|
Post by resolive on Oct 13, 2017 0:40:26 GMT
For a while I actually tried to lower the action on my resonator as much as I could because I was using the resonator for fingerstyle playing, but I recently got a new guitar which is very comfortable for fingerstyle so I'd like to raise the action back up on my resonator to explore slide playing. Turns out I've had it for over 5 years now (I think), and I got it used, so god knows how old the cone is. I read on the Beard website that they recommend changing it every 2 years or so. I was wondering if that's true, and if I could get some advice on whether or not I should just go ahead and change mine. In which case I'd get cone and biscuit and go to town on setting it up. I guess the upside is that if I ever decide to lower the action again I can always swap back the old cone and biscuit. I saw that the 9.5" Beard cones go for $55 without the biscuit, and the National cones go for $80 with the biscuit. If the biscuit is in the $20 range I guess it's a wash. Do they sound the same though? Does one sound 'better' than the other (whatever that means)? If changing the cone doesn't seem necessary, I was thinking of simply getting a new bridge insert to replace the old one. Is that a good idea? Extra question: has anyone tried the Krivo pickup? I'm thinking of electrifying the resonator eventually, it sounds like fun... Thanks in advance for the help! Cheers!!
|
|
|
Post by bryanbradfield on Oct 13, 2017 1:27:24 GMT
How much do you want the action raised by? Is there a deep enough slot in the existing biscuit to enable you to slip a shim in under the existing saddle to reach the new action you seek?
|
|
|
Post by resolive on Oct 13, 2017 1:35:37 GMT
Well, I'm not entirely sure how much to raise it by. I assumed that a new biscuit or insert would automatically add enough, and that I could just decrease it from there if needed. How much action is recommended for slide playing (with a little bit of finger action)?
|
|
|
Post by bryanbradfield on Oct 13, 2017 2:06:00 GMT
Action for slide, or finger-style, or a blend of both is such a personal thing. I don't think that hoping for new gear to solve the dilemma is the answer. If you get the new stuff with the action a bit high, and then lower it, you may go past your hoped for arrival point. Then what? I would be inclined to try to mod what you have. If shimming is impractical, a new taller saddle could do the trick. What you have not mentioned is any dissatisfaction with existing sound. If you like your current sound, I believe it would be wise to try to retain that aspect of your current set-up. I have to admit that I don't play a biscuit bridge instrument and never have to any great extent, so I'm not sure how agreeable it would be to shimming the saddle, but it is the first thing I would consider. I also have to admit that I am very handy with tools and guitar repair, resophonic or otherwise, and I thoroughly enjoy doing my own set-ups.
|
|
|
Post by leeophonic on Oct 13, 2017 5:12:41 GMT
Looking at your post initially I thought you had a Dobro with a Spider cone, the changing of the cone is the type of talk you hear with Dobro players, a good marketing trick or an Urban myth, I am no expert but I keep my cone (Beard Dobro) firmly where it is.
The National cone is recognised as having the industry standard sound, hence the price differential, plus you get the biscuit to adjust your action.
There are other things to try, heavier strings, truss rod adjustment, shim the saddle with your existing biscuit & cone set, have a new nut cut.
Take it to a luthier who knows resonators and talk action & playing style they should know the correct solution to your guitar.
Lee
|
|
|
Post by washboardchris on Oct 13, 2017 6:14:23 GMT
Dont know what your action is like but you dont need an action that is silly high to play slide.the cone in my 1934 National was made around 1934 and it still sounds fine .
|
|
|
Post by pete1951 on Oct 13, 2017 7:57:13 GMT
As Lee says, some Dobro players change cones often, generally National players like the sound of aged cones. Lee also gives good advice with 'easy' ways to change action. 1)heavier strings 2)slacken truss rod. If these don't do the job, time to get out the knife!
|
|
|
Post by resolive on Oct 13, 2017 11:12:22 GMT
OK, so it sounds like the 'change your cone every 2 years!' is kind of a marketing ploy. I think I'm just going to get a new saddle... I'm having difficulties finding one though, seems like most are for spider bridges, so I don't know if they'll fit a single cone bridge? Is the only difference that the spider bridge inserts are split? I guess I could just get a new biscuit such as this one and use the saddle? @bryan: I like the sound, but I was thinking maybe I got used to it and didn't notice if it slowly 'worsened'. You know, like when you change your strings and the old ones were kind of old and all of a sudden your sound is all snappy and all... :-) I don't think I'm at the very handy stage yet, but I do like working on my guitars and setting them up myself... Thanks for the replies!
|
|
|
Post by jono1uk on Oct 13, 2017 12:25:50 GMT
Search for a place called Stewmac they sell them
|
|
|
Post by creolian on Oct 13, 2017 14:18:55 GMT
OK, so it sounds like the 'change your cone every 2 years!' is kind of a marketing ploy. I think I'm just going to get a new saddle... I'm having difficulties finding one though, seems like most are for spider bridges, so I don't know if they'll fit a single cone bridge? Is the only difference that the spider bridge inserts are split? I guess I could just get a new biscuit such as this one and use the saddle? @bryan: I like the sound, but I was thinking maybe I got used to it and didn't notice if it slowly 'worsened'. You know, like when you change your strings and the old ones were kind of old and all of a sudden your sound is all snappy and all... :-) I don't think I'm at the very handy stage yet, but I do like working on my guitars and setting them up myself... Thanks for the replies! Beard sells instruments and parts through the reso outfitters website. I have a beard odyssey and it's obvious that's a recommendation for pros who change strings every gig. I have a friend who's been playing on Bourbon Street for the last 30 years, usually at least 6 nights a week and sometimes two bands. His guitars are relics after two years... Billy Gregory
|
|
|
Post by bonzo on Oct 13, 2017 16:07:07 GMT
Michael, I know you must be bursting to say something! Best wishes to you all, John
|
|
|
Post by resolive on Oct 13, 2017 16:35:37 GMT
Search for a place called Stewmac they sell them Yeah they do but they all mention spider bridges for some reason... although at least they give the thickness, which I think is OK, so I think I'll just go ahead and order one of those...
|
|
|
Post by Pickers Ditch on Oct 13, 2017 16:50:57 GMT
|
|
|
Post by resolive on Oct 13, 2017 17:36:27 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Pickers Ditch on Oct 13, 2017 18:21:40 GMT
Aha! I took the easy way out by changing the biscuit and saddle together coz I couldn't find a saddle blank thin enough for the original Republic one.
My wood working skills are terrible so all I had to do was trim to height and cut the string grooves.
|
|