- Set up plays an absolutely critical role in the overall sound of resonator guitar!
- Most, if not all off-the-shelf mass produced resonator guitars do not have optimum set up. (The new Wechter/Scheerhorns and Gold Tone's set up by Paul Beard are exceptions).
- A professional set up can make an inexpensive resonator guitar sound 100% better. The difference is truly amazing!
- Chances that your local "Guitar-Mart" repairman knows how to do a good set up on a resonator guitar are slim...
| Off-the-shelf Resonator Guitar | OMI Dobro professionally set up by Tim Scheerhorn |
Maple saddle - note relatively low saddle height=less than
optimum tension
on spider/cone assembly |
Ebonex capped saddle - its a little difficult to see, but the
saddle fit is snug and fitted as high as possible in order to
"load" the cone; create ideal tension on spider/cone assembly.
Ebonex is harder, more consistent material than maple and
improves transfer of string vibrations to cone/spider assembly |
Nut - Low action makes it difficult or impossible
to use resonator guitar capo, decreases playability and responsiveness |
Nut - 3/8" height improves
playability/responsiveness and allows
use of dobro capo |
If your guitar sounds like this... Resonator guitar (no set-up) Video Demo I highly recommend you consider a professional set up. (note: this particular guitar sounds and plays extremely bad! Most off-the-shelf resonator guitars don't "buzz" this bad, but they don't sound great either)
Here's a video clip demonstrating a Regal resonator guitar - before and after pro set-up by Chicago based player/luthier/repairmen Mitch Nelson.
Regal resonator guitar w/professional set up by (Chicago based player/luthier/repairman) Mitch Nelson (PowerPoint presentation)
What: Professional Set Up
- Install bone nut 3/8" to 7/16" from underside of strings
- Install ebony capped saddle (or saddle capped with synthetic material like ebonex, which is used by Tim Scheerhorn
- Install Quarterman cone - best analogy - the difference between fine china and a plastic plate
A good set-up includes quality parts, but it's the attention to detail in set-up that makes the difference
Attention to detail includes...
- Cone has to fit "just right" in guitar body - the edge of the cone has to be in a relaxed state. Not too tight, not too loose
- Spider to cone - all spider legs have to lay perfectly flat on cone.
- Bridge insert - must be a snug fit, with action as high as possible to exert significant downward pressure/tension on the spider/cone...this is a key element and works best with a Quarterman cone. A poor quality cone may collapse under pressure
- Attention to detail is a critical factor in nut string slots: a poor string slot can "pinch" off notes
|
I have seen several "do-it-yourself" mod jobs, none of which turned out well. This OMI dobro was purchased on EBAY and promoted by the seller as having professional set-up. It had all the right parts -Quarterman cone, ebony capped saddle, high bone nut - but the string spacings on the nut were way off, it buzzed like crazy and overall sounded bad! | |
 |
Here is a video clip of the same guitar after set up by Tim
Scheerhorn (You can also reference a high quality audio clip
of this guitar in the guitar comp section) (click on photo) |