Your amistar crossroads really spoke to me, Beautiful tone , and your 33 duolian well that is a beast of its own I would love to hear it with a set of ddario medium 16s.. That is a great string set for my steel Parlor republic, and steel National duolian . Hell, all your resos sound nice , Thank you for posting that!!
I've been researching resonators for a week and the 1st minute of this video is the single best gift you could have given a curious musician. THANK YOU!!
Thank you very much, glad you like this! I learn by playing a lot, every day, at home and especially on stage. Not like I'm practicing but just foolin' around a lot, like in this clip.
Great video John. Helped me make a decision on a guitar I was looking at buying, (the SX) and I bought it within an hour of viewing your vid. Cheers Man. Nice playing by the way.
Sir, your playing and your voice are exceptional. I will be studying all your videos. I think your a musical genius. Love your collection. I won a 1936 Dobro tonite on E Bay. Also have a 36 Duolian. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
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.
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!!!!!!
@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..
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
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..
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..
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!
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....
@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!! :-)
Thanks a lot, I do miss making them frequently too.. But life's been keepin' me busy with huge amounts of gigs and touring. New album finally recorded and will be released this fall. Family too, haha! Will try to make more clips of course, been thinking about making a remake of this clip, showing some more resonators..
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!!!
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!!!
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!!!
Oh my first dobro/resonator, where are you? Man... tks. Great video. Thanks for help us \º/ I dont know but I like sound to resolian, minolian and style 1 vintage. I want them all... lol
Hi there, they all sound great and have their distinctive tones. Really enyoy your style of playing and love your touch and soul while doing that! Will you ever come down here to germany one day? Lot's of resonator guys are waitin'...
Thanks! Yes, the difference between the three main reso-systems are quite audible! And thanks for you kind comments on my playing! It would be great to meet up and jam someday in Germany! Been doin' some gigs there but it sure is time for a new tour!!! Was meant to come to the resonator festival in Sulingen but it didn't work out, perhaps another time! We'll see.
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?
God damn John you have spent few chrones in those guitars! =D. Make some noise when you are coming back to Finland and near Oulu. Gotta see you live again! Greetings from that one dude whit homemade resobox guitar =)
Hey there, there's no big difference in the materials.. It's more in the strings, cones and how you play. Pickin' hard or soft, etc.. So many factors affect the tone. In "resonator-lore" the steel body gives a harsher, sharper tone while brass is more dull. This isn't always true as my "warmest" sounding reso is a steel body, haha! So regarding materials I can't suggest one over the other. The two biscuit model you mention are pretty much the same, only finishes vary. GOOD LUCK finding yours!!
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!!!!!!!? :)
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!
You should do this again now that you have a Republic Tricone and a Highway 61! Might just help me to decide which one I can spend my fortune on. LOL And I can only get on and I have to do so without ever playing one...
@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!
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!!
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!
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
Hi John! Hey my question is this...what key or open tuning is the easiest to play in? Which do you like most, and what tuning can you really get the most out of as far as slide tricks and sounds? Thanks John! Yer ol buddy Jeff Mercer Mentor Ohio
Hi there, Jeff!! I'd say the open G (spanish) style is the best to start out with. And I feel that the open D (vestapol) style is the most versatile open tuning! It's a bit trickier to learn but very rewarding when mastered..
BottleneckJohn thanks so much for your reply John...when you mention “Spanish style” can you share with all of us beginners what each string is tuned to foe either of the styles mentioned? Low to high. Thanks John I have my tuned GBDGBD
@@jeff0566jsm The way you tune is more of a "country" style of open G. In the blues realm it's mostly D-G-D-G-B-D, called Spanish(various explanations for this name). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_G_tuning
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?
Of course am hugely jealous of all the resonators you have... Really they are all great in some way or another. I was wondering if you ever played a Republic 521... found them on a republic discontinued page for about 500 with case... brass body ... very antique looking. thoughts ??
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.
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.
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!!!! :)
Thank you John for posting this video as a video response. Many people are interested in the difference between wood Miniolian and metal Resolian.
Your amistar crossroads really spoke to me, Beautiful tone , and your 33 duolian well that is a beast of its own I would love to hear it with a set of ddario medium 16s.. That is a great string set for my steel Parlor republic, and steel National duolian . Hell, all your resos sound nice , Thank you for posting that!!
great job glad I was brought here so many years later hope u are doing well
Hi Juan, thanks!! All's well here, just got the idea to do a re-make of this video with a bunch of other resonators, about time!
I've been researching resonators for a week and the 1st minute of this video is the single best gift you could have given a curious musician.
THANK YOU!!
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.
They all sound great in your hands, but you really get the nuances of each one. Thanks for posting this helpful video.
Thank you very much, glad you like this! I learn by playing a lot, every day, at home and especially on stage. Not like I'm practicing but just foolin' around a lot, like in this clip.
Great video John. Helped me make a decision on a guitar I was looking at buying, (the SX) and I bought it within an hour of viewing your vid. Cheers Man. Nice playing by the way.
SocietyPages Thanks!!! Good to know it was helpful!
Sir, your playing and your voice are exceptional. I will be studying all your videos. I think your a musical genius. Love your collection. I won a 1936 Dobro tonite on E Bay. Also have a 36 Duolian. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Hey there Greg, many thanks for finding me and my music!! You got some great resonator guitars then, nice!
thank you for taking the time to let us all hear the difference in sounds... nice selection...
Loved the sound of that last one, Wow !!!
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.
Thanks for the video. I really like the sound of tricone resonator guitars, and this video really emphasizes this for me. Great playing!!
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!! :-)
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!!!!!!
Great Video..and exceptional playing as well!...Thanks for this!
@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..
Thanks Vincent!!
Folks seemed interested in a comparison so I had to make this little clip..
Good to hear that you enjoyed it!
BJ
THANKS!!
Yep, get yourself a reso!!!! You'll love the instrument!
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
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..
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..
cheers, you should consider making a DVD or book I would definitely buy it. All the best from the UK :)
as allways - great to listen John - thank you ! from SouthernBavaria
Well done John, thanks for posting.
A great sounding and playing Amistar, from the Czech republic!
Thanks for commenting, I'm happy to be able to let those interested in a reso to hear the difference..
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!
The Amistar Crossroads sounds fantastic! Thanks for the vid!
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....
OK, thanks!! Maybe I will, been getting that suggestion for some years now.. We'll see, stay well and good luck!
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!!
Thank you for your nice comment!!
I'm glad this clip turned out to be helpful and appreciated!
Thank you very much!
Just searh the web for delta blues or bottleneck blues and you'll find lots of this music!!!!
@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!! :-)
Thanks for the overview sir. =) You made me grin several times in delight! Ha ha.
@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!!
Thanks!!
The SX works very well when you play through a microphone.. I like it and I dig the pricetag, LoL!!!
Hey! Thanks a lot for checking this stuff out!!
great demo! no crap just guitars!
@beyotch1918
Many thanks, they do sound nice!!!
Great demo. Nice guitars!
Miss your videos man, LOVELY playing.
Thanks a lot, I do miss making them frequently too.. But life's been keepin' me busy with huge amounts of gigs and touring. New album finally recorded and will be released this fall. Family too, haha! Will try to make more clips of course, been thinking about making a remake of this clip, showing some more resonators..
@@BottleneckJohnBlues Good to know you're busy then, can't wait to hear the album! Greetings from Norway 🇧🇻
Cool demo. I guess I like the Amistar the most. And the National sounds not bad either. Thanks.
+jurrione
Thanks for watching!!
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!!!
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!!!
Thanks!!
The tricone looks old but it was made in 2005!!!
Thanks for watching!! It's a good overview if one's interested in reso's.
Great video!! The last one is the Devil choosen one! I am about to make a reso-guitar hand made....I wonder if they all have truss rod..?
The Miniolian is just as loud as the other reso's I use, no problem there!
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!!!
The quality is really good!
@0713mas
Thanks!!! Strings add some to the tone, so does the picks used/not used and how hard you pick the strings!
Oh my first dobro/resonator, where are you?
Man... tks. Great video. Thanks for help us \º/ I dont know but I like sound to resolian, minolian and style 1 vintage.
I want them all... lol
Hi there,
they all sound great and have their distinctive tones. Really enyoy your style of playing and love your touch and soul while doing that! Will you ever come down here to germany one day? Lot's of resonator guys are waitin'...
Thanks! Yes, the difference between the three main reso-systems are quite audible! And thanks for you kind comments on my playing! It would be great to meet up and jam someday in Germany! Been doin' some gigs there but it sure is time for a new tour!!! Was meant to come to the resonator festival in Sulingen but it didn't work out, perhaps another time! We'll see.
Thanks ! That's really interesting...great playing too !
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!
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?
God damn John you have spent few chrones in those guitars! =D. Make some noise when you are coming back to Finland and near Oulu. Gotta see you live again! Greetings from that one dude whit homemade resobox guitar =)
*****
Looking forward to see you guys in Oulu again soon!! Had a great time there!
Thanks, I agree, the vintage "mojo" can't be beat..!!
Absolutely!!
Hey there, there's no big difference in the materials.. It's more in the strings, cones and how you play. Pickin' hard or soft, etc.. So many factors affect the tone. In "resonator-lore" the steel body gives a harsher, sharper tone while brass is more dull. This isn't always true as my "warmest" sounding reso is a steel body, haha! So regarding materials I can't suggest one over the other. The two biscuit model you mention are pretty much the same, only finishes vary. GOOD LUCK finding yours!!
The SX is a wood body, with a spider bridge!
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!!!!!!!? :)
Invaluable info, thanks
Thanks for that!
i love that sound wth the slide
@fenderfish
Thanks for that comment!!
I'd say a tricone would be a good one! But any resonator guitar will bring new sounds and looks to your music!!
Lovely video
@marcelohimmler
Thanks for watching this!!
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!
Great demo just got one 🎼
Thanks for watching!!!! I'm happy to hear that you like it!!!
You should do this again now that you have a Republic Tricone and a Highway 61!
Might just help me to decide which one I can spend my fortune on. LOL
And I can only get on and I have to do so without ever playing one...
Hey, that's a good idea. I just might make a new comparison later on! Hope you find your guitar!
@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!
wow...I love this type of music....
can you give some tips about this music style?
tankou.!
@chrishpippin
THANKS!
Thanks, ZX!!!!
Thanks everyone for checking this stuff out!!!!
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!!
Can't beat the National!
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!
@RJcur
Thanks!!!!
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
Hi John! Hey my question is this...what key or open tuning is the easiest to play in? Which do you like most, and what tuning can you really get the most out of as far as slide tricks and sounds?
Thanks John!
Yer ol buddy Jeff Mercer
Mentor Ohio
Hi there, Jeff!! I'd say the open G (spanish) style is the best to start out with. And I feel that the open D (vestapol) style is the most versatile open tuning! It's a bit trickier to learn but very rewarding when mastered..
BottleneckJohn thanks so much for your reply John...when you mention “Spanish style” can you share with all of us beginners what each string is tuned to foe either of the styles mentioned? Low to high.
Thanks John
I have my tuned GBDGBD
@@jeff0566jsm The way you tune is more of a "country" style of open G. In the blues realm it's mostly D-G-D-G-B-D, called Spanish(various explanations for this name). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_G_tuning
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?
Of course am hugely jealous of all the resonators you have... Really they are all great in some way or another. I was wondering if you ever played a Republic 521... found them on a republic discontinued page for about 500 with case... brass body ... very antique looking. thoughts ??
Thanks for watching!!!
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.
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?
very nice all sounds different!
Gary
Well, I'm happy to hear that you like my idea of this video.. Thanks!!
But, don't give up playing, bro!!!!!
They all sound really great!!! Do the type of strings or pins also help to get that sound?
Republic reso's are a good choice!!!
Aha.. =) Well I learned something new today then. Thanks sir. =) Happy pickin'!
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.
I wish he'd play and sing a song with each of these instruments.
One of the Amistars is a tricone..
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..
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!!!! :)