 See the video review of the Regal RD-40V Resophonic Guitar
In the mid-1920s, Los Angeles guitarist George Beauchamp became frustrated that his instrument was difficult to hear amid the loud horns of a dance orchestra. So he conceived of a built-in "ampliphonic system," which he took to John Dopyera, a Czechoslovakian immigrant known for his sonic improvement of banjos. This collaboration resulted in the first resonator guitars—instruments whose sound was amplified by one or more metal cones instead of a traditional wooden top. Dopyera and Beauchamp began making guitars under the National name, and a couple years later Dopyera started the Dobro Manufacturing Company with his four brothers.
The Regal company of Chicago manufactured Dobro guitars under license from the mid-'30s until the early '40s. Regal was reintroduced in the '80s by Saga Musical Instruments—a San Francisco–based importer/distributor of stringed instruments that offers a full line of Regal resonator guitars, including the smartly priced, rich-sounding RD-40V we received for review.
Round Neck and Spider Bridge
Single-resonator models have a single cone topped with either a metal "spider" (usually used in square-neck, wood-body Dobro-style guitars, played lap-style with a slide) or a maple "biscuit" (used in round-neck, metal-body National-style guitars, played in standard style) to which a wooden saddle is attached. The instrument we received for review has the spider bridge in conjunction with a round neck for conventional playing and is also available with a square neck. In either case, the 19-fret neck joins the body at the 14th fret and, unlike the earliest resonator guitars, has an adjustable truss rod. Both instruments have a "1930s California style" body, a Dobro design that has nothing to do with historical Regal brand models.
Sleek Looks and Comfy Feel
With its handsome, high-gloss sunburst finish, gleaming chrome-plated hardware, and rosewood headstock overlay with flowerpot inlay, the RD-40V is a real looker. The V in the name indicates the finish, "vintage sunburst," but the model is also available in natural, black, and cherry sunburst. It's well made, too. The ivoroid headstock, neck, and body binding is cleanly fitted; the finish, while a little thick, is evenly applied; and the frets are nicely seated and polished.
The RD-40V is a joy to hold, thanks to its compact body—151/16 inches wide and 35/16 inches deep at the lower bout. It has low action and a substantial but comfortable neck; players used to flattop or archtop guitars should have no problems adjusting to this instrument. Thanks in part to Regal's "power reflex" sound chamber—which helps direct the sound produced in the body up and out of the guitar, resulting in a more focused tone—the RD-40V has plenty of volume, with midrange bark, penetrating lows, and clear highs. The Regal's action was pretty low and the guitar would sound even more powerful with a little higher setup.
Gritty Country-Blues Tones
The RD-40V doesn't have the sweetness of tone associated with some resonator guitars, but it does have a grittiness that's perfectly suited for country-style blues. I fingerpicked through a book of Robert Johnson transcriptions, and the guitar really came alive. It also sounded quite good for some country-style Travis picking. And even with the low action, the RD-40V worked well for slide playing. In open-G and D tunings, the sound of the metal slide on the strings in combination with the metal resonator produced a raft of appealing overtones and had a nice creamy sound. The wooden body gives the guitar a little more warmth than the more common metal-body/biscuit-bridge combo would.
The Wrap
Regal's RD-40V is a bargain-priced resonator guitar that looks, sounds, and plays as well as guitars several times its price. It should appeal equally to a beginner and an advanced player who wants to play funky fingerstyle blues. Working pros, too, will appreciate this fine guitar and could customize it for an even better sound with a high-end resonator cone.
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