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Post by faulkner on Oct 22, 2021 14:57:44 GMT
Hi all, thanks for letting me join this wonderful forum. I have a question: I recently purchased a *****S parlour size resophonic, and i am generally very pleased with it, except that it does have a very pronounced resonance, when I'm playing or even when it's just propped up on the sofa, and I'm chatting, it always seems to be joining in the conversation!! At the moment i have lightish strings, EADGBE having restrung from John Pearse heavier ones in open G, and I still have the same problem, in that the sound isn't particularly clean, but has many overtones. The A string especially seems to boom. Has anyone ever had the problem, or got any ideas how to reduce the resonance, I'd love to hear any suggestions. Thanks
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Post by Michael Messer on Oct 22, 2021 15:21:52 GMT
Hello Faulkner
Welcome to our forum and thank you for your kind words.
Everything I am going to say in this post is meant to be helpful and informative, and not in any way negative or criticism.
Resonance is something inherent in resonator guitars, but they have to be designed correctly to have a controlled amount of that resonance. Certainly they all talk back to you and sing along with sounds in the room, but that is not generally that noticeable unless you have a few of them. Another point that may or may not be relevant, is that when these guitars were invented in the 1920s and 30s by John Dopyera there were no p[arlour size instruments in the catalogue. Parlour size resonator guitars were "invented" by the late owner, Frank Helsley, of Republic Guitars in Texas. Frank was a great guy and was full of enthusiasm, but his knowledge and understanding of resonator guitars was very basic. I know this because we used to talk on the phone and occasionally he would say things that showed me what he knew. Much like me talking about cars and engines to a mechanic, it becomes evident in seconds that I know nothing about them. So while parlour size resonator guitars have become popular because of their cool appearance, most of them do have design faults. Having said that, there are many people that are very happy with their parlour resonator guitars.
A few questions....
Is this your first resonator guitar?
What brand and model of guitar do you have?
What gauge of strings are you using?
Can we see a couple of photos of the guitar, especially of the way it has been set up?
I hope my words are helpful.
Shine On Michael.
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Post by pete1951 on Oct 22, 2021 15:30:48 GMT
One of the joys of resonator guitars ( particularly in open tuning) is the way they react to sound. When played without string damping they give extra harmonies and when hung on the wall they will ‘talk back’. I often sing at my wall hung resonators. As do 72% of Reso players ( I just made that up, but as you probably know 57% of statistics are made up)
If it’s a problem you could try to lay a strap across the strings, or tuck a foam wedge under the hand rest ( when not in use!) Pete
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Post by faulkner on Oct 22, 2021 15:40:25 GMT
Thanks for the informative reply Michael. My guitar is an Icarus Minolian with 11 to 46, previously set up with John Pearse 15s, and yes, this is my first resonator, bought on a whim! I've played guitar, tenor banjo, fiddle, Irish flute and Formby style banjo uke for the past 50 odd years. I've set guitars and banjos up for optimum playability and sound, but never a resophonic, so I'm grateful for any help. The guitar is setup as the came from the supplier in Bournemouth. Harry
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Post by faulkner on Oct 22, 2021 15:43:03 GMT
Yes my wife thinks I have another woman when my guitars and I have a conversation, when she goes to bed!
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Post by Michael Messer on Oct 23, 2021 10:33:19 GMT
Hi Faulkner,
My pleasure.
11/46 are pretty light for a resonator guitar. Most players use 13/56, and those that prefer lighter gauges tend to use 12/54.
I am sure your guitar is very nice, but without seeing photos of the setup it is not possible to comment on that aspect of it.
Shine On Michael
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Post by faulkner on Oct 23, 2021 11:00:44 GMT
I'll try some 12-54s. What in particular would you like to see in the photos?
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