Schoonover Resophonic Guitar

Mike Witcher demonstrates a custom Schoonover dobro.

Luthier Kent Schoonover has been building dobro-style resonator guitars in his Oklahoma shop since 1992. Offering individually made custom instruments, Kent specializes in “open” body designs, with no internal posts or baffles. His instruments feature an arched back, and he has also developed a modular spider that includes a precision-fit saddle assembly.

In this video, Peghead Nation dobro instructor Mike Witcher demonstrates his Schoonover No. 56. The guitar’s body is made of quilted maple and it has a flamed maple neck. It also has a Beard Legend cone and Beard cover plate, as well as a Fishman Nashville pickup.

“It’s got great sustain,” says Mike, adding that “It is very clear sounding, with not a lot of extra overtones, which makes it pop through pretty well in a mix.” He also likes that the guitar has a rich bass, but doesn’t get muddy in the midrange. “I’ve noticed that quilted maple tends to be a little richer sounding, and maybe more mellow, compared to flamed maple.” Schoonoverresophonicguitars.com

Study dobro with Mike by enrolling in his Beginning Dobro and/or Dobro Workshop courses on Peghead Nation.

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