Resonator Guitar Converted From Old Acoustic Guitar

Intro: 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.......

Comments

[huddlestun1985]

What are the dimensions of the sound well how far down from the top of the guitar did you go

[brosati]

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?

[dhurst58]

I found it odd that he used the Fender hardtail bridge as well but he's not using the saddles as a bridge, if so the scale would be way off. The bridge is on the resonator cone, so it's in the correct position. The only thing that I can think of is that he's using the saddles on the hardtail bridge to try and adjust intonation?

[perpmotion]

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!

[brosati]

Asking because I'm about to take on your project. Looking back, is there anything major you would do differently?

[brosati]

one last question, what did you cut the lid with? dremel???

[freeza36]

what did you fill in the old soundhole with, and how? Also, what kind of bridge is that? I plan on building this soon.

[brosati]

that looks like a typical fender style bridge without the tremelo.

[atoler]

Nice. I'm converting an Alverez acoustic guitar right now myself.

[LucDaRocka1]

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

[MatBishop]

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.

[ALEX_HOLAND]

Congratulations, thats a great Job

[computeruser28]

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 :)

[BenDempster]

Many cheap 'parlor' guitars from that era have classical style headstocks (with metal tuners of course), for what reason I'm not entirely sure.

[mike patterson]

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.

[busupholstery]

The guitar is an acoustic guitar made in Costa Rica........It was only about 5 years old and fairly worthless as a guitar.........

[resophonicguitarist]

In the background of the last picture I noticed another guitar, is that also a conversion?

[resophonicguitarist]

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'.

[dermord]

amazing...how can i downloaded all the photos???

[old_bass_masta]

I like it