Gretsch G9210 Boxcar Square-Neck Resonator - Natural Mahogany Reviews

As a pedal steel guitarist with 40+ years experience, I had never owned a resophonic (dobro) guitar.
Not wanting to shell out $ for a custom dobro type instrument, I bought a Gretsch G9210 square neck from Sweetwater. Completely happy with it. It has beautiful "dobro" sound, even volume and response across its range.
Recommended.

I searched all over, read reviews, talked with people, messed around with these in music shops and settled on the G9210. Great feel, love the sound and really enjoy playing on it so far. The customer service was great too. This was my first Sweetwater purchase and was surprised with and very pleased by the level of communication. If you're looking for a resonator to get started on, I think this is a very nice, we'll built instrument to get going with on your musical excursion.

First, I have to say if you're going to buy a guitar online sight unseen, Sweetwater is the way to go. Their inspection process prevents you from getting an instrument defective from the factory. And they pack it really well: first, in a big heavy box with a lot of padding, then a 2nd box with more padding, then a thick styrofoam cocoon, and finally a soft waterproof wrap. My guitar had a rough trip, with gouges in the outer box but it was protected in pristine condition inside. And their customer service is second to none. My guy Colton Smiricky takes great care of me regardless of how little or much I spend. What music store calls and texts you to make sure you're happy with your purchase afterwards? That place down the street acts like they're doing me a favor just selling me whatever is hanging on the wall.

On to the Boxcar. It's beautiful, captures the 1930 Gretsch resonator vibe and history really well. It sounds great, exactly what you're looking for in that classic slide Dobro genre. Big sound. Excellent value. Fit and finish is perfect. Beautiful mahogany. I've been playing it for hours with that "where have you been all my life" feeling. I played a lot of Allman Brothers professionally in the 70's, worked hard to learn Duane's slide techniques and licks on a Les Paul, but never a resonator designed to be played flat in your lap. I wasn't sure how that was going to go, but I'm adapting pretty quick. I still have a long ways to go to be proficient, but that's why I got it. I wanted something new to learn and master. Plenty of youtubes to help you learn how. I can't wait to play it outdoors, under the stars, on a fishing trip, or on the back porch. It just feels right for that.

I have been a guitar and banjo player for 30+ years. Now, as a very senior citizen, my playing skills are being tested by the effects ageing and, increasing physical limitations (my hands / fingers don't work as well as they used to). Since I've been primarily a finger picker, I hoped that my finger picking style - guitar and banjo - would easily transfer to the dobro. And, moving a slide bar in lieu of fretting chords would extend my playing days. Well after reading extensively the many online reviews of the Gretsch G-9210 Boxcar square neck resonator, I bought one. I must say the majority of online reviews were very positive and, I can attest, accurate. The Gretsch was shipped promptly and packaged very well by Sweetwater. It arrived with an inspection checklist, was in tune and the finish was flawless. It seems well made and has "big" sound.
I used a number of online videos to orient myself to the dobro. I found that I quickly adapted my finger picking skills to the dobro. I spent a few hours practicing finger exercises and string orientation, and slide bar placement for proper intonation, and I must say, that I am very pleased with how quickly I adapted. I have been working a couple of hours a day to increase my proficiency before I play in "public". I believe that a dobro could be very challenging for someone without prior stringed instrument experience, but a fairly easy transition if you have play a guitar. If your circumstances are similar to mine, I highly recommend the Gretsch G-9210 Boxcar square neck resonator. Or, if you are just shopping for a square neck resonator, you can't go wrong with the Gretsch G-9210. Also, the folks at Sweetwater were very professional and customer oriented - I'd purchase from them again!

I was trying to find a GOOD entry level resonator and Sweetwater comes to the rescue! I've not got play time on this yet, but excited and always impressed with Sweetwater, so writing this now.

I tried Musician's Friend and played roulette with the bottom of the barrel (Rogue). I accidentally bought a round neck, so put in a second order for the square. The Rogue round neck seemed ok, but the square neck would have required some attention due to string alignment issues. The returns back to Musician's Friend is going to cost me for these expensive toys.

Moral... If you're buying online, stick with Sweetwater, because they have an eye for detail with a focus on service, and they don't deal with toys and treat their gear like the real instruments they are.

I have never owned a slide guitar. I am now 70 and decided to try something new. This company is incredible and the guitar is fantastic. The sounds are sweet and clean. Thanks Sweetwater.

I got to pick out the very instrument I received! I know because it's the identical serial number I picked on the web site. The weight of each instrument pictured was displayed on the page. I picked it out while on the phone with my sales Engineer Brandon Younglao. The Instrument arrived extremely well packed, the original shipping packing inside another box with hard foam packing material. I have purchased several new guitars on the Internet and so far have never had a shipping claim,so far as I can remember most of them were shipped inside (I bought cases for each of them at the same time) the case and that was inside the case box and that too was in a case. I would find it hard to believe Sweetwater has any shipping damage claims to deal with. This was my first purchase though Sweetwater and a very pleasant experience! I will defiantly keep them in mind for my next major purchase. Brandon kindly tossed in a fresh set of string as well, also you get a hand signed 55 point inspection checklist so that's not just hype, I also found some candy (literally) in the box as well.
So the Resonator (square neck) tuned up just fine (that means the bridge was perpendicular to the neck just above the highest fret. It sounds great to me, I have had a few round neck resonators, I have a Regal Tricone and a Galveston all metal resonator guitar; I have had other made in China resonators and they had that resonator sound, I didn't play them much; I decided that with arthritis in my hands getting worse this might be the time to buckle down and get serious so I bought some lessons and this square neck. I have never played a high end resonator so I'm prolly not much of a judge on how one should or could sound, I do have some other fully pro gear and I know crap when I hear it as well as quality, my resonator sounds fine to me. There are some pretty expensive resonators out there just like there are expensive guitars; Maybe I'll buy a high-ER quality resonator after I learn how to play the ones I have but I'm pretty sure it won't be $15,000.

I've always loved the sound of a dobro. Decided to take a chance on this one a year ago. I've been extremely happy with it. My few dobro-playing friends have been very impressed by the sound and quality of this instrument as well. I'm still pretty bad at it and really struggle with intonation, tbh. Lol. But I've posted a video showing off it's sound.

I ordered the guitar over a weekend and if I remember correctly, it arrived like on Tuesday or Wednesday and in perfect condition. This was my first guitar purchase from Sweetwater and I couldn't be happier with the service. Guitar sounds great. Tuned it up and started to learn about playing the dobro.

I bought this Resonator guitar to get away from the evereday strumming
On a regular six string and try entertaining in a different way. This style of playing has a great many different types of tuneing to give you many different sounds. Very easy and comfortable to play and a lot of fun
I love it and am learning new ways to play every day

I am a beginner Dobro player, so I am not an expert on sound and tone yet, but I found the instrument flawless and beautiful. Purchase and delivery was prompt and professional. I got to choose from 3 dobros of the same model to pick the grain and finish that I preferred. Very pleased with Sweetwater and their products.

Don't waste your money, biggest piece of junk i ever invested in. Not worth $... Take a fools avvice,STAY AWAY!