Upgrading MM Blues 28

[seabass]

Hello, 

any experiences with upgrading the MM Blues 28 with a different cone or saddle? Was it worth it soundwise?

Since I play lap style (with a nut extender), I think it would be better to replace the original rounded saddle with one that is not rounded. Should be more comfortable to play. Since the National cones come with a saddle, I thought about getting one of those and replace both - the existing Continental cone and the saddle. 

Thanks, 

Sebastian

[Stevie]

I "upgraded" my MMB with an NRP biscuit. Quite apart from the fact that the saddle part was too low and had to be replaced with hard rock maple, I had terrible trouble getting the London based distributor to get my credit card number down correctly. There was no obvious discernable difference and the exercise was a waste of time as well as money.

Your Blues 28 is a great guitar and you are already well up the curve on the law of diminishing returns. I'd leave well alone. Others have swapped cones for HotRods: I recall that the jury was out on that one too (and probably down the pub).

e&oe...

[jono1uk]

I have upgraded the biscuit and cone for NRP ones and the tuners for Stew mac ones... i think it was worth it.. but what Michael and others will tell you ..a good set up from someone who is an expert in reso's ..vital ..or the mods wont be worthwhile.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Seabass,

With your particular MMB28 that you are using as a lap steel guitar, my advice would be to get rid of the nut extender and fit a good quality high bone nut for Dobros. Beard/Resophonic Outfitters sell them. You should also change the saddle for a box or maple one and set the strings flat.

I had an MMB28 at home for a while earlier this year. At the time I was going a bit Hula crazy, so I set it up as a square-neck and in high bass G and A it was really good.

Shine On
Michael

[seabass]

Thanks everybody, I will think about changing the cone again but will definitely replace the nut and saddle. 
Michael, what do you mean by setting the strings flat? The break angle from saddle to tailpiece?

Thanks!

[Michael Messer]

Hi Seabass,

Setting the strings flat. What I meant was setting them with no radius. This is better for lap steel playing. My apologies, I worded my explanation badly.

Do not make the break angle (from tailpiece to bridge) any less.

Shine On
Michael

[seabass]

Thanks Michael, I got you now! Is there a benchmark for the break angle? 

[Michael Messer]

Well, as long as there is some angle, but I would not make it any less than it is now.

Shine On
Michael