Home of the Turbo

 

Welcome to Schoen Guitars. The home of the Turbo Diddley  resophonic musical instruments!  

In the 1920's, a gifted Slovak immigrant in a family of violin makers named John Dopyera listened to one of his customers ask for a louder guitar.  It was a time of can-do invention in Southern California, and John and his brothers went to work in their garage. His solution, a series of thin spun metal cones resting under the strings, made John's guitars not only louder, but transformed the sound into something new. More attack, more resonance, and wider dymnamic range. The invention of course was the basis for National instruments, Dobro instruments, and all the remakers of these resophonic instruments that have risen and fallen over the years.  There is probably no one single concept to so significantly contribute to and affect acoustic instruments as this ingenious invention! Thank you John!  

Each Schoen instrument is unique in that all have box-shaped bodies made from recycled materials. Materials include reclaimed aged hardwood and softwood building lumber, reclaimed wood from the wine and liquor industry, manufacturing scrap, and cabinet maker’s surplus cutoffs. Of course, cigar boxes are used as well! Nothings better to start your custom instrument than wood that's already got a story! The current models feature exclusive custom made spun aluminum cones, handmade hardwood biscuit bridges, intricate hand-made metal work. All of it combines for a tonal soup you just can't get anywhere else!