License plate top or wood?

Hi, I want to build a license plate guitar, but I am confused as to whether to plate acts as the top of the box or the plate rest on top of the wood top of the box. Does anyone have experience with this?

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  • Hi, IF you use the plate as the top (open underneath) you should get a "tinny" sound, reminding you of a resonator, with wood fully underneath, if the plate is not tight, you'll get a bunch of buzzing  i would think. I have some old plates, and am planning to build them out. My plan is to make frames from old cabinet wood I have, plate for top, make bottom, probably out of plywood.

    Hope this helps.

    Mike

    • Thanks for your reply. I think I might try a full wood box beneath the plate, but with a sound hole in the wood top that would allow for some resonation.  I have the coolest plate to use!

      FFD2672D-5757-417F-B0EE-E9551974B468.jpeg

    • Darn, no place to Like the license plate image.  I'll just Like the whole thread, then :)

  • If you want a resonator sound, the license plate should be free with nothing underneath it.  You will need to brace under the bridge so it doesn't collapse. 

    I have done both... Solid body license plate guitar... the plate is basically a pickguard...

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