Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: evansakes
Date: 15 Sep 10 - 05:53 AM

Thanks all, but at the moment I'm going to keep looking for a squareneck rather than investigate ways to adapt the roundneck.

I don't fancy the option of using lighter gauge strings or detuning from open G to open E.

One thing I haven't yet worked out is this biscuit vs spider bridge question....I need to do a little research in that area.

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: SonnyWalkman
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 01:14 PM

I've got a Regal (spider bridge, round neck) with a nut-raiser, I play it in E G# B E G# B which is the same relative tuning as GBDGBD but without the stress on the neck. Works fine.

Tony

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 12:33 PM

I played lap-style on a round-neck with an extension nut adapter for about ten years before finally getting a squareneck. I used GBDGBD tuning with no problem.

The only string in GBDGBD tuning that's tuned appreciably higher than "standard" is the low string (G instead of E). If that's a concern, swap it out for something a bit lighter.

The real problem with playing an adapted round-neck is that most of them will never sound anything like a squareneck. The vast majority of round-necks have a "biscuit" bridge that rests on the center of the resonator cone. Squarenecks have a "spider" bridge, which is essentially a set of 8 metal "legs" that rest on the outer rim of the cone. The tone of a biscuit bridge reso is a bit muffled and generally considered suitable for bluesy styles while a spider bridge gives a more open and brassy sound suitable for country and bluegrass styles.

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: Mavis Enderby
Date: 14 Sep 10 - 03:24 AM

even the cheapest was a bit more than I'd want to spend on something I may not be able to play that well

I think punkfolkrocker is giving you good advice. I'd try a riser nut on the resonator you've already got. You might want to mix a couple of string sets though - a heavy set for the top four (DGBD) and a light set for the bottom two (GB). Might be an idea to detune after playing too...

It would at least give you something close to the sound you want at minimal expense...

Just my 2c / 1.3p

Pete.

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: evansakes
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 03:16 PM

Thanks, Stu. I met some of the Music Room folks at Shrewsbury....and nice folks they were too, one and all.

Since they're up in Yorkshire it won't be easy to look at the trade in options. Hobgoblin have comparable instruments down here too and I'll discuss possibilities with them next time I can get down to the Central London shop. I'd had a look at their 'Squarenecks' a few weeks ago....they had three or four but even the cheapest was a bit more than I'd want to spend on something I may not be able to play that well.

I thought I'd just check out the possibilities on the private scene first (and the Mudcat grapevine) before looking at the retailers route. In the meantime I'm also keeping my eyes peeled over at eBay

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: s&r
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 07:44 AM

Music Room stock them. John is a fair trader and would I'm sure look at the trade in.
Here

Stu (no connection, but I've done business both in person and by post)

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: evansakes
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 12:13 PM

Thanks. I've already thought through those scenarios. All the advice I get is that if you want to put the right gauge strings on to get the full fat sound that a normal guitar neck will not take those tensions. I've got a nut-raiser and have used it on an old practice guitar to make an acoustic lap steel. It's not ideal in many ways eg strings are too light, machine heads the wrong way....

I'd rather see if I can get the right instrument with (ideally) a nice bone nut that's properly fixed rather than 'floating'

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 11:28 AM

sorry for multiple posts, i'm up and down stairs keeping an eye on sunday dinner...

this is a decent specialist ebay shop
selling better made good quality nut raisers
similar to the last ones I bought.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NUT-RAISER-HAWAIIAN-LAP-STEEL-GUITAR-PLAYING-/370430751430?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item563f64b2c6#ht

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 11:13 AM

anyway, thats what i do with 2nd hand electric guitars
afflicted with frets that are too worn & irregular for normal use.

It works well enough for me in open D and Dm tunings
using regular 11 gauge strings...

Subject: RE: Got squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 11:07 AM

maybe...


if you've not already tried and ruled it out,

a cost-effective compromise
is a metal nut raiser [a few quid off ebay]
to increase the height of the nut
parallel to the bridge

and a set of heavy gauge lap-steel strings

[assuming the Stagg guitar is sturdy enough to tolerate the increased tension]

Subject: Squareneck resonator for sale? (UK)
From: evansakes
Date: 12 Sep 10 - 08:45 AM

I recently got hold of a budget roundneck resonator. It's a nice guitar but not expensive (it's a Stagg)

Trouble is I quickly realised I'd made something of a mistake and it can't really be used or adapted for lap-style slide playing in bluegrass dobro tuning (GBDGBD) which is what I was interested in using it for.

So I'm on the look-out for a comparable squareneck instrument.

I might be happy to trade mine if anyone knows someone who has made an equal but opposite mistake.

I'm in the London area...thanks, Gerry