1980's Dobro Mandolin

[Davey]

Just bought this, sounds really excellent and it's all in good condition. The Spider bridge arrangement sounds really good on a Mandolin.

The only criticism is how the shape of the cover plate brings it very near the strings, so there's a click from the pick all the time. I may raise the action a touch to give a bit more clearance, the saddle insert is very low at present.

Anybody else got one of these ?

[Denny Gies]

Cool.

[MikeEdgerton]

That looks decent. They have been discussed now and again. They do look like they would be fun.

[Davey]

I already have a National Resophonic RM1 so it will be fun to compare them. The National is so loud it gets complaints so I tend to play with a light pick, but it still sounds good.

[Charlie Bernstein]

I already have a National Resophonic RM1 so it will be fun to compare them. The National is so loud it gets complaints so I tend to play with a light pick, but it still sounds good.

That's just what I'm wondering. I've read that Dobro mandos aren't as loud as Nationals, but I've never heard either in person.

My big question is whether a Dobro mando is loud enough for unamplified outdoor playing. So, Davey, let us know what you think!

[pheffernan]

I already have a National Resophonic RM1 so it will be fun to compare them. The National is so loud it gets complaints so I tend to play with a light pick, but it still sounds good.

I've often thought of acquiring an OMI era Dobro for the same type of comparison. I'll be looking forward to your extended report.

[Davey]

Okay, I'm away at present, but when I get home I'll put a few Mandolins together and see how they all compare.

I feel that Spider type reso's have more sustain, less volume but they're also a bit more stable than biscuit types & less prone to unexplainable buzzes etc.. We'll see.

[Mandobart]

I have a Regal resonator from the 30's, I also get pick click. I heard a video of Sam Bush playing one and he clicks too.

[allenhopkins]

...I've read that Dobro mandos aren't as loud as Nationals...My big question is whether a Dobro mando is loud enough for unamplified outdoor playing...

As owner of both types, both '30's vintage, I can testify that the "biscuit" bridge Nationals are significantly louder than the "spider" bridge Dobro instruments. The sound quality is also quite different: the Dobro is smooth, "ring-y," and sweet; the National (in my case a steel-bodied Triolian) is aggressive and snarly.

You can play a Dobro mandolin outdoors, but don't expect it to cut through other instruments. The sound's distinctive, and easily recognizable in an ensemble or jam, but the volume is moderate.

Both wonderful instruments, in their own ways.