Regal RD-52 Artist Series Squareneck Black Lightning Resophonic Guitar - Translucent Black

I choose to purchase the Regal Black Lightning over other comparably price resonator guitars because of the favorable reviews. I am not sorry I bought it, but I wish I were better informed about the poor quality of craftsmanship. In the condition I received it, it was unplayable. The resonator buzzed horribly, I had to take the resonator out, and attempt to seat it properly, which ended up being impossible because it was slightly bent. My solution was to fold up a rubber band and place it between the edge of the cone and the cover plate to stop the buzzing.They claim the neck is solid Mahogany, It appears to be Philippine Mahogany, or luan, which is not a Mahogany but a cheap look-a-like. Even though this is a square neck I don't think I will be putting too heavy gauge of strings on this for fear of putting too much tension on this inferior wood.There are numerous chips and imperfections in the finish, one of which, the finish is peeling off the wood. One of the sound hole covers was dented.

I've always wanted a lap steel instrument of some sort. When my mind became fixated on resonators I decided I've been wishing long enough. Resonator selection is very tiny in my small town which forced me to the internet. I was completely skeptical for a couple weeks about buying an instrument I haven't even heard but through diligent research/emails/phone conversations I made up my mind and hit the buy button. I'm extremely happy with the quality of the instrument. First, it was shipped great and did not have any blemishes or dents or anything. I was half expecting to open the box and have to send it right back because of some defect. A $700 guitar being sold at $450; you kind of have to expect something will be off. Once tuned, she sang out loud. And I mean loud. I'm a new slide player but fingerpick on the guitar so I'm more comfortable not using fingerpicks. Even without fingerpicks the RD-52 has some serious volume. It is a beautiful guitar too. From the translucent black finish to the chrome cone top plate and sound holes to the very cool black lightning inlay on the headstock. This guitar is well worth the price and a great way to get into the wonderful world of slide guitar.

I like this axe and use it regularly. When I first received it, there was a problem in that the maple bridge inserts were not notched and so especially the G string would pop off the maple insert during play. I found some new dobro maple inserts on ebay and machined them to fit the spider assembly. I notched them slowly, trial and error, with my jewelers saw and files.I also have a new bone nut on hand to replace on the guitar at some point, but it is playing well now with the new maple inserts.I spent a couple afternoons getting it set up how I like it. If your time is worth money, order a more consistently set up guitar. The construction and finish is stunningly sturdy and beautiful. Just no idea why the factory did not set up the maple inserts properly.

I have purchased a lot of guitars over many years.This Dobro has the look and feel of quality.I can't find a thing wrong with mine.The tuning pegs have a smooth tight feel.The paint job is perfect.No rattles in the steel resonator as mentioned by others.I would have no problem putting a heavier set of strings, the neck is thick and straight.A fine sounding guitar with lots of volume.The only thing that is different is the head inlay, I got a vase & vine and not the lighting bolts.No big thing for me but its going to cost the review a star.I got mine for less, (Lighting deal) $379.99.I don't know if you can find these for less than that.

I love this dobro, the sound is outstanding. I did notice the strings are lower at the bridge than they are at the nut, I checked out another black lightning in a music store and it was the same, so its just the way they are made. They probably use the same bridge setup for the lower round neck dobros. You will want a capo that rides on top of the strings, as the neck locking type (shubb...) will not work well past the 4th fret. Mine was from amazon warehouse used for $300. Great dobro for a great deal!I have recently added much taller maple Bridges with ebony tops to raise the strings to the proper height, with much improved sound and better playability. I still love this Regal, but a recently acquired Paul Beard is fabulous!

Another reviewer didn't like his Black Lightning as much as I like mine. He wasn't happy with the finish on his. Mine's perfect. He was also concerned that the neck wasn't strong enough to handle dobro-levels of string tension. Trust me, it's not a problem. I've repaired and restored dozens of 1930s Dobros and Regals in the past and never saw a squareneck with a problem that wasn't caused by major abuse. My BL is built almost exactly like the old ones except quite a bit stronger and with quality control that's about a million times better.I know what dobros should sound like. Soundwise, there's no reason to pay for a more expensive one unless you feel like spending upwards of $2000. Black Lightnings are a steal, in other words.

I've bought a number of guitars from Asia--all around the $500 mark. This guitar is way up there in terms of quality and craftmanship. This was the best resonator model at Guitar center in Manhattan that was available last month (Sept/2011). I bought from Amazon and got free shipping and no sales tax, which brought the price down about 17%. Final price was around $450. My ultimate choice was between a Gold Tone and the Regal. I already own the Regal tricone RC-51, but find the wood a more pleasing sound if you're heading towards an acoustic country sound. Again, if you respect quality in a musical instrument, you'd be hard pressed to find anything better under $500.