Welcome
Welcome to our country music instruments edition. The history of country music is a rich and interesting one. In this blog, we cover Country Music Origins, Country Music Instruments (and where to buy them at discounted prices). In addition, instruments include; Gold Tone OB-150 Resonator Banjo, Luna Moonbird F-Style Acoustic-Electric Mandolin, and Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog M-14 Metalbody Resonator Guitar. We discuss the Country Music Hall of Fame, and we consider where Country Music stands in 2020.
“If you talk bad about country music, it’s like saying bad things about my momma. Them’s fightin’ words.” – Dolly Parton
Country music is also known as Country and Western (or simply Country). It is a genre of music that has stood the test of time. It initially evolved from other music genres such as blues and old-time music. There are also ties to various types of American Folk Music including Appalachian, Cajun, and the Cowboy Western Music styles of Red Dirt, New Mexico, and Texas Country.
This wonderful genre often consists of ballads and dance tunes with generally simple forms, folk lyrics, and beautiful harmonies. Instrumentation typically includes string instruments such as Banjos, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Steel Guitars (such as Pedal Steels and Dobros), and Fiddles as well as Harmonicas.
Country Music Instruments
Today, country music instruments include; Dobros/Resonator/Acoustic Guitars, Mandolin, Banjo/Banjitar, Pedal Steel Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Fiddle. We have compiled a list of the very best discounted Country Music Instruments. They are all of the very best quality and suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
Is learning to play the piano more your thing?
Country Music Instruments: Dobros and Resonator Guitars
Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog M-14 Metalbody Resonator Guitar
Epiphone presents new Dobro Hound Dog M-14 Metalbody guitar with an easy to play Round Neck. The Dobro Hound Dog M-14 resonator guitar features the renowned style and sound of an American original that’s been dazzling and inspiring musicians since the late 1920s.
In short, there are a few guitars that can cross generational lines and attract the instant attention of players everywhere no matter what style of music they play.
Furthermore, in the world of electric guitars, everyone wants a Les Paul. However, in the world of acoustic guitars, every player wants a great metal body resonator guitar. (To sum up, we really want one!)
Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog Deluxe Roundneck Resonator Guitar
Finally, the Epiphone Dobro Hound Dog Deluxe Roundneck resonator guitar was designed to put a classic sound in your hands at a reasonable price. In addition, the sound of the Dobro is immediately recognized worldwide, evoking the spirit of American country, blues, and bluegrass music.
So if you’re looking to brush up on your Grand Ole Opry tunes, learn some old school blues chops, or are a contemporary musician looking for something altogether new — then the Hound Dog Deluxe Roundneck is a great way to start acquainting yourself with the sound and feel of an authentic resonator guitar.
In short, there are a few guitars that can cross generational lines and attract the instant attention of players everywhere no matter what style of music they play.
Furthermore, in the world of electric guitars, everyone wants a Les Paul. However, in the world of acoustic guitars, every player wants a great metal body resonator guitar. (To sum up, we really want one!)
Country Music Instruments: Banjo/Banjitar
Ibanez B200 Banjo
Firstly, the B200 is proof that banjos are here to stay. The tree-of-life fretboard inlay, and the pearl headstock design with its authentic behind-the-head tuners all harken back to the late 70s. A time when the company’s artist roster included the legendary Earl Scruggs.
But, when you hear this full-bodied instrument is when you’ll know that Ibanez isn’t resting on its old school laurels.
Above all, the B200’s rich voice comes from its poplar block rim, Sapele veneer Resonator, and Brass Tone Ring. Also, the neck tension stays rock-solid throughout the seasons with the B200’s dual coordinator rod.
Gold Tone OB-150 Resonator Banjo
‘Pre-war’ style, at a price anyone can afford, AND authentic tone and superb playability describe the OB-150. Further more, this Bluegrass banjo sports a three-ply maple rim and one-piece flange (just like the megabucks originals).
Plus a maple neck inlayed in authentic style, a brass flathead tone ring and a smooth satin finish. In addition, the OB-150 is professionally set up in Gold Tone’s Florida shop and comes with TRANSFERRABLE lifetime warranty.
Gold Tone GT-500 Banjitar Deluxe 6 String Banjo
The Gold Tone GT-500 6-string Banjitar is the most sought after 6-string banjo guitar in its class. Firstly, It was designed by guitar players for guitar players. Secondly, it is traditionally-styled with a maple rim and maple resonator.
In addition, the GT-500’s pot assembly joins with a comfortable maple neck and is crowned with a rosewood fingerboard.
Likewise, killer acoustic tone abounds and the unique Gold Tone SMP Sliding Magnetic Pickup provides powerful plugged-in full range fidelity from the low E string to the first string’s final fret. Further more, it is available as left-handed model too. In short, it is the king of banjos.
Country Music Instruments: Mandolin
Luna Moonbird F-Style Acoustic-Electric Mandolin
Firstly, the Moonbird F-style mandolin takes its inspiration from the harmony between the moon and stars. Secondly, it comprises of maple and spruce, with a rosewood fingerboard and a black satin finish. For a truly unique, bluegrass instrument, look no further!
In addition, this mandolin features:
– Construction: Set Neck
– Body Material: Solid Maple
– Top Material: Solid Spruce
– Neck Material: Mahogany
– Fretboard Material: Rosewood
– Scale Length: 14″ (356mm)
– Frets: 18
– Nut Width: 1 1/8″ (29mm)
– Bridge: Rosewood
Gold Tone GM-35 F-Style Mandolin (with Case)
The shape that says “Bluegrass!” Whether you’re a novice picker or a seasoned veteran in need of a travel instrument, The GM-35 has the points, and the scroll. Also, it has a brilliant vibe with great tone for the money.
In conclusion, this entry-level F-style mandolin model features a spruce top, maple back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, adjustable rosewood bridge, and high gloss tobacco sunburst finish. In addition, this mandolin includes a foam case.
Features:
– Neck: Maple
– Top: Solid Spruce
– Back & Sides: Curly Maple
– Finish: High Gloss Tobacco Sunburst
– Fingerboard: Ebony
– Tuners: 4 Inline Deluxe
– Truss Rod: Two-Way Adjustable
Ovation MM68AX Elite Acoustic-Electric Mandolin (with Case)
Ovation mandolins take more than a half-century of esteemed craftsmanship and inspiring design to an unexpected platform, with features that speak to our spirited and forward-thinking philosophies.
In the same vein as our unique and resonant guitars, Ovation mandolins offer highly developed design features such as dutifully constructed bracing and choice tone woods, giving you that signature Ovation power and projection no matter your stage.
Country Music Instruments: Lap Steels
Vorson SL-100E Straight Lap Steel Pack
The Vorson SL-100E Straight Lap Steel Pack is a fully loaded, high output lap steel featuring the straight line design that many pros prefer.
The 100E has two FP-90 pickups. Firstly, one in the upper position and one at the bridge, controlled by a 3-way toggle switch located in front of the bridge for fast live switching. Further more, the VSY-01 active electronics deliver exceptionally clear tone and sound great clean or connected to an overdrive/distortion effect for searing solos.
The VSY-01 has an integrated on/off output jack switch to preserve battery life when unplugged.
Above all, the 100E features an all natural mahogany body and, a SRD (Simulated Rosewood Composite) fretboard with bar inlays, and a dense mahogany neck for superior tone and durability.
The SL-100E also features a classic open headstock. Finally, Every Vorson Lap Steel Guitar ships in a deluxe padded gig bag with cable and a F-006 ToneBar.
Pedals
Laney Black Country Custom Secret Path Reverb Pedal
Reverb is evocative of space — a note contains pitch, but reverb contains place. Without reverb you have no idea where you are. Every note has been played it is what happens between the notes that is special.
The Laney Secret Path is a beautiful pedal — crafted reverbs for Spring and Plate, reminiscent of the heyday of classic amp and studio tones combined with modern day sound quality and reliability. Plus — The Secret Path — a deep, dark, mesmerising ambience with a sublime, brooding, dynamically evolving shimmer.
Laney Black Country Custom Monolith Distortion Pedal
Designed to give the player a total command and control over a spectrum of different gains and harmonic distortions from Classic fat rock tones to jangly indie lines, and everything in between. T
The Laney Black Country Custom Monolith delivers expressive gain even at low levels. With a very pleasing dynamic response to pick attack the harder you dig, the more expressive it gets.
Even at high gain level, when you hit it hard you can still hear every note of big chords as well as the nuances of intricate lead lines.
Acoustic Guitar
Gibson Sheryl Crow Country Western Supreme Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
The most highly customized Country Western in Gibson’s history. Created for Sheryl Crow and based off her own Country Western, the features of this signature model are designed to deliver the sweet voice of our classic Country Western with the added punch created from our 1930’s Advanced bracing pattern.
The Thermally Aged Sitka spruce top and hide glue provide additional projection and increased expression with a wider dynamic range.
Outfitted with the astounding Amulet M analog pickup for accurate tone and response of the instrument when amplified. Finished in a gorgeous Antique Cherry, the Sheryl Crow Country Western Supreme is a natural beauty!
Where did Country Music Originate?
Country Music dates back over 100 years. It began in recordings by Southern Appalachian fiddle players who were recording in the late 1910s.
However, it wasn’t until the early 1920s (in Southern USA), that Country Music as a viable recorded genre took hold. Eck Robertson made the first commercial country record in 1922 on the Victor Records label. From there it’s popularity grew exponentially.
The genre grew as musicians received record deals. Having their music played on the radio, made it accessible to the average person. However, by the late 1960s, Western music, in particular the cowboy ballad, was in decline.
Artists were relegated to the ‘Country and Western’ genre by marketing agencies. From this, a new Country sound was born, and ever since, each new chapter hears a slight slant on the original sound but with the core values still in check.
Interestingly in 2009 in the United States, country music was the most listened to rush hour radio genre during the evening commute, its popularity dwarfing other much-loved genres.
Country Music Artists
There have been so many pioneers of Country Music. These include; Waylon Jennings, Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Townes Van Zandt, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Johnny Cash, to name a few.
The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers’s performances strongly influenced later musicians. Their early recordings were of ballads and country dance tunes.
They featured the fiddle and guitar as lead instruments over a rhythmic foundation of guitar or banjo. An arrangement that still features today.
Notably, In 1969 Linda Martell the American rhythm and blues and country music singer became the first African-American woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 1969.
Her singing ability was honed in a gospel group she formed with her brothers, and she evolved into country music.
“Country music has the great stories.” – Etta James
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and is arguably the world’s largest music museum.
Opened in 1964 it has amassed an enormous music collection. They hold nearly 200,000 sound recordings, approximately 500,000 photographs, and more than 30,000 moving images.
Artists Membership into the Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the biggest honours an artist can receive.
Where is Country Music in 2020?
In 2020, the purpose of country music hasn’t changed too much. Its core principles are the same. However, it has somewhat evolved with the times.
The lyric and the melody still grow together and have to move the listener. However, there has been a certain amount of diversification to the style.
Rock music heavily features these days, and we have witnessed the introduction of sub genres such as Country-Rock and Country-Pop. Artists such as Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift have once again brought Country Music to the forefront of popular music.
Conclusion
Country Music is a shared passion by many. If you are looking to learn a country music instrument, you are in good company.
The resurgence of the genre is always present and will continue to be a much-loved genre of music. String instruments feature heavily. So, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, there is something for everyone.
“There’s a longing in country music that can soften even the rockiest heart.” – Glen Campbell
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