Wolneberg - Posted - 06/30/2024:  13:26:51

Hello everyone! I received my first resonator the other day. I have played guitar for years, so not new to that aspect.

I also play harmonica with the guitar and use a rack that connects the harmonicas through a magnet. I was thinking it might be possible to attach a magnet to the body of the guitar and attach the harmonicas to these again, so I can have 3 harmonicas 'strapped' to the body. I got a steel body, anybody got experience using magnets on resonators?

The other question is more general. The previous owner had it set up for fingerplaying with quite low action. Right now it's easier to use slide on my regular acoustics than the resonator because the action is so low. What would be good solutions to raise the action? Loosen truss and get a higher bridge?

daver - Posted - 07/03/2024:  06:31:41

Hello and welcome!



I see no issue in placing a magnet on your steel body resonator. It will not affect anything with the guitar. Place and remove carefully to avoid scratches. I'm sure a powerful rare earth magnet will have more holding power, but use a standard ceramic magnet if you have a pacemaker for heart conditions.



Do you plan to play both fretting and slide? If so, you will want to only adjust the truss rod to provide relief, or a slight forward bow. With a capo on the 1st fret and holding the string at the 12th fret, you should have a gap of 2.5 to 3.5 mm above the 6th fret. Then you would adjust the action at the bridge saddle. The process will be somewhat different for biscuit bridge and spider bridge resonators, and will be more involved than removing a saddle from an acoustic guitar bridge. Here is an overview from Stewart MacDonald, who also provide parts you may need.



stewmac.com/video-and-ideas/on...chniques/

Resonator guitars require more setup attention than regular guitars; proceed with care and seek a resonator guitar setup professional if needed (yes, there probably aren't many in Norway).  Good luck with the project!