I have a really nice License Plate resonator made by Big Daddy Mojo. The problem I have is sliding on the thickest string which always sounds a bit dull and is hard to do.

As far as I can see, I have two choices. I either raise the action by putting a raiser up at the nut end. This would make it harder to fret notes though. Second choice would be to bet heavier strings. I am going for this option and will get a set of Martin Resonator Strings set at 16, 18, 26, 36, 46, 56. and use the 16, 18, 26 and 36 tuned to D, g, b, d.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002IJJVFG/ref=oss_product

Would that help? I know its all a bit of experimentation but am I at least on the right lines?

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Are the windings on the string broken or heavily worn? I remember the outer winding broke on one of my strings and suddenly the string sounded dead. I replaced the string and it sounded OK again. How is it hard to play with a slide on the heavy string? Does it buzz?
The strings are brand new. I have been busy studying for some exams since I got the guitar a few months back and, now that I have finished my studies. I have more time to play. So it sat in my study hardly touched until now and I have been dying to have more time to use it.

It's hard to explain. It has a resonator plate inside. Even when I don't use a slide, it sounds more like a banjo and doesn't resonate much but that could be down to my style of playing and practice. With a slide, it sounds 'dead' and doesn't ring out clearly. I try various amounts of pressure. To much and you get clatter on the frets obviously. Too little and it buzzes. When I do manage to get a note out of it at fret #3, it does not sound like I want it to sound. More like a dull unsustained note.
I would suggest you contact Big Daddy Mojo for some advice.
Michael,

I have already fired off an email to him. There's no harm in getting a second opinion. Besides, it encourages discussion by posting it on here and other people might benefit from the replies.
There is a small possibility that the cone has crushed a little more on the side with the thickest strings. According to videos I have seen, Big Daddy cuts the bridge on the biscuit of the resonator to compensate for this reality, but maybe it is a hair low on the thickest string because of this tendency by the cone. Is the action at the highest fret the same height on the smallest and the largest strings? If so, then it is probably something else and I am out of ideas. I am sure Big Daddy will take good care of you. I have done business with him and he is a good guy to work with.

Brian Hunt.


Norm Fasey said:
Michael,

I have already fired off an email to him. There's no harm in getting a second opinion. Besides, it encourages discussion by posting it on here and other people might benefit from the replies.
Is it electric?
Cheers Ron
Mungo Park said:
Is it electric?
Cheers Ron

Yes it is.
I don't get much sustain from my CBG, and my CBG tuned GDd sounds a bit like a banjo. (Playing acoustically).
So I went and changed the strings yesterday but that didn't help. I did notice the bridge is not setting centrally on the cone. Could that be the reason? also what about the tension screw on the cone? Can I adjust that? Hope the cone isn't damaged?

Norm
Hello Norm,
I think you are on the right track. The proper string tension that allows the guitar to ring correctly and also allows the slide to ride on smoothly is a relationship between string gauge and tuning. If your instrument has a standard scale length, the strings and tuning you have selected should work well together. I use these strings and tuning on my resonator CBG.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLGnnF-TIbY
Please feel free to write if I can be of further assistance. Enjoy, Keni Lee
Thanks Keni,

I am just waiting on delivery of the new CD. Can't wait. There is definitely enough tension on the strings. Can too tension be a bad thing too? E.G. Stopping the cone from resonating?

Norm

Keni Lee Burgess said:
Hello Norm,
I think you are on the right track. The proper string tension that allows the guitar to ring correctly and also allows the slide to ride on smoothly is a relationship between string gauge and tuning. If your instrument has a standard scale length, the strings and tuning you have selected should work well together. I use these strings and tuning on my resonator CBG.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLGnnF-TIbY
Please feel free to write if I can be of further assistance. Enjoy, Keni Lee
Yes. At worst, too much tension can crush a cone. They get a crinkle like a stepped on aluminum pie plate. It can also lock up the cone so it cannot vibrate correctly. Resonators are different than standard guitars. They work more like banjos. The downward pressure on the cone / skin created by the correct string tension is what drives the cone / skin. This is why light strings on a resonator don't work too well. They do not generate enough energy when they vibrate. Tuning up to a or e is dangerous. Keeping it in lower than standard keys like d or g is better. Use a capo to go up. Enjoy.

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