makepeace
Just thought I'd ask as it might be something I'll pursue in the future, has anybody here attempted building their own metal body resonator guitar?
I've had a look on the net, and it seems I have a few sheets of galvanized steel lying around (scraps from racing car builds) that would be perfect to construct a body out of.
If anyone has attempted such a project, it would be cool to see some pictures, and hear your insights.
Thanks!
Gearhead
If I were you I'd rather go for new plain mild steel plates instead of the galvanised stuff. I somehow can't imagine the galvanising helping any bit for tone and it also necessitates a full sandblast before chroming (but then, must you chrome? National seems to think so...). Where are you at? Project sounds intriguing....
Bob-Dubery
"Steel" guitars are not necessarily steel. National make several brass-bodied models.
In fact resonator guitars don't have to have a metal body at all. Though it's probably simpler (if you have the expertise) to form a body from metal plates than to "convert" an existing guitar.
racman
Some of the better sounding vintage resonators actually have brass bodies that are then coated.
makepeace
ok so i've found out that the sheets i have aren't actually galvanised, they're mild steel as mentioned above, so they should work fine, if it looks average after i've pieced it together i'll get it plated.
i've been busy at trying to find a plan for the body, to no avail. i've decided to copy a classical body that i have. done some measurements and checked out some cones/cover plates on the net and it seems to be an appropriate size. going to trace it out and get it cut.
the one thing at the moment i can't fathom is how to bend the sides. does anybody know how to do this with wooden sides? because i'm pretty sure that the process will be similar.
another thing, if anyone has any ideas on how to join the pieces i would love to know. i've thought of welding them up, but i've only got a crappy arc welder at home and things could get messy ?. also thought of making tabs and glueing them, with some kind of metal glue (if there's such a thing), but that would leave gaps where the tabs aren't. if anybody has any ideas i would love to hear them.
thanks!
Gearhead
Ideas, plenty ?
Bending the sides should not be a problem, if you cannot shape the plate before joining then your plate is too thick; you will not be able to even carry the guitar once finished. I would say there are two strategies for the sides shape: either you want to reach the final shape before joining along the whole side (like you do with wood) or you bend a little at a time and join that bit before continuing. The former would probably work out best with rolling first and a mold later, the latter just needs a fast joining process.
Quickly joining the sides to the top/back is ideally done with TIG welding, this gives the best result for air tight welds in thin plate. It however requires special tools and a very good welder. If you are able to prebend the sides, you could join using wooden kerfing. There is always a glue that works, packaging should tell the story.
The other thing is, why would you want a classical shape? it is rather hard to achieve and it does not ideally suit the beginner build. Why not a round shape? You can make like Mervyn Davis and shape it like a guitar later...
