Resonator Basses and other research

So here's an idea...a resonator bass. A dobro. Great video



There seems to be two main brands...Gold Tone Paul Beard Bass and Regal Dobro Bass. The Regal is cheaper (around $500 to the PBB's $700 or so)

These things are made to cut through in bluegrass jams...so seems like they could handle two acoustic guitar players.

I also spent some time today looking into the feasibility of tuning my cello like a bass...but sounds like a pain. Also...not sure the volume would be that great there either if played pizzacato.

There's a Breedlove acoustic bass ABJ250/SM4 for sale on Craig's list in Appleton for $400. I was leaning towards getting it...but now I think this Dobro idea might be a better one.

Other research today...looked up "loudest acoustic basses." Came back with
Guild B2
Tacoma Thunderchief
Earthwood (used in Violent Femmes)
and some Taylor and Martin varieties.

All of these are expensive (like much more than $1,000) and all are rare. No can do.

Also suggested was guitarron...which is used in mariachi music. But they are six strings and tuned ADGCEA. Also run $450 on cheapest end. It would be like learning a new instrument and they seem to be quite hard to play (high action, no frets).

The Dobro bass option is in a reasonable cost range at around $500 and seems to be designed especially for being heard in group playing situations. So I'm gonna keep an eye out. Also kind of rare...but you can get them.