C.L. Buterbaugh resonator guitar

[Michael Messer]

I am really not sure what to make of this, or indeed what the point of it is. You can put a resonator and coverplate in a chest of drawers if you want, but why....

This looks to be well built and kind of looks quaint because of its turn of the 20th century look, but it's got to be virtually unplayable. I am sure there'll be a video somewhere of someone doing something with it that may well prove me wrong, but with all due respect I am really not sure I get this at all. It is too big and cumbersome to play Spanish or lap style, and the sound must wallow around inside and lose all definition.

Does anyone know anything about this resophonic wardrobe?









Here's the spec from a Japanese retailer:

Extra-large body without neck; standard National-type resonator with nickeled coverplate set in lowe
body; fingerboard glued on upper body top; eleven standard frets on rosewood fingerboard; spruce top; koa
back; fancy twooden inlay design ring around resonator coverplate; wood rope marquetry purfling arouna
body top and sound hole; early 1930s
Overall length: 97.2cm
Scale length: 62.8cm
Body length: 79.2cm
Body width:upper bout 34.8cm
waist 27.8cm
lower bout 45.8cm
Body depth: increasing from 7.8cm to 9.7cm

Shine On
Michael

[leeophonic]

I really like what the white plastic bit finishes it off otherwise it would be overkill.....

Lee

[pete1951]

As someone who regularly plays a sink(with drainer) you soon get used to the bulk. You may also remember my 18” coned resonator, which is basically a giant body of similar dimensions to the monster above.
Pete

[Michael Messer]

...Oh I forgot to mention that it can be yours for $4500 USD

Shine On
Michael

[creolian]

That pretty much takes the cake for odd stringed instruments Ive ever seen. Then again Id never heard of a Mohan Veena before arriving here. I wonder if its intended to play Japanese music with... it reminds me of a mexican guitaroon (spelling ? ) maybe its just meant to thump out rhythm . There is another instrument played by bending strings behind the bridge but even that doesnt look practical on that beast.  Maybe its intended to be played with a bow ?

It looks like it would sound baggy and loose as Michael mentions. Maybe it has baffles inside ? Who knows... beautiful wood anyhowze.

Thats all I got... it may be the first guitar Ive ever seen that I don't want...lol

Best,
Jeff