Shaftsbury Resonator (maybe Del Vecchio)

[brotherdan]

Hi,

I have a shaftsbury resonator guitar that my father gave to me, some 30 years ago. I learnt to play on this guitar and it holds a lot of sentimental value. Unfortunately this guitar has been kicked from pillar to post and is now missing the biscuit bridge cone and the biscuit bridge. I have looked online for a replacement but cannot find anything the correct size. The hole for the cone on the guitar measures 235mm across.

I also think this is a "Del Vecchio" guitar although I have never seen it with the cone cover on so cannot be 100% sure.

Would anyone be able to help or point me in the right direction with sourcing a new cone and bridge and possibly give me anymore info on the guitar. I would love to restore this guitar back to its former glory (or at least playable) and hand back to my father so he can play it again.

  

Many thanks in advance,

Dan

[Michael Messer]

Hi Dan,

Shaftesbury "Del Vecchio" style resonator guitars are a bit of a mystery that nobody seems to be able to give a definitive answer about where they were made. Shaftesbury, which is owned by Rose Morris on Shaftesbury Avenue in London, claim they were built in Japan sometime between 1968 and 1975, but I think they are too close to the real thing for that to be the whole truth. Certainly the components must have come from Del Vecchio themselves, and maybe the whole thing is theirs.

You can get a spare cone from Resophonic Outfitters in the US. Here is the link....

www.resophonicoutfitters.com/product/DVC-127.html

Shaftesbury Del Vecchio guitars are not particularly valuable, but they are very rare.

Shine On
Michael

[brotherdan]

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your reply, I have emailed Rose Morris for any information but have not heard anything back as yet. Also beard guitars are out of stock for the del vicchio cone but I have emailed to see if anymore will be coming in.

The sentimental value of this guitar far out ways the cash value and it is not something I would want to part with. It was always knocking around the living room when I was a kid and everyone played it when the visited the house.

Many thanks again

[Michael Messer]

Hi Dan

I doubt if Rose Morris will know any more than I do, but you might be lucky. It was all a long time ago and I doubt if any records were kept.

Regarding the cone; if Beard are not getting any more, maybe Paul McGill in Nashville can advise you. Also, keep an eye on eBay, someone might be selling a Del Vecchio cone, or a beaten up old guitar that you could use the parts from.

Keep me posted with your progress.

Shine On
Michael.

[brotherdan]

I will Michael, thanks you again

[bod]

Just wondering if anyone can advise on approaches to string choices for a Shaftesbury (Del Vecchio-style) resonator guitar. In short, is it just like picking strings for a National-style biscuit bridge instrument (in which case I know what to get) or are there other factors to take into account?

Thanks

[Michael Messer]

Hi Bod

I think they sound best when strung with classical strings.

Have you checked the Del Vecchio website for info?

Shine On
Michael

[leeophonic]

Del Vecchio have a presence on facebook, www.facebook.com/lojacasadelvecchio explore this more there.

Lee

[bod]

Thank you Michael, and Lee 👍

[Michael Messer]

Jun 4, 2021 18:49:50 GMT bod said:

Thank you Michael, and Lee 👍

It seems that most people do use steel strings on them. Here's a beautiful film of Chet Atkins playing Hawaiian Wedding Song on a Del Vecchio Dinâmico.



You could contact luthier, Paul McGill in Nashville. Paul made a couple of Del Vecchio style guitars for Chet Atkins and I believe for Earl Klugh. I am sure Paul would advise you about the best way to string one of these instruments.

www.mcgillguitars.com

www.lojadelvecchio.com.br

I have often hankered after a Del Vecchio, but have never bought one. Maybe a new Dinâmico from Brazil is on the cards!

Shine On
Michael