Protecting reso body?

[spikeymikey]

Hi. I have just taken delivery of a new MM Blues. Its taken a while to turn up - I think Robin has been carving it out of Welsh granite (or maybe anthracite - for a 'dirtier' sound)! That's the price you pay for personal service. Robin - quite rightly - won't be rushed.

Anyway the man from Parcelforce delivered it on Friday and it looks and plays great! It's my first reso so I am getting used to a different playing style. I am starting to master finger picks and a more attacking style to get the heavier strings working best and that authentic sound.

But already I have noticed some chips on the edge of the body near where it meets the bridge. I am guessing this is inevitable when using a slide on a painted reso. Is this the case? Do I just live with it? Or could I tape that area (or maybe use a rubber slide ) Anybody got any suggestions?

Spikey

[Michael Messer]

Hi Spikey,

I am pleased that you are happy with your MM Blues guitar, and with Robin's excellent service and customer care. Thank you.

Painted metal bodied guitars do chip. Original 1920s & 30s National Duolians & Triolians are the same, the paint chips.

You could put tape on it, but it will never come off without taking the paint off. I think I would just leave it.

This may sound sarcastic, it is really not meant to come across in that way at all, but if your slide is banging the body you should work on your technique so that it doesn't. I have been playing the same resophonic guitar every day at every gig I have done for the past 14 years and there are hardly any marks at all where the slide has hit the body, and I use a heavy 4 ounce steel slide. It takes time and practice to get these techniques, but it is worth it.

Keep in touch and if you ever have any questions, I am always happy to advise.

(I have moved this thread into Main Street to keep MM guitar discussions away from the rest of the forum)

Shine On
Michael.

[spikeymikey]

Michael

Thanks for the reply. To be honest I was prepared for some marks. I guess its just the nature of the materials involved (BTW I use glass slides and plastic picks). It may be more obvious on the MM Blues because of its dark colour.

Interesting to hear your thoughts on technique. I confess to being a relative novice with a slide - but I have been using one on a grand auditorium sized acoustic for some time. I think the beading on that may have given some protection against my clumsiness! Also any chips will be in the lacquer and not so obvious. Maybe I am angling the slide too much for high fret, first string notes? Or maybe its more of a problem with 12 fret guitars.

I tend to agree with your thoughts on tape too. I can't think of any that won't leave a residue, or worse, pull off more paint when changed/removed. Just wondered if anyone had come up with an ingenious solution.

No worries about the thread move. I thought it might be a more general topic not restricted to MM resos.

Spikey

[Michael Messer]

My pleasure Spikey.

Keep in touch, best wishes

Shine On
Michael.

[pete1951]

Michael didn`t say that he has his slide on his ring finger, this means his little finger hits the guitar before the slide!
However I use my little finger and have not noticed any new chips on my painted guitars so maybe technique is the answer
PT

[Michael Messer]

That is true that I wear the slide on my ring finger, but I do not think my little finger protects the guitar as it is always well out of the way. It is a technique thing that if one wants to protect the guitar and not make clanging noises, has to be mastered.

Shine On
Michael

[Stevie]

There are different grades of masking tape including "low-tack" variants. You can try sticking the tape to your skin once or twice. This will transfer some skin oil onto the adhesive and reduce its "grab"
A good tip is to avoid leaving any tape on for long, otherwise it will indeed stick fast. Don't press the tape too hard because some are pressure sensitive.
This is not a problem that I've encountered at work unless the item has not been prepped properly and degreased / made free of dust and primed. All standard stuff really. Applying tape near to a paintwork edge is a different matter (eg by "F" holes)
Your mileage may vary so caveat emptor!

[slide496]

I've used 3m blue delicate painter tape- when I've taken the cover off, to tape the screws near their respective holes, very lightly as it can leave a residue, or white artist tape. Thanks for the tip of sticking tape to skin.

[Matt]

I play on my ring finger generally. One of the first things i did to my MMB and my acoustic guitar was nick it below the neck with the slide. I don't do it anymore, practice makes perfect!

Anyway, if you want that real vintage look you need to chuck it down the stairs a couple of times