A Mark In Time

Previous Tours => 2019 Down The Road Wherever EU & NA tour => Topic started by: richardmu on May 29, 2019, 10:58:39 PM

Title: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: richardmu on May 29, 2019, 10:58:39 PM
Curious, what do you think the reason behind this change in the current tour? For me the Dobro sound is just not as good as the National Steel.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: dmg on May 29, 2019, 11:34:35 PM
Weight to help strain on his back possibly.  He uses his heavier guitars (National) when seated where he can rest them on his lap.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 29, 2019, 11:46:04 PM
The action on the national was always quite harsh as well....
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Jasper90 on May 30, 2019, 12:07:38 AM
Weight to help strain on his back possibly.  He uses his heavier guitars (National) when seated where he can rest them on his lap.

I was thinking the same, these national style-O’s are pretty heavy, especially when you have back problems... Would that also be the reason to skip Telegraph Road as well? :think. He could play it again like before, then he only has to play it for 30 seconds and then switch to the Pensa ;D. But unfortunately not going to happen ofcourse ;)
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 12:11:41 AM
Weight to help strain on his back possibly.  He uses his heavier guitars (National) when seated where he can rest them on his lap.

I was thinking the same, these national style-O’s are pretty heavy, especially when you have back problems... Would that also be the reason to skip Telegraph Road as well? :think. He could play it again like before, then he only has to play it for 30 seconds and then switch to the Pensa ;D. But unfortunately not going to happen ofcourse ;)

Guys, from memory the LP will be slightly heavier than the national.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Jasper90 on May 30, 2019, 12:59:58 AM
Weight to help strain on his back possibly.  He uses his heavier guitars (National) when seated where he can rest them on his lap.

I was thinking the same, these national style-O’s are pretty heavy, especially when you have back problems... Would that also be the reason to skip Telegraph Road as well? :think. He could play it again like before, then he only has to play it for 30 seconds and then switch to the Pensa ;D. But unfortunately not going to happen ofcourse ;)

Guys, from memory the LP will be slightly heavier than the national.

That I don’t know, could for sure be...I played the national ones and was suprised about the weight a little bit. But the LP I don’t know. So if that is the case, that theory dies.... But I have to say, I still love the National much better on R&J then the dobro. Both are nice, but the National has much more a clearer sound and beautiful tone :)
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 08:07:16 AM
He plays quite a lot of songs standing with the Gibson les Paul which is very very heavy...

I think he told at the bbc piano room showcase that the national was deteriorated...
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: neco on May 30, 2019, 08:43:03 AM
Yes, the LP is a heavy guitar. I would guess it is around the same weight as the national so I don‘t think it is because of the weight, but who knows
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 10:45:55 AM
It's not about the weight. MK has and uses more heavy guitars than the National.

According internet, the most heaviest National, weights 9 Lbs. Actually the National Style O weights 8. The Gibson Les Paul guitars weights between 9 and 12 Lbs.

MK plays most of the songs standing and with Les Paul guitars so, no, the weight is not the reason MK is not playing his National Style O anymore. I insist that he said in the BBC Piano room show that it has deteriorated and he doesn't wants to use them live anymore to avoid more harm.

It's not me who says it. It's Mark Knopfler.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 11:27:57 AM
You've got to remember what a beast the national o is. No truss rod, big flat neck with no radius. I had hold of the replica model they released a few years back and even that with its modern construction techniques  was tough to play, so you can imagine the vice like left hand strength required to play the original.  Purely a matter of comfort I suspect.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Silvertown on May 30, 2019, 12:00:10 PM
You've got to remember what a beast the national o is. No truss rod, big flat neck with no radius. I had hold of the replica model they released a few years back and even that with its modern construction techniques  was tough to play, so you can imagine the vice like left hand strength required to play the original.  Purely a matter of comfort I suspect.

I think this is the reason. They are quite tough to play. It is easy to play a partly muted note insead of ringing one. At least as an amateur :D
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 12:10:01 PM
I think it's just a matter of sonic quality. Mark simply prefers the sound of it for Romeo over the National.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 12:21:41 PM
You've got to remember what a beast the national o is. No truss rod, big flat neck with no radius. I had hold of the replica model they released a few years back and even that with its modern construction techniques  was tough to play, so you can imagine the vice like left hand strength required to play the original.  Purely a matter of comfort I suspect.


I think this is the reason. They are quite tough to play. It is easy to play a partly muted note insead of ringing one. At least as an amateur :D

Yes, he only needed a lot of tours with Dire Straits and a lot of solo tours to notice it wasn't comfort to play it.


I think it's just a matter of sonic quality. Mark simply prefers the sound of it for Romeo over the National.

Yes, it only took a lot of Dire Straits tours and a lot of solo tours to notice that
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Silvertown on May 30, 2019, 12:22:54 PM
So do you believe that it is more about the condition of the instrument?
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: dmg on May 30, 2019, 12:28:51 PM
He plays quite a lot of songs standing with the Gibson les Paul which is very very heavy...

I think he told at the bbc piano room showcase that the national was deteriorated...

According to someone on Facebook it has very recently returned from restoration.  Didn't he have a replica made some years back or did I imagine that?
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 12:31:54 PM
So do you believe that it is more about the condition of the instrument?

No. I don't believe it. I know it.

Why?

Because MK said that.

Did I mention MK said that at the BBC Piano Room radio programme?

Probably I didn´t. Did I?

 :smack
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 12:33:15 PM
He plays quite a lot of songs standing with the Gibson les Paul which is very very heavy...

I think he told at the bbc piano room showcase that the national was deteriorated...

According to someone on Facebook it has very recently returned from restoration.  Didn't he have a replica made some years back or did I imagine that?

I think the replica is the one he plays in Bonaparte. He was playing the replica in other songs from various tours already, and the old National just for Romeo (and maybe for TR)
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 12:45:32 PM
To answer dmg, They released a 'reissue' of it in 2006.

As for mark not 'noticing' it was hard to play, unless you've acutally played one you cant imagine the amount of left hand strength required to fret notes on that guitar, especially beyond the 5th fret.  Its also a pain to mic up as even with a decent pickup and pre amp fitted because of its nature its extremely prone to feedback and has a relatively low output....
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 12:47:18 PM
To answer dmg, They released a 'reissue' of it in 2006.

As for mark not 'noticing' it was hard to play, unless you've acutally played one you cant imagine the amount of left hand strength required to fret notes on that guitar, especially beyond the 5th fret.  Its also a pain to mic up as even with a decent pickup and pre amp fitted because of its nature its extremely prone to feedback and has a relatively low output....

And he only noticed it now, after years and years and years and years of playing that guitar...

Ok.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 12:50:01 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6oyq_KvEIE
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 12:52:59 PM
To answer dmg, They released a 'reissue' of it in 2006.

As for mark not 'noticing' it was hard to play, unless you've acutally played one you cant imagine the amount of left hand strength required to fret notes on that guitar, especially beyond the 5th fret.  Its also a pain to mic up as even with a decent pickup and pre amp fitted because of its nature its extremely prone to feedback and has a relatively low output....

And he only noticed it now, after years and years and years and years of playing that guitar...

Ok.

I'm not saying that he's only just noticed. I'm stating a fact, its a hard instrument to play I have one sat right here in front of me! I've been playing and teaching for 30 plus years and half an hour on mine still leaves me with sore left fingers.

Mark was always known for his left hand strength, if (and it is an if) he is physically struggling then it makes sense that he might choose to play an instrument that's slightly easier on the fingers. Just my opinion......
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 01:16:53 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 01:25:36 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?


With regards to setup of a national, if you know a tech that can set one up like a Strat please point me in their direction, lol. Its just the way of any vintage instrument, they have a minimal range of adjustment, no truss rod, few have adjustable bridges, often the only physical way to lower the action is to either file the nut or the bridge at the cone which isn't really advisable as once its done its done. Trust me, even the best tech in the world will only get so far with one of these. They weren't built for comfort....
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 01:27:21 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?

Don't you believe MK himself?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6oyq_KvEIE

Yes but its not a like for like swap is it. If he was using the O replica then you'd have an argument.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 01:29:49 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?


With regards to setup of a national, if you know a tech that can set one up like a Strat please point me in their direction, lol. Its just the way of any vintage instrument, they have a minimal range of adjustment, no truss rod, few have adjustable bridges, often the only physical way to lower the action is to either file the nut or the bridge at the cone which isn't really advisable as once its done its done. Trust me, even the best tech in the world will only get so far with one of these. They weren't built for comfort....

The vintage ones, yes. They are probably beyond redemption. New, modern replicas are probably a whole different story.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 01:35:01 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?

Don't you believe MK himself?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6oyq_KvEIE

I know what Mark has said, and he refers to his old original National from the 1930s. He has a modern replica as well, a Beltona I believe, which he uses on this tour.

Please work on your reading comprehension.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 01:35:09 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?

Jerry Douglas gave MK that guitar in 2012 (or was it 2011?), when he recorded the Bap Kennedy cd with MK at British Grove.

Don't you believe MK himself?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6oyq_KvEIE
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 01:36:13 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?


With regards to setup of a national, if you know a tech that can set one up like a Strat please point me in their direction, lol. Its just the way of any vintage instrument, they have a minimal range of adjustment, no truss rod, few have adjustable bridges, often the only physical way to lower the action is to either file the nut or the bridge at the cone which isn't really advisable as once its done its done. Trust me, even the best tech in the world will only get so far with one of these. They weren't built for comfort....

The vintage ones, yes. They are probably beyond redemption. New, modern replicas are probably a whole different story.

I have both and its not a case of the instruments being beyond redemption. Its just the way they're built. Even on the replicas expect a relatively high action and the need to develop hands of stone!
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 01:42:24 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?


With regards to setup of a national, if you know a tech that can set one up like a Strat please point me in their direction, lol. Its just the way of any vintage instrument, they have a minimal range of adjustment, no truss rod, few have adjustable bridges, often the only physical way to lower the action is to either file the nut or the bridge at the cone which isn't really advisable as once its done its done. Trust me, even the best tech in the world will only get so far with one of these. They weren't built for comfort....

The vintage ones, yes. They are probably beyond redemption. New, modern replicas are probably a whole different story.

I have both and its not a case of the instruments being beyond redemption. Its just the way they're built. Even on the replicas expect a relatively high action and the need to develop hands of stone!

OK, playing like an electric is probably too much said, then. I had a replica too once, and it was like a regular acoustic, in my opinion. Slightly higher action, but nothing outrageous.

At any rate, he DOES play the replica on other songs, so why not on Romeo, I wonder.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 01:44:29 PM
The original National is retired, yes. He still uses the replica on Telegraph Road, right? A good tech can set up any guitar, including Nationals, to play like an electric if so desired. I don't think comfort has anything to with it. Unless the neck size (the Schecters, early Pensas) is very wrong.

As for jbaent's incredibly sarcastic and snarky comments (forgot your coffee today?), Mark's tastes have changed over the years. Suddenly he was gifted a Dobro-style guitar by Jerry Douglas, and then he very likely felt that guitar sounded nicer (more mellow) for Romeo. Hey, the man suddenly started using Kempers, for goodness sake.

Why don't we ask Guy?


With regards to setup of a national, if you know a tech that can set one up like a Strat please point me in their direction, lol. Its just the way of any vintage instrument, they have a minimal range of adjustment, no truss rod, few have adjustable bridges, often the only physical way to lower the action is to either file the nut or the bridge at the cone which isn't really advisable as once its done its done. Trust me, even the best tech in the world will only get so far with one of these. They weren't built for comfort....

The vintage ones, yes. They are probably beyond redemption. New, modern replicas are probably a whole different story.

I have both and its not a case of the instruments being beyond redemption. Its just the way they're built. Even on the replicas expect a relatively high action and the need to develop hands of stone!

OK, playing like an electric is probably too much said, then. I had a replica too once, and it was like a regular acoustic, in my opinion. Slightly higher action, but nothing outrageous.

At any rate, he DOES play the replica on other songs, so why not on Romeo, I wonder.

What was your replica?
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 01:47:18 PM
What was your replica?

I don't remember. It's a few years back. It was a Far-East knock-off thing.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: ds1984 on May 30, 2019, 01:48:39 PM
Beware of definitive opinion...

Reason of change can be multiple so fact is that he has chosen another axe for Romeo because of reason 1 and 2 and 3...

National is not easy to play and we know Mark is struggling playing guitars,  leaving the "fender" typed axe mostly for easier "gibson" typed ones (if I get right, despite looking like a Strat the Pensa are technicaly closer to a LP  than a Strat).

We also know that the vintage style "O" National have been hugely used over the years and has aged.

But fact is that Mark have chosen to replace it by a quite different sounding guitar whereas he could have looked for something similar as his National if he had wanted to.

So I still wonder why ?
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 01:50:55 PM
What was your replica?

I don't remember. It's a few years back. It was a Far-East knock-off thing.

Sorry to say but that's not going to be anywhere near the national Hunter.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 01:53:41 PM
Beware of definitive opinion...

Reason of change can be multiple so fact is that he has chosen another axe for Romeo because of reason 1 and 2 and 3...

National is not easy to play and we know Mark is struggling playing guitars,  leaving the "fender" typed axe mostly for easier "gibson" typed ones (if I get right, despite looking like a Strat the Pensa are technicaly closer to a LP  than a Strat).

We also know that the vintage style "O" National have been hugely used over the years and has aged.

But fact is that Mark have chosen to replace it by a quite different sounding guitar whereas he could have looked for something similar as his National if he had wanted to.

So I still wonder why ?

I think you're right and the answer probably is because he liked the way it sounds. Good starting point for a discussion (or an argument  ;) ) though.

That particular guitar (the replacement) does have a unique pleasing high end to my ears....
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: ds1984 on May 30, 2019, 01:54:08 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 01:57:57 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?

Old blues players played it like standing or seated but played normally with slide. I've never seen any old blues player playing it on the lap.

Playing dobros on the lap is more typical on hawaian or bluegrass music.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 02:01:16 PM
What was your replica?

I don't remember. It's a few years back. It was a Far-East knock-off thing.

Sorry to say but that's not going to be anywhere near the national Hunter.

Fair enough :)
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 02:02:46 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?

There are Nationals with a square neck that are designed to be played like a lap steel.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 02:02:53 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?

Old blues players played it like standing or seated but played normally with slide. I've never seen any old blues player playing it on the lap.

You'd get the odd guy who would jack the action up to extremes and play it on their lap. Pretty sure I've seen pictures of Bukka White playing a national like that but I could be wrong...
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 30, 2019, 02:04:46 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?

Old blues players played it like standing or seated but played normally with slide. I've never seen any old blues player playing it on the lap.

You'd get the odd guy who would jack the action up to extremes and play it on their lap. Pretty sure I've seen pictures of Bukka White playing a national like that but I could be wrong...

You are right, maybe it's a mix of technics when playing, here you have Bukka White playing both ways

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkhj9z14TBo
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 02:07:41 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?

Old blues players played it like standing or seated but played normally with slide. I've never seen any old blues player playing it on the lap.

You'd get the odd guy who would jack the action up to extremes and play it on their lap. Pretty sure I've seen pictures of Bukka White playing a national like that but I could be wrong...

You are right, maybe it's a mix of technics when playing, here you have Bukka White playing both ways

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkhj9z14TBo

Fantastic stuff!
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on May 30, 2019, 02:11:21 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?

There are Nationals with a square neck that are designed to be played like a lap steel.

I actually had a square neck 1935 tricone national back about 20 years ago, wish I'd never got rid of it, would be worth 10x what I sold it for!
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 30, 2019, 02:21:14 PM
Did National were made to be played standing or slide flat on knees?

There are Nationals with a square neck that are designed to be played like a lap steel.

I actually had a square neck 1935 tricone national back about 20 years ago, wish I'd never got rid of it, would be worth 10x what I sold it for!

Ouch.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: dustyvalentino on May 30, 2019, 08:22:35 PM
RB played a square neck on All That Matters.

Also, with my mod hat on, play nice guys. This may be the last tour - it's a celebration and we should enjoy it. Golden rule for here as in life - don't be a dick.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Love Expresso on May 30, 2019, 09:51:18 PM

Also, with my mod hat on, play nice guys. This may be the last tour - it's a celebration and we should enjoy it. Golden rule for here as in life - don't be a dick.

??
Did I miss something? Very constructive and friendly atmosphere in this thread?

LE
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on May 31, 2019, 12:35:57 PM
I can't stop laughing with Guy's answer to this:

Q:Doc, there’s a debate on one of the Knopfler forums as to why Mark is now playing a dobro on Romeo and Juliet rather than the regular steel guitar which he plays on for example Telegraph Road or Heart Full of Holes. Can you elaborate?

A:No, I’d hate to ruin their discussion.


So f*cking brilliant!!!!

 :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on May 31, 2019, 01:36:16 PM
I can't stop laughing with Guy's answer to this:

Q:Doc, there’s a debate on one of the Knopfler forums as to why Mark is now playing a dobro on Romeo and Juliet rather than the regular steel guitar which he plays on for example Telegraph Road or Heart Full of Holes. Can you elaborate?

A:No, I’d hate to ruin their discussion.


So f*cking brilliant!!!!

 :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Guy, Guy, you evil man! Ha-ha! A touch of schadenfreude!
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: PensaGhost on June 01, 2019, 12:25:59 AM
I think the reason is simply that he likes to change and change and change and change
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Guitarman1972 on June 02, 2019, 12:41:24 PM
Well, it's clear MK's National form the 30's is worn out. But it's not clear why he choose a dobro over a new National Style O (replica).

They are still made:
https://www.nationalguitars.com/style-o
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on June 02, 2019, 01:30:39 PM
There's the playability/comfort theory and the sound-preference theory. And of course there is the Mark-being-Mark factor, which is not to be underestimated :)
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on June 02, 2019, 10:37:23 PM
Perhaps he did it just to generate debate and pseudo conspiracy theories  ;)

Or maybe he's fearing litigation for blinding audience members....lol
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: dustyvalentino on June 02, 2019, 11:18:10 PM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: PensaGhost on June 02, 2019, 11:53:01 PM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

exactly
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: jbaent on June 03, 2019, 11:23:25 AM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on June 03, 2019, 11:48:09 AM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Mossguitar on June 03, 2019, 10:28:02 PM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
But the original recording of Going Home had a distorted sound, so it’s a change back to the original sound then. I like that distorted sound on that song. He did that i 96 too.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on June 03, 2019, 10:44:48 PM
This thread should be mandatory reading for all wannabe get a lifers. I just love but at the same time have to laugh at the over analysis! Me included!
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on June 04, 2019, 05:12:32 AM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
But the original recording of Going Home had a distorted sound, so it’s a change back to the original sound then. I like that distorted sound on that song. He did that i 96 too.

True. But for so many years it was played with a clean Stratocaster sound that that is the 'established' Going Home sound. To me anyway. And the original studio recording is as dull as all get out.
Title: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Mossguitar on June 04, 2019, 05:31:15 AM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
But the original recording of Going Home had a distorted sound, so it’s a change back to the original sound then. I like that distorted sound on that song. He did that i 96 too.

True. But for so many years it was played with a clean Stratocaster sound that that is the 'established' Going Home sound. To me anyway. And the original studio recording is as dull as all get out.
I always thought the Strat sound was too thin for Going Home. Even on Alchemy. Not for the intro, though. That’s absolutely perfect on Alchemy.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: hunter on June 04, 2019, 07:37:12 AM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
But the original recording of Going Home had a distorted sound, so it’s a change back to the original sound then. I like that distorted sound on that song. He did that i 96 too.

True. But for so many years it was played with a clean Stratocaster sound that that is the 'established' Going Home sound. To me anyway. And the original studio recording is as dull as all get out.
I always thought the Strat sound was too thin for Going Home. Even on Alchemy. Not for the intro, though. That’s absolutely perfect on Alchemy.

I agree. Actually I think Mark's Strat sound in 80s in general was a bit thin, but a thin guitar sound was very common at the time. I also think the wireless system he used contributed to the thinness.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: dmg on June 05, 2019, 10:28:02 PM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
But the original recording of Going Home had a distorted sound, so it’s a change back to the original sound then. I like that distorted sound on that song. He did that i 96 too.

True. But for so many years it was played with a clean Stratocaster sound that that is the 'established' Going Home sound. To me anyway. And the original studio recording is as dull as all get out.

Of course that was the Schecter Stratocaster and not the Fender he uses these days.  I always felt his Schecter’s had a thicker and better sound for most songs.
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: 2manyguitars on June 05, 2019, 11:44:50 PM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
But the original recording of Going Home had a distorted sound, so it’s a change back to the original sound then. I like that distorted sound on that song. He did that i 96 too.

True. But for so many years it was played with a clean Stratocaster sound that that is the 'established' Going Home sound. To me anyway. And the original studio recording is as dull as all get out.

Of course that was the Schecter Stratocaster and not the Fender he uses these days.  I always felt his Schecter’s had a thicker and better sound for most songs.

Lovely bell like tone on that guitar with the renowned F500Ts. I put a set of them in a build I was putting together last year, so hard to find these days,  and they are in my opinion the best sounding Strat pickups ever. Their range of tone is incredible...
Title: Re: Why the Dobro on R&J ?
Post by: Billy’s Tune on June 06, 2019, 10:07:31 PM
Best guess now that he's just decided he likes the sound.

He plays a National on Bonaparte so could use it if he wanted.

Strange as the selected guitar is the one that sound less similar to the original from all the guitars he could had chosen...

That's the point. He wanted a change, not a replica. He also playes a Les Paul on Going Home, which I think is just wrong, especially with such a distorted sound. But he wanted a change.
But the original recording of Going Home had a distorted sound, so it’s a change back to the original sound then. I like that distorted sound on that song. He did that i 96 too.

And more recently, at the Local Hero musical, going home is played on a Les Paul, so he’s probably given that instruction for the musical so follows suit!