Hello all. 

I've got a cheap, used, Regal that I'm trying to get into shape. I'm certain that I want to replace the cone with a scheerhorn cone as soon as I can afford it. However, I don't know much about spiders. And I have some questions.

When/why do they need to be replaced?

How do I know what kind is in this one?

What differences do spiders make? 

I can say that I took it apart to make adjustments, I tried to level the spider legs, and shaping that thing was tough. I've read to be careful with it, but I was pressing with all my weight to try and bend those legs even the slightest bit. It feels very heavy duty. Is that bad? 

Most import spiders are masssive and dead sounding. The U.S. made "No 14" may look a bit rough but it is much more musical sounding. You can get them pre-leveled for a small fee. I'd hold off on the cone until you can swing the spider. It'll make a significant difference if you can replace both.

Add a new nut and set of inserts and that'll be all the parts you usually need for a complete setup.

h

I have had some experience with spiders.

1. Replacing spiders: Most folks replace cheap inferior sounding spiders with an upgrade such as a #14 from Beard, or Steve at Redline, or Schoonover. There may be other sources, these are some quick suggestions.

2. What is in your guitar? Although I can't say for certain what is in you guitar, most of the imports (with a few exceptions) like your Regal cut corners on hardware and install a cheap spider that will not provide optimal tone, volume and sustain.

3. The spider is in the chain of vibrations (sound) from the strings to the cone. How it transmits sound is of great importance to how your guitar will sound. Some spiders are much better at others at doing this. Others may elaborate on the specific characteristics that allow this.

The good spiders that I have experience with are cast aluminum alloy that will bend some, but are also brittle and will break if stressed too much. Leveling a spider is usually a process of sanding the legs on a flat surface and some minor bending. It does take some technique.

Dave

The cone is the heart of the dobro and good spun cone will be a big step in making a better sound,also a good leveled spinder and and good set of bridge inserts...These are the things that make a big differance..Also try to get the hightest string height with out hitting the over plate,and level from nut tell bridge...All this is good ideas....

Most import spiders are quite heavy, and not leveled at all. The alloy seems to be softer also. You can try leveling it yourself. If you have a table saw with a cast iron table, set the spider on it, wtih a piece of sandpapaer facing up and slide it back and forth. This will show you which legs need adjsutment. It may not be out much, you might be able to level it just using the sandpaper. Or you may have to bend a leg, but be careful - you break it,you buy it! lol......There definatly is a difference in spiders though. A bit back I replaced one in one of my guitars with an RLR ( Redline ) spider. Wow, what a difference. My other guitar had an intonation problem caused by years of string tension egging the opening. I corrected this by using an offset spider. There is a marked difference in the tone, not nearly as bright, the highs certainly are not there any more. I attribute this to the added weight of the offset spider, because it is a good brand ( Beard) and I know they use a good alloy. I may try relieving it a bit to reduce the weight and see what that does to it. The catch-22 here is - how much are you willing to spend on that Regal?