitars sound beautiful you can play dude!!!!!

[BottleneckJohn]

@beyotch1918

Many thanks, they do sound nice!!!

[cowboy51256]

I got a regal used for my first one. I like it, it is a tricone. Round neck but i have been playing it lap style standing up trying to front my bandand trying to stand under a shure 57 mic. That sucks cause i can't move or dance around and I keep banging into the mic. What is the best way to mic it or electrify it.

Thanks

[BottleneckJohn]

@cowboy51256

If you're into moving around then maybe you should go for a magnetic PU, like on any regular electric guitar.. There's also some good piezos out there. Search the web for resonator guitar pickup and you'll find lots!!!! Good .luck!

[ClassicNationals]

What kind of cone is in the Armistar Crossroads? Is it their own? It NAILS a 1930s National cone! Also, if you don't mind me asking...what is the height of the bridge? That is, the measurement from the top of the biscuit to where the strings are sitting. Thanks for your time. GREAT playing!

[BottleneckJohn]

@ClassicNationals

THANKS!

It's the original Amistar cone, I do feel that their biscuit models have a tone that's closest to a 1930's National !!

The Amistar tricone in this video has got some NRP cones in it..

[chunter5100]

As usual, just a wonderful video of Republic Resonators....John, I'm a beginner, and what would you suggest I go to learn about all those wonderful notes you pull out of those things?

[BottleneckJohn]

First of all, THANKS for watching my clips!!

Get an instructional DVD, search the net for one.

It's a great shortcut to getting started, and then it's ALL about listening and play, play, play.. Your brain needs to learn to collaborate with your muscles in order to find the right notes..

But it's really just to play a lot, everyday if you can find the time!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

[reckonimokie]

John, which is your favorite resonator?

[BottleneckJohn]

I honestly can't say for sure, it's different from day to day..  :-)

If I have to choose just one resonator guitar it would be a tricone..

[reckonimokie]

Thanks for the reply. What would you recommend for a beginner? I will be at the Dallas show and plan to go to the Republic booth and check out the resos.

[weadley]

I recently decided to learn bottleneck so I purchased a 1978 dobro "wild rose" edition. What kind of dobro is this as far as cone and bridge? Wish me luck I will need it to learn this style.

[BottleneckJohn]

Great! Good luck with everything, it takes 5 minutes to learn the basics and a lifetime to master it.. Bottleneck style is a very expressive way to play guitar!!

[tb140870]

Fantastic John, really lovely playing and some very nice guitars. They look so good, I'm going to have to get one and learn how to play!! :-)

[BottleneckJohn]

THANKS!!

Yep, get yourself a reso!!!! You'll love the instrument!

[leftchicago]

They all sound great in your hands, but you really get the nuances of each one. Thanks for posting this helpful video.

[BottleneckJohn]

Thank you for your nice comment!!

I'm glad this clip turned out to be helpful and appreciated!

[mrcgyu]

amazing video, this is actually influencing me on which resonator guitar to buy :)

thanks!

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks a lot!

That was just the idea when I made this clip.. I was hoping it could help people to find THE right reso!!

[onearmcowboy]

thank you for taking the time to let us all hear the difference in sounds... nice selection...

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks for commenting, I'm happy to be able to let those interested in a reso to hear the difference..

[ArtWithRob]

the last one sounded the best to me.

[BottleneckJohn]

A great sounding and playing Amistar, from the Czech republic!

[bluescountryfolk]

great vid, the Duolian does it for me!! Cheers

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks, I agree, the vintage "mojo" can't be beat..!!

[unionfallen]

that tricone looks amazing! how old is it??

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks!!

The tricone looks old but it was made in 2005!!!

[cornflaked]

wow that miniolian has a fantastic sound. The more I hear it, the more I want one. Thank you so much for posting the comparisons!

[IgorGuittar]

ok..Tankyou again!

;D

[IgorGuittar]

wow...I love this type of music....

can you give some tips about this music style?

tankou.!

[BottleneckJohn]

Thank you very much!

Just searh the web for delta blues or bottleneck blues and you'll find lots of this music!!!!

[dummyguava]

Great, thanks for the comparisons. Don't get to see much resonators side by side here.... Are they all biscuit bridges except for the SX?

[BottleneckJohn]

One of the Amistars is a tricone..

[0kill13]

heard they are expensive

[Newfiepunger]

Great Video..and exceptional playing as well!...Thanks for this!

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks for watching!!!

[bugaddi51]

Hi great demo -nice video -greetings from germany - winni

[starrchild99]

Great demo. Nice guitars!

[deaucey]

is the sx metal or wood bodied?

[BottleneckJohn]

The SX is a wood body, with a spider bridge!

[kickingmule]

Sounds good Johan, but to compare different gits, I suppose they ought to be tuned and stringed the same way ?

Your playing, however is as always GREAT !

Peace Brother !

Urban

PS. Im on my way to buy a Res.Git and play some slide. You never get too old to learn !

[BottleneckJohn]

Nope..

They don't need to have the same type of strings and be tuned the same way!

This clip was meant to show how each instrument sound.. Regardless of tuning and strings used!!

And I think they all sound great and quite different.. LoL!

Thanks for watching!!

And I agree with that statement, you NEVER get too old to start something new!!

Good luck!!!

[monostidtabarnak]

wow, thanks for posting this :) care to recommend some recordings in the style of what you played in your demo? I know of a couple lap style guitarists like Kelly Joe Phelps, but i'm looking for something closer to what you play... bayou style, so to speak :) i found a good deal on a jonhson tricone and would like some tunes to learn, or try to learn hehe

Thanks again!

[BottleneckJohn]

Thank YOU for finding your way here!!!

There's a bunch of folks playing this style and I'd like to recommend a few like: Corey Harris, his early CDs are great!! Doug MacLeod, awesome player and storyteller. And all the old masters, Bukka White, Son House, Bo Carter..

There's plenty, just search the internet!!!

And please stop by here again whenever!

[Pigratcroc]

Hello, thanks for you video! I currently have started to play electric guitar on a epiphone semi hollowbody but I have always loved the sound of these. Do you think I should become more experienced in playing electric before this or should I go straight into playing a resonator. If so, what kind of resonator should I get?

[BottleneckJohn]

Hi there, thanks for checking my clips out!!

My advice would be to get a resonator and play, it's quite different compared to play an electric guitar..

But why don't go down two paths and play both!!!

[Pigratcroc]

How expensive would a decent one to learn on be? Keep in mind I am still in school.

[BottleneckJohn]

For me a decent beginner reso would be the cheaper ones you could find on eBay for under $200.. Much of the tone in an instrument comes from what YOU as a player put into your music, so a good player can make a crappy guitar sound quite good and vice versa..

A cheap singlecone sometimes sounds like a banjo, which isn't always cool imh.

A used tricone might be a good way to go for you!!

A cheap spiderbridge has great sustain but lacks everything else, haha.

Find a used tricone!!!! :)

[Pigratcroc]

I can't seem to find any resos around $200 bucks that look reliable on Ebay....though I don't really know what I am looking for heh. If you ever come across something on the web that you think is good, feel free to message me! thanks a lot for you advice.

[dobroaster]

Thx for the very cool playin' and great demo of reso's I did't want the video to end. I'm thinkin' about getting a SX but have to say it's not the sweetest sounding from your collection. I think I like the mini' or tri best. from this demo, but check out my home made roasting pan reso' It's unique.

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks!!

The SX works very well when you play through a microphone.. I like it and I dig the pricetag, LoL!!!

[SwirlingEddies]

I'm thinking of getting either the resolian of tricone from National guitars, any suggestions? i'm a modern/ Popish guitarist who is looking for a new sounding instrument.

[BottleneckJohn]

I'd say a tricone would be a good one! But any resonator guitar will bring new sounds and looks to your music!!

[Khepramancer]

Great video man, thanks for sharing your collection and talents with us. I really enjoyed the sound of that last resonator you played in the video.

[BottleneckJohn]

Hey! Thanks a lot for checking this stuff out!!

[Budafinga]

john.. a question about the miniolian? when you are playing live do you find the volume to be a problem? do you have a pickup installed on yours? or is it loud enough in an acoustic setting? thanks..

[BottleneckJohn]

The Miniolian is just as loud as the other reso's I use, no problem there!

[Budafinga]

1 more question if i couls please... i am a beginer to slide guitar. i have been playing guitars since i was a kid but i want to learn slide and i like the reso blues sound. the miniolian would be a good beginer to learn on?

[grungeiceman]

How do you like the quality of the sx? I mean for the price it sure sounds worth it but how the playability? thanks

[BottleneckJohn]

It's quite OK..

I've been doing many gigs with the SX and it has stood up nicely to the much more expensive guitars!!

It plays nice and sounds nice!

[longtoothslim]

And my wife says I have too many guitars!!!

[markyboyz1300]

thanks for the vids, please please please my dear American friends there is no such word as "favourise"

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks everyone for checking this stuff out!!!!

[6557andrewg]

John, which one is YOUR favorite? I like a warm tone and just love my Dobro. It sings when I play it. Everyone has their favorite resonator sound, that's the beauty of them.

[BottleneckJohn]

I just HAVE to say the National Duolian, it's my favourite here, mostly because of the built-in "MOJO", but the tone is also very, very cool.

But, when on tour I tend to favourise my tricone, a PERFECT blend of tone and sustain, when I play bottleneck slide I gotta have sustain..

The spider-bridge is my favourite for some gigs when I need a mellow super-long-sustain and there's no need for the Son House'ish volume and attack you find in the singlecones!!

Gotta love'em all, right!!!!!!!? :)

[BottleneckJohn]

Since I got my Republics, the Resolian and Miniolian, they accompany me a lot on the road,they're GREAT blues-travellers!!!!

The tone in the Resolian and Miniolian is awesome, very, very different though..

[heavennhell01]

excellent idea to make a video like this! thanks very much

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you John for posting this video as a video response. Many people are interested in the difference between wood Miniolian and metal Resolian.

[marionpensole]

thanks!

[BraBoy61]

I am looking around at tricones and see that price is a big issue with Mationals in Australia start around $ 5000 what about the Republic Tricones I see you do not have one to compare on this clip. What are they like compared to Nashville or Johnson Tricones which are made in the same factory in China ?

Thanks heaps, love your slidin very cool tones, keep up the work and what about an instructional dvd.

Tex

[rpm9]

Very interesting, thanks! I really like the Miniolian. There is a 1930's National at the local guitar shop, but I don't feel like dropping $4500.00. The only issue with getting a Miniolian is that there isn't a dealer near me and I worry about buying a guitar online without playing it first. How's their quality?

[BottleneckJohn]

The quality is really good!

[BriboyW]

Cool and thanks! This will serve as a good reference when I itch that reso scratch. I'm looking at new Nationals but would love to have something old with character.

[BottleneckJohn]

Republic reso's are a good choice!!!

[flactemnad]

It would be interesting to hop in a time machine and see how the newer guitars sound after 70 years. How would they compare in sound with the Duolian? Not sure how much change there would be to the sound of a brass body in 70 years.

I love the sound of them all, but that Duolian has the sound that I like the best - at least for today. LOL

[BottleneckJohn]

I use to say that the Duolian has got "Mojo" whatever that is...

The sound gets a special vibe after so many years and after being played by presumably many different players..!!

It's so honestly worn!!!!

I love it too, the new Resolian feels almost the same to me, their necks are very much of the same shape and feel..

[Yeractualpatience]

Great idea, great posting. amazing sound and solid picking. Interesting to hear the difference in these guitars. Strings must play a part, of course, but the small body Miniolian is a great-sounding little guitar and the 30s National is awesome. I've had a National 0 style for about 6 or 7 years. Hardly ever play it and have never got to grips with it. Having heard you play makes me think I'll just give up! Probably stick it on Blockett next week or so!

[BottleneckJohn]

Well, I'm happy to hear that you like my idea of this video.. Thanks!!

But, don't give up playing, bro!!!!!

[ZX12R1]

Thanks for posting John!! Awesome as always!!

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks, ZX!!!!

[FraJa1980]

Thank you for sharing this is indeed very good to see the differences in size!!! I'm now sure i'll be getting the Copper-finish resolian!!

I liked the crossroads model too but the small one is still the favorite!!! Thanks a whole lot John!!!!!!

[BottleneckJohn]

You're most welcome, FraJa80!!

[vleb]

Thanks ! That's really interesting...great playing too !

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks Vincent!!

Folks seemed interested in a comparison so I had to make this little clip..

Good to hear that you enjoyed it!

BJ

[Howard492]

Great comparison. Thanks. What's your preference?

I have been leaning toward buying the wood miniolian. Easy to carry and I find a nice cross of sound.

Howe

[BottleneckJohn]

Thanks, I figured it would be a fun project!!

Well, as I usually say, they all sound good, just different, hence they are suitable for different situations, live, recording etc..

I love the Miniolian for it's weight, sustain and clear sound, it lacks some bass but live I can fix that in the microphone! I think it sounds like it's from an old 78rpm record!!

The ol'timer here, the Duolian has to get the highest points earned by sheer age, haha!!

I honestly can't name a favourite....