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tjcurtin1
December 16th, 2008, 08:37 PM
The one guitar I could see adding anytime in the future would be one of these. But there seems to be a world of varieties... I'd be using it played normally (not dobro style), some day working on slide.

So, what does anyone know?

tot_Ou_tard
December 16th, 2008, 08:40 PM
I know very little save for lusting for them.

All I've read claim that Nationals are the berries & Beard Goldtones are decent for less green.

http://www.beardguitars.com/

Wood ones are less less expensive & presumably woody sounding. The metal ones look freakin' cool.

There are spiders & tricones & all kinds of others & I don't know what those words mean.

Blaze
December 16th, 2008, 09:04 PM
There s one here

http://www.fretcity.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=353&category_id=76

wingsdad
December 16th, 2008, 09:44 PM
Here's someplace to get a little familiarity with reso's of all kinds. For what you want to do, you're looking for a roundneck, probably a biscuit or tri-cone.

Folk Of The Wood Resonator FAQ (http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2616.htm)

peachhead
December 16th, 2008, 10:42 PM
Some of this may be a repeat of the above link but I found this not long ago.

http://www.acousticfingerstyle.com/ResonatorsExplained.htm

piebaldpython
December 16th, 2008, 11:55 PM
Hey TJ,
Here's a good start for you; http://www.bobbrozman.com/national.html
for a discussion of single cone (biscuit) and tri-cone. Then there is a "spider bridge" reso which many call the bluegrass dobro. All resos come in either roundneck or squareneck. Squarenecks are exclusively played "lap style". Roundnecks are usually played Spanish style but can be played lap style too with minor adjustments.
The difference in tones of the three aforementioned resos is nearly as different as a discussion of the sounds of single coils, humbuckers and P-90's. If you have more specific questions, I can probably narrow things down for you. Fire away and I'll be glad to help.
Personally, I have a mahogany body/copper top spider bridge roundneck reso. One day I'd love to have a metal squareneck tricone.

tjcurtin1
December 17th, 2008, 09:40 PM
Thanks, guys - I look forward to checking these links out - Yeah, it sounds like a whole new language to be learned!
PBP, thanks for your offer - I'll ping you once I've gotten my feet wet with the general territory, and have figured out what some of those strange terms mean!

I'm really interested in the sounds these guitars produce. If any of you have gotten lessons from Mike Herbert, he's playing an interesting looking/sounding metal body (which also has a pickup) in his vid of 'Hide Your Love Away'. Anyone know what variety that one is?

piebaldpython
December 20th, 2008, 09:06 AM
TJ......any chance you could post a link to the Mike Herbert clip. I can't seem to find it. Thanks.

tot_Ou_tard
December 20th, 2008, 10:55 AM
TJ......any chance you could post a link to the Mike Herbert clip. I can't seem to find it. Thanks.
I'm a full-throated member of the post-the-clip chorus too tj.

tjcurtin1
December 20th, 2008, 01:40 PM
Hmmm... I have it saved to disc, so it's one of the freebies that he sends you if you sign up for the free lessons.

piebaldpython
December 20th, 2008, 11:09 PM
TJ.......I wasn't able to access the clip. Hmmmmm.....here ya go;

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page324.htm
Johnson Roundneck Spider Bridge----like the "classic" Dobro but roundneck

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page353.htm
Johnson metal-bodied Tri-cone

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page842.htm
Regal Metal Bodied Biscuit cone

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3693.htm
Metal Bodied Squareneck Reso

tjcurtin1
December 21st, 2008, 12:34 PM
Whoa! Don't listen to this if you don't want a massive GAS attack! Talk about tone!!!! Just hit the link and listen to the background clip that plays!!!
http://www.terraplaneguitars.com/

tot_Ou_tard
December 21st, 2008, 12:57 PM
I've been to that site before. Yup, it gets the GAS flowing.

bek
December 21st, 2008, 01:54 PM
I have a mid-1930s Regal roundneck spider-bridge reso, which is literally the sweetest-sounding guitar I've ever heard or played, but you'd have to get lucky to find one. It has a v-shaped neck, very comfortable to play. I recently bought a Republic tricone, which is a great guitar but very different-sounding. With its brass body it has a sharper sound. It also has a kind of 12-string complexity to it, due I'd guess to the three resonator cones. It is really excellent, and a very good price (compared to Nationals and such!), but the neck is real different from the Regal. People who know more than I do say it's supposed to be like the Nationals; I only know it reminds me of a classic-guitar neck, which is a matter of taste. Frank (the owner) is stand-up; no problems.
http://www.republicguitars.com/triconemodels.html

I myself prefer the spider-bridge ones, as the biscuit-types have a more choppy sound. You can cut off a note and play choppy, if that's what you want, but you can't make a note sustain longer. If you want sharp and choppy, get the biscuit-bridge. Supposedly blues lovers prefer these, but I'm a blues-lover and I prefer the spider-bridge tones. Actually, it's sort of the difference between archtops and flattops, sound-wise, if that helps. I've never been comfortable with lap-style, though I've tried it often enough. There are no real rules about which works for what. They were invented to be fretted normally, just to be louder -- sliding is not required. The different bridges were invented to avoid patent infringements, they both work.

Steve206
December 21st, 2008, 02:26 PM
Hey TJ,

As a longtime devotee of the delta blues tradition, I wanted to be able to recreate what I was hearing. I do not think that I will ever come close.

I first started using open tunings some years ago and not knowing what I was doing, kept on making mistakes that almost pleased me. For me, the sound of a good accoustic guitar, played with a slide, is hard to beat.

But, then again, I also have one of those metal bodied tri-cones. Go figure?

Steve

peachhead
December 21st, 2008, 05:23 PM
Whoa! Don't listen to this if you don't want a massive GAS attack! Talk about tone!!!! Just hit the link and listen to the background clip that plays!!!
http://www.terraplaneguitars.com/

Somebody better get me the rolaids... that's just awesome. :dude:

piebaldpython
December 22nd, 2008, 12:14 AM
Yeah, major GAS just listening to that clip....BTW, the Terraplane Co reso are 7 grand. Oh my!!!

Jipes
December 22nd, 2008, 04:46 AM
I have two roundneck resonator guitars. I started with a metal biscuit Johnson model JM-998 pretty good for starting I added a Benedetti pickup on it and it sound quite sweet. The neck is a 14 frets out of the body.

Here is a clip with that guitar
3gPQOOMWark

Recently (last july) I bought an old National Duolian guitar (from the 30's) and it's a killer. The neck is a 12 frets out of the body so the playability is slightly reduced compare to the Johnson but who cares to get higher than the 12th fret ;)

Here is a clip with that guitar

7rY3aXFIWV0


Alternative choice to expensive vintage guitars can be found with the Reso Republic (http://www.republicguitars.com/) line or the Michael Messer line (http://www.michaelmesser.co.uk/) of instruments which are pretty good and cheaper than an old National or a brand new Beard

tot_Ou_tard
December 22nd, 2008, 08:12 AM
Some other resonator threads:

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=8044

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=8043

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=4553

tjcurtin1
December 22nd, 2008, 11:27 AM
Ah! I was waiting for Jipes to join in on this thread! Thanks for the info and clips - great!

Jipes
December 23rd, 2008, 04:27 AM
Ah! I was waiting for Jipes to join in on this thread! Thanks for the info and clips - great!

You're welcome ;) Strange enough the e-mail automatic replies doesn't work so I have to keep an eye on the threads :thwap:

if you need more info on resonators I'm on a french specialized forum and can ask more specific question for you ;)

tjcurtin1
December 23rd, 2008, 09:39 PM
Thanks, Jipes. I think that next step is to get my hands on a few and try them out. Yesterday I played a couple of wood bodies and was surprised at the lack of twang... (a Dobro, a Jay Turser and a Fender) so I need to find some metal bodies to play.

Then I have to win the Fret raffle (hey, how's that going, anyway?) in order to have the money and an excuse...

Jipes
December 24th, 2008, 04:09 AM
Thanks, Jipes. I think that next step is to get my hands on a few and try them out. Yesterday I played a couple of wood bodies and was surprised at the lack of twang... (a Dobro, a Jay Turser and a Fender) so I need to find some metal bodies to play.

Then I have to win the Fret raffle (hey, how's that going, anyway?) in order to have the money and an excuse...

TJ the Fender unfortunately don't have a good reputation they really lack sonic qualities and the Cone (esential part in a resonator) is a poor chinese copy.

If you were not satisfied with a Dobro (actually Gibson) then you need to go to a brass or steel guitar. The Messer series seems to have a very good press as well as the miniolian from Republic Resonator. An othe brand which has the favor of many steelers is Ozark they have metal bodies model and some are equiped with a built-in microphone

Hope that helps ;)

Jipes
December 24th, 2008, 04:20 AM
Here is a video of a guy trying one of the new Michael Messer duolian models

mb_8SOS0AgE

tot_Ou_tard
December 24th, 2008, 09:16 AM
What slide are you using there Jipes?

I noticed that you played without fingerpicks but the guy on that last clip used them. I'd play without them first.

Jipes
December 24th, 2008, 09:46 AM
I play a bottleneck made up from an Italian bottle the glass quality is very good and it has a nice sustain. I do play from time to time also with brass slide that I like. As a fingerpicker from the start I tend to use my bare fingers because I have more feeling with them than with the metal picks.

All depends on what volume you want to generate but lot's of delta blues players weren't using such appendixs so :D

i play from time to time with a thumbpick if my flesh is getting worn out :rotflmao:

piebaldpython
December 25th, 2008, 03:42 AM
TJ,
Try a GoldTone/Beard or Wechter-Scheerhorn wood-body before you write off wood bodies. The Fender is an embarrassment and the Gibson Dobro is not held in high esteem either. Regal makes some nice wood bodies too. The GT/B and W-S are very well thought of by "dobro" players.
GT/B and Republic both make nice metal-bodied resos. Check out www.elderly.com under New Instruments and then Resonators to give you a better idea of what's out there. They sell a large selection of resos.

tot_Ou_tard
December 25th, 2008, 07:26 AM
Do the Resonator-player Fretters have a preference in regards to wood/metal-bodied resonators. If so, why?

piebaldpython
December 25th, 2008, 12:10 PM
This is the reso that I have, no affiliation. Mine has a copper top, not brass:
http://www.libertyguitars.com/fa100.htm

I didn't want a "pure" wood-body, I wanted something "in between". If I get another reso, I'd probably get a brass tri-cone as that interests me.
And I wouldn't say NO to a metal body biscuit cone (the sterotypical blues machine) either.
What are cool looking (and probably sounding too) are wood body biscuit cone resos (usually called Triolians I think). Gives a mellower/warmer sound than metal but with the "insistent" sound of a biscuit cone. Hmmmm...like one of these: http://www.libertyguitars.com/LIB100.htm

bek
December 29th, 2008, 09:21 PM
Do the Resonator-player Fretters have a preference in regards to wood/metal-bodied resonators. If so, why?

I tried to give the best sound description I could in my previous post, but as far as preference -- as much as I like the brass-bodied Republic tricone (a LOT!), I'd still take my old Regal wood-bodied spider-bridge. The sound is sweet, focused and powerful; everything I like. The Tricone has so many sounds going on it's just not as versatile (at least for me!). To my ears, it's sort of like the difference between a 6-string and a 12-string. The 12 is amazing, but it's just not as versatile.

tot_Ou_tard
December 30th, 2008, 08:02 AM
Thanks for the input!

How loud are resonators? Will the neighbors want to call the cops?

wingsdad
December 30th, 2008, 09:47 AM
Thanks for the input!

How loud are resonators? Will the neighbors want to call the cops?

Louder than a regular dreadnaught or smaller body acoustic, because that's why and what they were originally designed to accomplish, preceding the electric guitar. But mine's a squareneck (dobro) Johnson JR-200, 'Chicago Blues'....made in China, mahogany body, spruce top, spider bridge, big European spun aluminum cone.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/wingsdad/Johnson%20JR-200-SB/IMG_0456c.jpg

This model has been disco'd since, but they kept their Delta Blues model -- similar, only with a lam maple body (will be brighter, twangier)...
Here's the link to Johnson's site on it...It also comes in a roundneck Like the JR-200 does/did) Nice guitar, and can be had for around $350 new (mine was mcuh less....about $250 on a NAMM exhibit special price deal my dealer scored for me 2 years ago.
Johnson Delta Blues (http://www.johnsongtr.com/Delta-Blues.812.0.html)
Guardian makes an excellent resonator case, around 80 bucks new (list $130)which is what I got for mine.

tjcurtin1
January 5th, 2009, 07:08 PM
Here's a couple clips of the Johnson 200 - sounds pretty good to me!
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page324.htm
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page325.htm


Go hear for a list of clips of a whole lot of different resonators:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2520.htm

Jipes
January 6th, 2009, 04:18 AM
Here's a couple clips of the Johnson 200 - sounds pretty good to me!
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page324.htm
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page325.htm


Go hear for a list of clips of a whole lot of different resonators:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2520.htm

Thanks for the Link TJ it's also very informative :AOK:

tot_Ou_tard
January 17th, 2009, 07:43 PM
Claims to be Jim Fogarty, probably is;

f4CZl87vJCw


A Beard resonator

CrH8dP2O8C0

Jipes
January 18th, 2009, 06:12 AM
Thanks Tot

The second vidéo is really great the Beard sounds much better, he is playing Big Mama's door from Alvin Youngblood Hart if you don't know this song just rush it's an amazing artist !

tot_Ou_tard
January 18th, 2009, 07:19 PM
Thanks Tot

The second vidéo is really great the Beard sounds much better, he is playing Big Mama's door from Alvin Youngblood Hart if you don't know this song just rush it's an amazing artist ! I agree the second video with the Beard is very sweet.

I just checked out Alvin Youngblood Hart.

http://www.mojomusic.com/alvin/main.htm

Wow! Merci Jipes!

tjcurtin1
January 18th, 2009, 08:06 PM
So, Jipes, what about resonator strings? I see that 16's are often recommended, but is that for square neck dobro style playing?

tot_Ou_tard
January 18th, 2009, 08:50 PM
So, Jipes, what about resonator strings? I see that 16's are often recommended, but is that for square neck dobro style playing?
Good question Ted.

Nickel or phosphor-bronze?

piebaldpython
January 18th, 2009, 10:53 PM
Good question re the STRINGS........It all depends on WHAT tuning you will be playing in as to how much stress it will put on the neck. I have 13's, phosphor bronze on my roundneck. That's what the builder recommended I use.
You can get away with heavier gauge if you're going to TUNE DOWN as there isn't as much stress on the neck. So, tune down to Open D or Open Low G. If you want to play in Open E, you better go NO higher than 13's and then loosen the strings when you are done.
If you are playing bluegrass and plan to tune to Open High G (GBDGBD, low to high), well you better have a squareneck for that.
I want to try nickel plated strings at some point too!

Jipes
January 19th, 2009, 02:29 AM
I agree the second video with the Beard is very sweet.

I just checked out Alvin Youngblood Hart.

http://www.mojomusic.com/alvin/main.htm

Wow! Merci Jipes!

You're welcome be sure to check the Big Mama's door CD it's a wonderful Delta rendition :AOK:

Jipes
January 19th, 2009, 02:31 AM
So, Jipes, what about resonator strings? I see that 16's are often recommended, but is that for square neck dobro style playing?


hello TJ all depends if you fret or not, I use 13/56 for all my Resonators but the people which are using them to play flat on the knees use higher gauge: Of course it also depends of the open that you use C or C6 tunings needs bigger strings in order of not sounding too muddy


I use Martin strings or Elixir polyweb

tot_Ou_tard
January 19th, 2009, 07:18 AM
hello TJ all depends if you fret or not, I use 13/56 for all my Resonators but the people which are using them to play flat on the knees use higher gauge: Of course it also depends of the open that you use C or C6 tunings needs bigger strings in order of not sounding too muddy


I use Martin strings or Elixir polyweb
So just standard acoustic strings, Jipes?

Some good info:

http://www.acousticfingerstyle.com/ResonatorsExplained.htm

There is this statement:


Also, the cones used in many of the imports vary quite a bit in quality and many who buy these often will eventually purchase a replacement cone/s from places like Paul Beard's Resophonic Outfitters (https://www.beardguitars.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?). Because so much of the tone generated by resonators comes from the cone, the improvement can be quite dramatic. It's beyond the scope of this article to delve into this process, but you should at least note that if you do buy an import, there is at least one relatively simple thing you can do to them to improve their sound when you're ready to take that step.




Oh, no! Let the resonator modding begin. :thwap:

Jipes
January 19th, 2009, 07:54 AM
Yes regular acoustic strings 13/56, if you use a magnetic pickup some strings respond better but I can remember which type :thwap:

tjcurtin1
January 19th, 2009, 10:09 AM
Oh, no! Let the resonator modding begin. :thwap:
[/LEFT]
Oooof! "I'll see you and raise you!", eh? WHEN will it end!!!

Thanks Piebald and Jipes for the info.

piebaldpython
January 20th, 2009, 10:45 AM
Many people who play a lot of slide on their roundneck resos go up to 15's on their strings and tune down to Open G, Open D or even Open C. Both BEARD and PEARSE have these string sets available. Of course, the heavier gauge means MORE sustain. It all depends on what you want.

C6 tuning is usually associated with lap steel and playing Hawaiian or Western Swing. The tuning is C-E-G-A-C-E (low to high) and entails a special lighter gauge set with the Bottom string coming in the low to mid 40's in gauge.

As to reso mods, replacing cones.........dude, you have NO idea....it makes speaker swapping look like child's play......I read some of the things these dudes do with their cones and oh man, it scares the beejeezus out of me. :D

tot_Ou_tard
January 21st, 2009, 07:29 AM
As to reso mods, replacing cones.........dude, you have NO idea....it makes speaker swapping look like child's play......I read some of the things these dudes do with their cones and oh man, it scares the beejeezus out of me. :D
Do you have any links to bejeezus-scaring cone surgery or just to discussions of resonator mods in general?

Jipes
January 21st, 2009, 07:42 AM
Do you have any links to bejeezus-scaring cone surgery or just to discussions of resonator mods in general?

Well if you really want to read specialist talking on resonators you can join the IGS forum

http://www.guitarseminars.com/cgi-bin//Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true

tot_Ou_tard
January 21st, 2009, 07:44 AM
Well if you really want to read specialist talking on resonators you can join the IGS forum

http://www.guitarseminars.com/cgi-bin//Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true
I tried:

http://www.guitarseminars.com/ubb/igslogo.jpg (http://www.guitarseminars.com/cgi-bin//Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true)
We are not accepting new registrations at this time.

Jipes
January 21st, 2009, 07:49 AM
I tried:

http://www.guitarseminars.com/ubb/igslogo.jpg (http://www.guitarseminars.com/cgi-bin//Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true)
We are not accepting new registrations at this time.



Try here
http://www.guitarseminars.com/gs/index.php

tot_Ou_tard
January 21st, 2009, 07:54 AM
Try here
http://www.guitarseminars.com/gs/index.php
Thanks Jipes, I had just found my way there.

tot_Ou_tard
January 21st, 2009, 01:43 PM
I checked around & Ted & my soon to be new Johnson Chicago Blues spider resonators come with spun Continental cones. These have a decent reputation, so I see no need to upgrade to a Beard or Quaterman.

If you've never seen a cone being spun looky here:

http://tweedsblues.net/trader/spin.html

The home page might be interesting as well.

http://tweedsblues.net/

Jipes
January 21st, 2009, 03:07 PM
I checked around & Ted & my soon to be new Johnson Chicago Blues spider resonators come with spun Continental cones. These have a decent reputation, so I see no need to upgrade to a Beard or Quaterman.

I havn't change mine neither the Continental's are good enough ;)

tot_Ou_tard
January 21st, 2009, 07:00 PM
I havn't change mine neither the Continental's are good enough ;)
It's great to have confirmation Jipes. :AOK:

tot_Ou_tard
January 24th, 2009, 09:38 PM
Some basic info:

2n7IFiw5Qjg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n7IFiw5Qjg)

biscuit, spider, open D, frailing, & even a banjo.

Jipes
January 25th, 2009, 08:32 AM
At the last NAMM show Aël one of our members from the Slide et Resonateurs forums (french slide forum) had the great chance to review the new resonator guitars at the National Resophonic stand with no one else than the famous Bob Brozmann

Check that out it's a dream come true, specially the Tricone in German silver and the new Triolian model
http://www.laguitare.com/guitare-materiel-namm_show_2009-guitares_acoustiques_electros_resonateurs-video-5696-0.html

I'm just gettin' another GAS crisis :rotflmao: ;)

tot_Ou_tard
January 25th, 2009, 10:17 AM
C'est incroyable, merci Jipes.

piebaldpython
January 25th, 2009, 11:14 AM
Thanks for NOTHING Jipes. :D :D Some friend you are. When there's already a fire burning, you don't throw GASoline on it. That just makes it worse. Geez, have mercy.

That Triolian made my knees buckle; I'm woozy. I already am doubled over in agony with the chance of getting a custom made lap steel; then the new DVM OD-2 pedal; then the Vox AC4TV and Little Lanilei tube amps.

Don't light a match near me because I'll go up in flames.

tjcurtin1
January 25th, 2009, 11:25 AM
That was great, Tot, thanks - how do you find this stuff? That wood body is the Johnson flying under a different flag I think - sounds great, can't wait (mine's due tomorrow)!

wingsdad
January 25th, 2009, 12:04 PM
...That wood body is the Johnson flying under a different flag I think - sounds great, can't wait (mine's due tomorrow)!

Congrats to both of you on scoring the JR200's, especially at that killer close-out price. :AOK:

I hope y'all will enjoy playing with your Johnsons ;) :thwap: ...as much as I do with mine :rotflmao:

My squareneck JR200 has given me an excellent starter 'dobro'. I'd found some reviews and discussion about it and the suprisingly good quality of the cone at ResoNation.com, and that tipped me in its direction vs. a Gold Tone Beard for almost twice the price.

D'addario EFT13 Flat Tops (.016-.056); they're specifically 'Resophonic' strings, for less slide/bar/finger noise]

As for 'flying under a different flag', I can't imagine there's that many Chinese factories making decent resos, just like certain Chinese or Korean factories make guitars OEM for various manufacturers.

For instance, here on the left is the Johnson JR-520-CEBM 'Swamp Stomper', a pretty cool biscuit bridge roundneck with a single coil pickup onboard, and the apparently identical Oscar Schmidt OR6CE:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/wingsdad/JohnsonSwampStomperJR-520-CEBM.jpghttp://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/wingsdad/OscarSchmidtOR6CE-1.jpg

What's the difference?

The Johnson lists for $440. The OS lists for $600.

My dealer carries both brands, and had one of each at the same time he got my JR200. He's actually carried the OS version for several years; it's been pretty popular. Other than the different headstock shapes and logos, they ARE the same guitar. So now, if a customer wants one of these, he doesn't get the OS, he gets the Johnson.

tjcurtin1
January 25th, 2009, 08:17 PM
thanks, Wingsdad... :thwap: I haven't even got the guitar yet, and now all I'll ever think of when I play it will be.... At least you may have saved me from inadvertently saying something embarrassing:eek:

Jipes
January 26th, 2009, 04:56 AM
Thanks for NOTHING Jipes. :D :D Some friend you are. When there's already a fire burning, you don't throw GASoline on it. That just makes it worse. Geez, have mercy.

That Triolian made my knees buckle; I'm woozy. I already am doubled over in agony with the chance of getting a custom made lap steel; then the new DVM OD-2 pedal; then the Vox AC4TV and Little Lanilei tube amps.

Don't light a match near me because I'll go up in flames.

:rotflmao: :D No need to thanks me I know lots of good adress for curing your GAS ;)

Blaze
January 28th, 2009, 09:54 AM
Stupid Deal of the day :28/01/09 Epiphone Resonator


http://folk-instruments.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Biscuit-Resophonic-Round-Neck?sku=518591

Jipes
January 28th, 2009, 11:26 AM
Stupid Deal of the day :28/01/09 Epiphone Resonator


http://folk-instruments.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Biscuit-Resophonic-Round-Neck?sku=518591

Beware of the Epiphones they don't have a very good reputation on the slide forums, cheap construction and poor sound:confused:

tjcurtin1
January 28th, 2009, 05:50 PM
Well, the Johnson came in and I'm having fun getting to know it. It looks good all around, nicely built and finished and was in good shape out of the box: neck is straight, no sharp frets (bound neck) action is good for all around use including slide. Sounds good to me so far, though I'm finding that you don't get the full sound of the guitar sitting in back of it, as the sound is strongly projected forward. It seems to like to be played hard, but again that may be because of where I'm sitting... I'm wondering if an easy/cheap upgrade would be an ebony capped saddle; right now the first string seems to have less volume than the rest. Otherwise it resonates nicely, the body really hums when you play it, and there are nice deep undertones coming from those funny grills. All in all, a lot of fun for $135 (including the shipping, to be fair..)

Tot's got delivered to his work after he left for a two week visit to the home planet, so he won't get his 11 thumbs on it till he gets back.;)

Steve206
January 28th, 2009, 06:28 PM
Hey TJ,,

I have my resonator hanging on the wall and every time I cough loudly, the sound reverberates on, inside the guitar. Like having a small grand canyon.

Steve

Jipes
January 29th, 2009, 02:09 AM
Hey TJ nice to hear your first impressions, yes the sound is projected more on front clearly less back resonance than with an acoustic guitar. You can eventually upgrade the biscuit for a National but first look if it's a cheap wood or not that you get. On my Johnson JM-998 (metal body) I change the biscuit for an ebene and it's more clear sound and less string buzzing.

wingsdad
January 29th, 2009, 09:30 AM
... I'm wondering if an easy/cheap upgrade would be an ebony capped saddle; right now the first string seems to have less volume than the rest. ...

It may already be, tj....does it look like the saddle on my squareneck JR-200?

The saddle on mine is ebony-capped maple:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/wingsdad/Johnson%20JR-200-SB/IMG_0462c.jpg

A heavier gauge 1st string may give it more volume.

Tip: when restringing your reso, do them one at a time. If you take 'em all off, you'll be probably be hating yourself as it's likely to dislodge the cone from taking all the downward pressure off the bridge.

tjcurtin1
January 29th, 2009, 06:46 PM
Thanks for the tips, guys. Specially that one-at-a-time string change as I do want to put reso strings on it... No Wings, mine has a plain (but quartersawn) maple saddle. What about adjustments to the screw holding the spider to the cone? I read somewhere that that can affect the tone...

tjcurtin1
January 29th, 2009, 06:53 PM
Just bought another one for a gift for my slide playin' brother. Not at the $99 deal, but still worth it.

wingsdad
January 29th, 2009, 10:08 PM
... What about adjustments to the screw holding the spider to the cone? I read somewhere that that can affect the tone...
I rue the day I have to mess around with that aspect. I got mine perfectly set up (local dealer touch), liked how it sounded open. I say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Since tone with a dobro is so reliant on the bar & precise left hand technique along with right hand technique, as a newbie (less than 2 years) who doesn't practice diligently, my tone's gonna suck :puke: for a long time before I start tinkering with a good thing.

tot_Ou_tard
February 8th, 2009, 10:07 AM
I swung by work yesterday to pick up my Johnson (pause for the rim shot).

Like Ted said. The tuners are tight & a bit cheap feeling, but overall I'm impressed with the fit & finish for the price.

The tone on mine is even across all the strings & has an ebony capped maple bridge. Are you sure that yours doesn't Ted?

I put on an acoustic guitar strap as I always play standing up & it was a mother to get the strap over the pin. I ended up using a small screwdriver & put it on like a car tire. I slipped & scratched the finish near the strap button. Instant relic!! It's got a tough finish as the scratch didn't go through to the color. I slipped again & jammed the small screwdriver into my finger & made a huge bloody gash. This guitar can take a beating.

The sound is appropriately resophonic. The action was a bit high for for my fingerstyle tastes, but still playable. I'm probably going to leave it. It seems just right to switch between slide & fingerstyle.

The only guitar that I have to compare it with is my Godin 5th Avenue.

As to be expected the fit, finish, comfort, refinement, & playability on the Godin far outshines the Johnson. But the Johnson serves a different purpose & seems like it'll fulfill those duties well.

I like looking into the holes & seeing the garbage can lid (ie cone). What a cool concept.

What does the hole in the center of the bridge do? I assume that there is a screw down there for adjusting something. My guess is the bridge height for adjusting the action. Is this so? If not, what does it do & how does one adjust the action.

BTW, there doesn't appear to be a truss rod adjustment screw anywhere.

wingsdad
February 8th, 2009, 11:21 AM
The tuners are a bit tight probably becuz they just may need to be lubed, but it could be due to heavier gauge strings. I use a drop of trumpet valve oil on the gears to lube them (tip: also good for electric guitar bridge saddles). You don't want them loose or your tuning will slip, especially if using heavier strings, just free enuff to adjust easily.

... What does the hole in the center of the bridge do? I assume that there is a screw down there for adjusting something. My guess is the bridge height for adjusting the action. Is this so? If not, what does it do ...
The screw/bolt in between the 2 halves of the saddle is to adjust the tightness of the bridge that lies beneath the top (the spider's legs) to seat that 'garbage can lid' (cone), more or less to hold the cone in place as it sits on a wooden tone ring. If the spider is too loose, the gap will cause the cone to rattle and buzz and you won't be pleased with the resulting tone.

...how does one adjust the action.
Mainly by shaving some off the bottom of the (maple) saddle, the way you might mess a bit with any acoustic guitar. Your action is purposely a bit high from the factory for slide work, with the saddle probably at full height for the dobro model of the JR200 like mine.

BTW, there doesn't appear to be a truss rod adjustment screw anywhere.
Like an Ovation and some other acoustics, it's inside the body, at the base of the neck, accessible by removing the spaghetti strainer.

tot_Ou_tard
February 8th, 2009, 11:52 AM
Thanks Wingsdad.

Yes, I thought that the action was high on purpose as most people want to play slide on these.

I am not gonna mess with anything...for a while at least.

tjcurtin1
February 8th, 2009, 10:43 PM
Yeah, I've decided to leave things be. It sounds good as it is so why mess things up (resisting the tinkering urge... all of those little screws are helping me in this regard). Besides, I've heard you can lose a finger messing with this guitar... :D

Mine definitely has a plain maple saddle - interesting they are different, I'll see what the one I got for my brother has - it comes tomorrow. I did put on some Martin resonator strings (all I could find at the moment) - they are a little brighter and louder than what was on. I haven't looked, but there is what looks to be a truss rod cover - no access there to the truss rod?

tot_Ou_tard
February 9th, 2009, 08:47 AM
Besides, I've heard you can lose a finger messing with this guitar... :D

Does the spider shoot out if you release it? :D

Odd that your bridge is not ebony capped.

Mine looks exactly like this:

http://www.elderly.com/images/accessories/MIPT/RTB16.jpg

tjcurtin1
February 9th, 2009, 10:49 PM
Just got the second Johnson, and it's not as well fit up as the first. Main problem is that the spider sits up much higher in the guitar, so that the saddles are sitting very low in the bridge, and the action is still too high - and can't be lowered further. I'm wondering if it's just a matter of taking it apart and resetting the spider; or perhaps the cone is not sitting all the way down in it's well... Any thoughts? Oh, yes, this one also has the plain maple saddles.

Jipes
February 10th, 2009, 04:28 AM
Just got the second Johnson, and it's not as well fit up as the first. Main problem is that the spider sits up much higher in the guitar, so that the saddles are sitting very low in the bridge, and the action is still too high - and can't be lowered further. I'm wondering if it's just a matter of taking it apart and resetting the spider; or perhaps the cone is not sitting all the way down in it's well... Any thoughts? Oh, yes, this one also has the plain maple saddles.

It's well possible that the cone has moved during transport but if it's under warranty I would bring it back ;)

tjcurtin1
February 14th, 2009, 07:17 PM
Too late! My brother is an inveterate tinkerer (woodwork, cars, guitars, diving gear...) and before I got to see what was happening, he took it all apart, rebuilt the insides (I had heard someone else say the the innards of these low-end imports are pretty rough), adjusted the spider and made new saddles...and put it all back together! Yikes! I should have known. So now it sounds and plays fine. We had fun playing together this afternoon.

Jipes
February 15th, 2009, 06:16 AM
Yikes! I should have known. So now it sounds and plays fine. We had fun playing together this afternoon.

Great to have such a nice brother and playing together is a lot's of fun :AOK:

tot_Ou_tard
February 15th, 2009, 07:22 AM
Too late! My brother is an inveterate tinkerer (woodwork, cars, guitars, diving gear...) and before I got to see what was happening, he took it all apart, rebuilt the insides (I had heard someone else say the the innards of these low-end imports are pretty rough), adjusted the spider and made new saddles...and put it all back together! Yikes! I should have known. So now it sounds and plays fine. We had fun playing together this afternoon.
I'll bet that there are no pics. It would'a been cool to see all the parts.

tjcurtin1
February 15th, 2009, 11:00 AM
Yeah, I was a little bummed that he didn't wait for the weekend so that I could have seen the insides. When I said that, his response (typical) was , "You'll just have to take yours apart." :eek: :( And here I was looking forward to the vicarious pleasure of getting to see the guts without having to open my own....

sollophonic
July 23rd, 2009, 09:13 AM
Just found this thread so I thought Id join in.

A great resource for stuff about resonators is the forum at www.michaelmesser.co.uk Lots of stuff about caring for, playing, modding and buying a resonator.

Also +1 on the Busker Michael Messer resonators. I have one and it is a real beauty. It gets played every day, and is a wonderful guitar. www.buskerguitars.co.uk
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k7/andys_01/MMBluesOutsideshot1.jpg

And yes, I use 15 or 16s strings on mine in open G or Gm tunings.