Hello!
So heartening to find a community interested in the same things as me. I am a keen guitarist, amateur builder and blues obsessive!
Recently built a 3 string, stick dulcimer, 4 string fretted, 6 string and just starting a tin banjo. Seem to be going for a full orchestra!
I would be glad of some advice on making a 6 string resonator. In particular I would like to build my own neck and I am a bit unsure about the need for a truss rod. Any help much appreciated.
My first build: 4 string, short scale
Hi Roosterman
Thanks for the welcome! I am originally from over the water in Norn Iron. Have lived in Dundee, near peebles and now near New Galloway. I have to say I love it here especially as it reminds me of home a lot!
I imagine you are getting a lot of building done being more than likely stuck with the snow! ...........
Wish i was snowed in, would get loads done!!
Roosterman said:
Welcome! Good to have another brit from north of the border! I know your area well - I used to stay near Dumfries, tho Im up in the Highlands now.
Im of no help with your question, except to say 'listen to Mr Chickenbone' - he knows what he's on about with resos!
Cheers John thats great advice just what i was after. will get cracking when i get the time!!
ChickenboneJohn said:
For a 6 string, you'll need a truss rod, although I often use a solid steel 10mm square fixed reinforcement epoxied onto the neck, which gives a fair bit of rigidity, and makes a neck which has a nice "ring" to it. Building a 6 string with no truss rod or reinforcement is asking is asking for trouble -you might get away with it, but I wouldn't risk it. It's easy to install, just a rout in the neck, drop it in, glue on your fretboard and that's it. You can buy off the shelf single or dual acting rods for around a £10-15, or if you are a cheapskate like me make your own from 6mm allthread, a barrel nut for an anchor and a long hex connector nut as an adjuster (works out at less than £1 for each trussrod!).
I've made several 4 string reso box guitars using uke cones, but haven't yet used one for a 6 string..I think they might be on the limit in terms of durability with 6 strings, as they are really only designed to work with 4 low-tensioned nylon strings. If you are using a 'found object' like a coffee can lid as a resonator, then you'll get away with it..but the results can be unpredictable..but that's what it's all about isn't it?
For a 6 string, you'll need a truss rod, although I often use a solid steel 10mm square fixed reinforcement epoxied onto the neck, which gives a fair bit of rigidity, and makes a neck which has a nice "ring" to it. Building a 6 string with no truss rod or reinforcement is asking is asking for trouble -you might get away with it, but I wouldn't risk it. It's easy to install, just a rout in the neck, drop it in, glue on your fretboard and that's it. You can buy off the shelf single or dual acting rods for around a £10-15, or if you are a cheapskate like me make your own from 6mm allthread, a barrel nut for an anchor and a long hex connector nut as an adjuster (works out at less than £1 for each trussrod!).
I've made several 4 string reso box guitars using uke cones, but haven't yet used one for a 6 string..I think they might be on the limit in terms of durability with 6 strings, as they are really only designed to work with 4 low-tensioned nylon strings. If you are using a 'found object' like a coffee can lid as a resonator, then you'll get away with it..but the results can be unpredictable..but that's what it's all about isn't it?
Welcome to the forum and very nice build. I've never been to Scotland, but always felt the the pull to go there. My ancestor were from Scotland. Guess they were not real good people, but still...
A six-string reso build is challenging in (at least) two ways, compared to the "typical" through-neck 3- or 4-stringer:
The cone typically needs to sit in a sound-well inside the box, which means you can't run the neck through. Instead, you have to build something more like the traditional guitar neck attachment.
The typicall 1x2 oak neck isn't strong enough to stand up to the added string pressure: you need to reinforce, typically by laminating multiple pieces together, or by adding a truss rod.
Barefoot Cajun is the current Reso-King here: check out his photos for lots of tips and ideas.
Replies
Thanks for the welcome! I am originally from over the water in Norn Iron. Have lived in Dundee, near peebles and now near New Galloway. I have to say I love it here especially as it reminds me of home a lot!
I imagine you are getting a lot of building done being more than likely stuck with the snow! ...........
Wish i was snowed in, would get loads done!!
Roosterman said:
ChickenboneJohn said:
Im of no help with your question, except to say 'listen to Mr Chickenbone' - he knows what he's on about with resos!
I've made several 4 string reso box guitars using uke cones, but haven't yet used one for a 6 string..I think they might be on the limit in terms of durability with 6 strings, as they are really only designed to work with 4 low-tensioned nylon strings. If you are using a 'found object' like a coffee can lid as a resonator, then you'll get away with it..but the results can be unpredictable..but that's what it's all about isn't it?
Barefoot Cajun is the current Reso-King here: check out his photos for lots of tips and ideas.
Home that helps!