Introduction: Resonator Guitar Converted From Old Acoustic Guitar
I had this old acoustic guitar and decided to convert it to an electric resonator guitar.....I'm retired in Costa Rica and my tools and resources are limited so it's more work with what you have.....The cone is an angel-food cake pan......The cover plate I made from an aluminum pot lid.......The electronics and pickups (Stratocaster style takeoffs) I ordered on ebay...... I refinished the whole guitar and added new frets........The cutout is popsicle sticks glued, filled with wood filler, and sanded smooth.......
1 Person Made This Project!
scarletspider19 made it!
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41 Comments
Question 1 year ago
So, I know this is an old post (and I'll probably not get an ansuwer) but I can't figure out what the rivets are holding in the photo with the edge supports? Is there something under there? I'm about to start cutting up an old busted dreadnought and I like this design, but that's the one step that confuses me...I see the wooden supports, but rivets? I'm so confused!
5 years ago
Asking because I'm about to take on your project. Looking back, is there anything major you would do differently?
Reply 5 years ago
one last question, what did you cut the lid with? dremel???
9 years ago on Introduction
what did you fill in the old soundhole with, and how? Also, what kind of bridge is that? I plan on building this soon.
Reply 5 years ago
that looks like a typical fender style bridge without the tremelo.
5 years ago
Wouldn't moving the bridge to the bottom completely change how the guitar is tuned? Ideally wouldn't you want to keep the bridge in the same place it was originally placed?
5 years ago
Nice. I'm converting an Alverez acoustic guitar right now myself.
9 years ago on Introduction
another way to make the resonator cone is by taking a metal strainer and metal bowl and putting the bowl upside-down in the strainer..... this guy did it and documented how to build the whole thing.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afo-AkFSezw&feature=plcp&context=C47fd663VDvjVQa1PpcFMAuATA_2WriQRGP1RzRwAAsmQIO9Sjgsk%3D
9 years ago on Introduction
Fantastic! I wish I had the time (and brain power) you put into your instruments!
How is the "bridge" pickup held in place?
I think I'm going to do this same conversion with a cheap 12 string I have.
10 years ago on Introduction
Congratulations, thats a great Job
11 years ago on Introduction
i dunno, but isn't that a classical guitar (judging from the head)? i'd think you should be using an actual acoustic guitar for those steel strings, but if it works fine then good for you :)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Many cheap 'parlor' guitars from that era have classical style headstocks (with metal tuners of course), for what reason I'm not entirely sure.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
The back angle on a "classical" style headstock is only 10 degrees as opposed to 15-17 on a steel string style headstock, to achieve the same string break angle --meaning you can use a thinner piece of wood for the neck. Also both ends of the tuners are supported which is a good thing.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
The guitar is an acoustic guitar made in Costa Rica........It was only about 5 years old and fairly worthless as a guitar.........
10 years ago on Introduction
In the background of the last picture I noticed another guitar, is that also a conversion?
10 years ago on Introduction
Wow you did a great job!
http://www.youtube.com/user/rightwingted feature=mhsn#p/a/u/1/HfWaD1goeXk
With your skills you should have one of these guitars for free!
It is a Regal RC-51 Resonator Guitar. BTW I am not that great at playin'.
11 years ago on Introduction
amazing...how can i downloaded all the photos???
11 years ago on Introduction
I like it
11 years ago on Introduction
I love it!
I'm going to run off with my own version of your idea!
Way to go!
11 years ago on Introduction
First class work!