Resonator build

[Trevor Davies]

Finally got the spider sitting nicely on the cone so time to put a couple of strings on the check for rattles and buzzing, went ok I canÂ’t detect any resonator bugs. Also got a good idea of the height the action - very high, good for slide but a bit high for picking, will think on that for a while.

Question specifically for TD - did you try the saddle that came with the kit or did you just go with the wooden one?

HavenÂ’t decided on colour yet - possible blue or green will experiment with those options on scrap timber.
Cheers
graham

Hi Tgraham,

I did try the kit saddle! See Link.

BTW, my old acoustic has that style of saddle. It is designed for 4 wound, 2 non-wound, acoustic strings. I'm using normal electric strings (so only 3 wound!).

My action was a bit high. But I did not lower the nut action as I wanted it setup for slide. The action is tricky on a resonator. It seems like the action is set at the end by filing/sanding the base of the bridge so that it sits lower in the spider. Also, having all six strings on will also compress the spider/cone assembly and lower the strings a bit more.

Your picture of the action does look a bit high. Just checking, is your neck straight? Is the nut action too high? Is the bridge seated correctly in the support?

Something to consider: if the bridge is not on the spider (so the strings are on the support only) would the string action be too low? At least then you know the action can be raised by the bridge to a good height!

[Tgraham]

Thanks Trevor yeah I took the saddle off and tried the action like that , it was to my eye a little too low so I will file the saddle but given it’s plastic I think I will invest in a wooden one - looking a buying from southern tonewoods, I need to buy bone saddle for an old classical I have as well. I have a spare bone nut I will sand down a little and use. The neck is straight.

Yes I will put electric strings on it, any more thoughts about a pickup, again southern tonewoods has one that seems ok. There are others but a bit expensive

Thank you
graham