I am considering a build using the top of a one gallon tin can for a resonator. Can anyone talk me through how to tweak the box and plan the bridge? Thanks in advance.
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Here is my 25c worth. I put a paint can lid in an existing CBG. It is my "Beater". My first guitar and kink of my test bed. The box is home made and the top is easily removable and replaceable. Thin Plywood.
First , you need to know the scale length you want to use. I use 650mm or 25 5/8". This is the first step in planing any stringed instrument.. Also how many frets you want. Also if you want frets to continue onto the body and how many..
Then you have an idea about how long a body you need. The bridge should be around 1/3 of the distance from the back of the box to the front. This will give the soundboard the ability to vibrate well..
Next, plan your resonator. The bridge should be near the center of the resonator or at exactly the center.. Keeping in mind the diameter of the resonator.
With a neck through body design, you will have to relieve the top of the neck considerably to fit the lid in. Be sure to have plenty of wood in this part of the neck.
Here is a photo of my beater with a stressed paint can lid. It sounds pretty good. I epoxied the lid to the top after cutting the appropiate hole.
I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Is it going to be a wooden box with a circle cut out, the tin lid resting in the hole held in by its rim and then a bridge on the lid?
I have just made an (almost) resonator out of a rectangular biscuit (cookie) tin, with just s couple of sound holes in the top and 2 piezos - one on the back of the neck under the bridge and the other on the back of the lid. Sounds good acoustically but feedback is a pig with the volume turned up any way at all. I just don't want to take it apart right now.
Good luck with yours