ABOUT ME
I have been interested in the DOBRO resonator guitar for many years. What first attracted me to the instrument was its very distinctive sound. It is different from a normal guitar and has a character of its own. From the beginning I found it fascinating how expressive it can be with relatively simple means.
My approach to the instrument has always been based on careful listening and experimentation. The Dobro is not an instrument where everything is fixed or standardized. Small details in bar control, right-hand technique, and tone production can make a big difference. Because of this I have always enjoyed spending time exploring these details and learning how the instrument reacts.
Over time I became interested not only in playing but also in the practical aspects around the instrument. Many things that Dobro players use today—such as bars, capos, straps, or picks—have developed through experience and the needs of players. The Dobro community is relatively small, and players often learn from each other by sharing ideas and experiences.
For me the Dobro is still an instrument that invites exploration. Even after many years of playing, there are always new aspects to discover in sound, technique, and musical expression.
1970
First time picking up a guitar
When I was growing up we had a Guitar hanging on the wall in the living room which served as a decoration. One day I just had the irresistible urge to pick it up and start fooling around with it. I guess I must have been around 15 yrs. old back then.
Having absolutely no knowledge whatsoever about the guitar, I just started noodling around, seeing if I could pick out a few simple melodies I was familiar with. The next step was when I got ahold of a song book with all the guitar chords in it. That’s when everything started to click. It took awhile to get all the chords down, but I never had the feeling I had to force myself to practice. Never before had anything been so easy and fun for me to learn.
1977
LEARNING ABOUT MY PASSION
This is when I had my first brush with the Dobro. There was one on the cover of an Allman Brothers album and Duane Allman played a few tunes on that album with a bottle neck. This is when I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I was going to have to get me a Dobro, as soon as possible.
1978
my first DOBRO
During an extended vacation in the States I stumbeled across a steel-bodied DOBRO in New Orleans that I bought on the spot, for $400,-. It was a roundneck.
Two weeks later, on my way from L.A. to Frisco with my new DOBRO, I ran across a Bluegrassband playing on the street. This guy was playing a squareneck, which I had never seen or heard before.
I immediately went off the deep end. I had a very interesting conversation with this guy , who told me everything he knew about these guitars. After that I headed back to L.A. and took a tour of the DOBRO Company in Huntington Beach.
1978-1988
TIMES CHANGE
I played in my first “real” band: Southern Comford followed by a few other bands. I visited the US again.
Me and my DOBRO even appeared on television in a german show called “Talentschuppen”.
Spent a lot of time and effort putting my own Recording Studio together. Started concentrating more and more on guitar and less on Dobro. Made a lot of recordings for various local Bands, from Punk to Folk, a little bit of everything. After recording a demo for the banjoplayer from Lost Pick, he asked me if I´d be interested in playing Stand Up Bass in a new band. I wasn´t involved with any other band at that time, so I took him up on the offer.
It would take 10 years for me to pick up my DOBRO again to play on stage…
1996-today
The return of the dobro
Playing and recording on the stand up bass with Phoenix and joining the “Four Potatoes”, Phoenix decides to include a few Dobro Tunes into the program, so after 10 years of abstinence I started back up with the Dobro.
I played with both bands for years and finally I also recorded my first solo CD, “Heart of Steel” in 2004 with 12 Dobro instrumentals, 9 of which are originals.
Over the years I attended workshops, visited the US a couple of times and leaned from other DOBRO players like Sally van Meter.
2026
a new era
Now that I sold my business after many years, I’m ready for the next steps.
I’m continuing to play my DOBRO, my guitar and I started to learn to play the banjo.
And I want to share what I’ve learned over the years. Especially making my custom made leather straps and DOBRO capos available to a wider audience through this website.
Feel free to look around and let me know if you find something you’re interested in. I’m happy to provide you with the right gear for your playing pleasure.
Galerie
