Puguglybonehead - Posted - 11/22/2009:  23:45:48

I've been trying to find information on metal body fabrication for resonator guitars. There doesn't seem to be much out there. I want to make a few of my own with either steel or bell-brass bodies. Thing is, although I'm certified to TIG weld, (an all-stainless body would be sweet!) I've no idea how National and others actually fabricated their metal bodies. Were they welded from sheet metal? Or were they stamped? All the books I find only have information on laminate or solid wood construction. Nothing on the fabrication of metal bodies.

I want to use my own design, which has an offset waist and better access to the upper frets for fingerstyle playing. I also think it would look pretty nice, having an all-metal, thinline with an offset shape. I've only built solid body and cigar box guitars so far (mostly neck-through designs).

Currently attempting to build a reso-bass for my girlfriend. Using a biscuit-type cone, and a mix of maple, spruce and laminate. I doubt I'll get it done in time for Christmas, which was my original intent. 32.5" scale, offset waist, thinline, neck-through. It's a Frankenstein design, because I know so little about acoustic construction. It will be weird, but hopefully loud enough for acoustic jams. If it doesn't look like ass when it's done, I will post some pictures.

Anyways, if anybody knows of some sources on metal body guitar construction, I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks,

Paddy

Slideman1939 - Posted - 11/23/2009:  11:05:27

Contact Bryan England at custominlay.com.He bought at auction some 'seconds' of metal bodies from Gibson/O.M.I. when gibson elected to discontinue metal body production. No necks and not instrument grade but the price is right. So you would have a mock up or model of the dimensions and from the actual instrument you would see how they edge welding and silver solder finishing. An actual example to study and cheap. you aren't going to find it in any book.

Puguglybonehead - Posted - 11/23/2009:  22:05:48

Now that's a great idea! Makes sense. I will see what he still has.
Thanks!
Paddy

ekerr121257@aol.com - Posted - 12/04/2009:  19:07:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by Puguglybonehead

I've been trying to find information on metal body fabrication for resonator guitars. There doesn't seem to be much out there. I want to make a few of my own with either steel or bell-brass bodies. Thing is, although I'm certified to TIG weld, (an all-stainless body would be sweet!) I've no idea how National and others actually fabricated their metal bodies. Were they welded from sheet metal? Or were they stamped? All the books I find only have information on laminate or solid wood construction. Nothing on the fabrication of metal bodies.

I want to use my own design, which has an offset waist and better access to the upper frets for fingerstyle playing. I also think it would look pretty nice, having an all-metal, thinline with an offset shape. I've only built solid body and cigar box guitars so far (mostly neck-through designs).

Currently attempting to build a reso-bass for my girlfriend. Using a biscuit-type cone, and a mix of maple, spruce and laminate. I doubt I'll get it done in time for Christmas, which was my original intent. 32.5" scale, offset waist, thinline, neck-through. It's a Frankenstein design, because I know so little about acoustic construction. It will be weird, but hopefully loud enough for acoustic jams. If it doesn't look like ass when it's done, I will post some pictures.

Anyways, if anybody knows of some sources on metal body guitar construction, I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks,

Paddy

---

ekerr121257@aol.com - Posted - 12/04/2009:  19:16:52

Try looking at mimf.com, sign up so you can enter thier forum then go to other string insturments and there will be one for resos, scroll down to the one w\over 100 pics. this guy is building the coolest national replica you have ever seen. good luck to ya !