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Resomole - Posted - 09/25/2008: 01:30:34
I have a Chinese-built Fender FR50 which is somewhat lacking at the bottom end. I've tried different string gauges with negligible results and think it's time for more radical action. So. . . . . having read some of the threads on the HO I think a change of cone is called for. I've stripped the instrument down and have found what looks like a stamped cone which does 'ding' when struck but seems to have more in common with a pie dish! A Quarterman QD1 cone will set me back £40 ($70 approx) in the UK. In the opinion of other members is this upgrade likely to make any significant difference to this admittedly budget instrument i.e. is it worth the investment? Also can anyone recommend any further upgrades to consider? 
With thanks from a newbie
SGB - Posted - 09/25/2008: 09:51:27
If you're going to do this you replace the cone, replace the spider with a #14 spider, the bridge inserts to maple or ebony capped maple, replace the nut with a bone nut and you should probably replace the tuners as well. All these parts can be gotten from Resophonic Outfitters beardguitars.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?
At the same time you should probably order Paul Beard's maintenance video. I did this myself to a Chinese dobro I bought off of Ebay. I also added an Allen tailpiece. In the end it didn't sound as good as a Paul Beard Gold Tone. What I did get was an education. Knowing what I know now I wouldn't have done it. I would have bought a new or used Paul Beard Gold Tone. You're stripping it all the way down to the box and the Gold Tone box and assy is just that much better not to mention a Paul Beard set up. Just one man's opinion.
Steve
9 out of the 10 voices inside my head are telling me to go home and clean my guns.
Brad Bechtel - Posted - 09/25/2008: 10:33:45
Besides the cone, at the very least I would consider upgrading the bridge inserts. That made a huge difference on my 1993 Hound Dog Dobro©. I don't know that the upgraded tuners are a necessity, but certainly would fit in the "nice to have" category. After spending the money on the cone and bridge, you could then decide if the upgrades so far make the guitar acceptable, or if you should buy the guitar you should have gotten in the first place. :)
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Brad''s Page of Steel:
well.com/user/wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to electric and acoustic lap steel guitars
D.L.Huskey - Posted - 09/25/2008: 11:36:39
What Brad and Steve said. And if you decide to add a new spider bridge with the cone, I would make sure the cover plate will fit over the bridge and cone before I buy it. I have come across a couple with shallow cover plates that hit the legs of the bridge.
D.L.Huskey
Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Resomole - Posted - 09/26/2008: 02:34:07
Thanks everyone. Your advice and experience are much appreciated. We're not overburdened with reso-friendly luthiers in my part of the UK ( North Yorkshire) so I'm trying to improve this beast myself. I'm particularly concerned now about coverplate/spider clearance. I think I'll start with the cone upgrade and then take stock. I guess the adage you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear may be painfully appropriate.
Frank
Resomole - Posted - 10/01/2008: 07:21:11
Well folks I've upgraded the cone to a Quarterman and totally transformed the sound. There's heaps of bass and mid frequencies, it's infinitely louder and the sustain goes on and on. If anyone else is thinking of scrapping their Fender squareneck take my tip. A £40 cone replacement is well worth the outlay. The QD1 cone dropped straight onto the soundwell ledge as if it were made for it. 20minutes work and Iv'e got an instrument rather than a guitar with a dustbin lid.
Frank
'Regal Black Lightning' 1 day
'Willie Payne RIP' 5 days
