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 this instrument has always been based on careful listening and experimenting. 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 urge to pick it up and start fooling around with it. I guess I must have been around 15 years old at the time.
Having absolutely no knowledge whatsoever about guitars, I just started playing around, seeing if I could pick out a few simple melodies I was familiar with. The next step was when I got hold of a song book with all the guitar chords in it. That’s when everything started to click. It took a while 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 with a bottle neck on that album. This is when I knew 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 stumbled 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 San Francisco with my new Dobro, I ran into a bluegrass band playing in the street. One of the guys was playing a squareneck, which I had never seen or heard before.
I got completely pulled into it. 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 Comfort 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” and on “Kaffee oder Tee”.
I spent a lot of time and effort putting my own recording studio together. As a consequence, I started concentrating more on guitar playing and less on Dobro playing. Made a lot of recordings for various local bands, from punk to folk – a little bit of everything. After recording a demo for the banjo player of “Lost Pick”, he asked me if I’d be interested in playing upright 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 me 10 years for me to pick up my Dobro again to play on stage…
1996-today
Returning to the dobro
Playing and recording on the stand up bass with the “Phoenix String Band” and joining the “Four Potatoes”, “Phoenix” decided to include a few Dobro tunes into their program, so after 10 years of abstinence I started back up with the Dobro.
I played with both bands for years and finally in 2004 I also recorded my first solo CD, “Heart of Steel” with 12 Dobro instrumentals, nine of which are originals.
Over the years I attended workshops, visited the US a couple of times and learned from other Dobro players like Sally van Meter to name one.
2026
a new era
After retiring from being an entrepreneur, I’m open for new challenges.
I continue playing my Dobro and also started learning 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 anything you’re interested in. I’m happy to provide you with the right gear for your playing pleasure.
Bands
Over the years I had the privilege to play with gifted musicians and dear friends. On many records the sound of my resonator guitars can be heard. I also had the pleasure to produce a solo record (“Heart of Steel”) on which you can listen to timeless sounds and own creations.
