Greetings Nation,
So I have several builds under my belt (pictures on my page) and I am wanting to try a resonator build as my next project. I've seen some really cool build but I am having trouble finding anything I can use for the resonator. I wanted to press the Nation for ideas and places to find something usable.
Same goes for tail pieces- I've used heavy duty picture hangers and my most build (the Curly Head) has a mandolin tail piece from CB Gitty (which looks awesome). But I am looking or more ideas fo different, not-so-pricey items that can be used.
As always, your input is greatly appreciated!
D Bell
Replies
I had a good look around a couple of years ago before I had a go at a resonator. One of the best demos I've seen of how to make a CBG resonator from a steel bowl was from Ted Crocker http://tedcrocker.com/cbgreso.html
Also Skeesix did a good blog a while ago comparing the sound you get from different tins (a quart paint can lid, a beer can, an Altoids tin, and a cat food can) - about 3/4 of the way down the page here http://skeesixcbgs.com/blog.html
There is also a group for CBG resonators http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/howloudcanwemakeit
this is good for sure. But youre making a cbg not a national. Theres a gazillion appropriate things. try a coffee can lid. or cut a circle from a cookie tin. or a paint tin lid. if u wanna buy a cone yeah try rooster or old lowe. but you dont need to buy anything. take something from the trash, thats the spirit of what we do here
Yes as keni said Real Resonator cones are real thin - the ones i spin are all of 0.3mm but again as Keni said the strength comes from spinning the cone into a form/Shape
Check out Roostermans page as he sells resonators made from old tin lids he spins himself. I have built several CBG's with these in and they work a treat, cheap too!
Hogs.
When selecting an object for a resonator cone, consider it needs to be flexible enough to move and vibrate. Although, at the same time it needs to be sturdy enough not to collapse in from the pressure of the strings. It appears that most builders usually select something too stiff. Commercial cones are very thin. Certainly the volcano cone (or inverted) shape is a secret to it's strength. Basically, resonator guitar cones work just like banjo skins too. String tension is another important consideration. Not enough downward pressure (strings too loose) causes poor tone and they are prone to buzz / rattle. Too tight, locks up the cone and it does not vibrate correctly. I hope this info helps. Enjoy your build, Keni Lee
Don't go to the store, don't spend a cent. I guarantee you there is a dozen or more suitable cones in your kitchen and garden shed. As for tailpieces... Well there's probly 350 of those :D one of my favourite of my own was a chunk of an old leather boot. Just build it mate
Donny,
Because I build my own boxes, which are generally larger (12" x 10-1/2" x 3-3/4") than a standard cigar box, I had to come up with a different tailpiece design. I decided on very cheap steel cutlery, specifically, forks and spoons, to use as trapeze-style tailpieces. Check the photos on my Profile page.
For reso's check the local pet store, for small metal dog or cat bowls. Another reso idea is any sort of "tin" ( steel, actually) can, like cans of peaches, drip coffee, tuna, things like that. Check your local junkyard for cars from the 70s and older for metal, not plastic, hubcaps, and any model car for license plates. Also, the local thrift store for metal cookware lids. Check local building sites for any spare aluminum duct work, and feed and seed stores for unusual or obsolete machinery. Ask at lighting stores or even HD or Lowe's for trashed metal fan housings or light fixtures. Cruise the local Walmart; pretty soon, every piece of round or oblong metal you see is gonna start looking like a potential resonator. Also, spread the word about what you're doing, and the kind of things you're looking for, amongst friends, family, cashiers and managers at the stores you trade at, etc; people will find stuff for you, and you may gain a whole bunch of new customers, assuming you want them.
Ya gotta start thinking like a CBG. :-) Good luck, man.