All, 

I have been wanting to get a resonator for some time.   I also know that I want to do it right and get the best the value for my buck, even if that means dropping serious dinero.  So I have started the saving process, and the wife influencing process. 

I have also been looking at the option of assembling a kit and doing it myself with quality parts,  just for the joy of building it.  I have never really tried my hand at wood working so it would be a learning curve.  I have looked at a few of the resonator kits out there and decided most required more talent/tools than I have. 

I was drooling over the classifieds and I saw this posting from Greg McKenna for a partially built kit.  It looks like some of the hardest work is done and I was wondering if one thought it would be possible for a newb to finish and install the hardware.  To me it seems like it would have a lot of potential, based up on the quality of work that goes into it. 

http://www.resohangout.com/classified/4364

Thanks, 

~C

No one can answer that for you but you. Maybe contact Greg and ask him what is involved. He is a great guy and I am sure he would be willing to help. I guess you would say nothing ventured nothing gained. Good luck to you.

I looked into doing this in the past.  Even though I never went through with it, the one kit that seemed the most "pre-completed" to me, especially since I lack much in the way of woodworking equipment or skill, was the Adams kit.

Here's a link for that:

http://adamsresonator.com/guitar_kit.html 

By the time you factor in all of the included hardware (coverplate, cone, spider, tailpiece, tuners, etc.,) it looks to be great deal at $595.00.

Edited by - SteveH on 07/17/2012 11:18:58

I would say go for it, also agree to talk to Greg. I refinished a Tut Taylor and bought the kit from Stew Mac. It had everything including a book, the pre work in filling, sanding and getting the grain to stand up is the key to a pro finish, then lots of layers of Nitro. The guitar is the one I am holding in the band picture. Actually now that I remember I bought that body without any hardware and put it together.

I built out an 8-string kit from Gregg a few years back.  He did a lot of handholding, and everything worked out fine. I see that his new kits already have binding, which makes it even easier.  I had the finish professionally done, as I wanted piano black - cost about $400.  For a natural finish, consider some of the thin wipe-on finishes from Luthier's Merchantile - takes time to build up a lot of thin coats, but very easy and probably the best bet for someone without spray gear and experience.  Hardware is easy if you take your time.

Well there you have it. Looks like the yea's have it. Let us know what you decide and keep us abreast along the way.