Bookasan - Posted - 08/23/2024:  18:06:33

Hello All!

I am new to this group and fairly new to Resonators, but not new to guitars.



I recently picked up a Del Vecchio Dinamico at a local auction for a decent price but it is a little on the rough side.

I am thinking about restoring it but have a couple questions, and am hoping somebody here is familiar with them.



First thing is the nameplate on this one is an irregular octagon shape instead of rectangular like most I have seen, and does not have a patent number.

Is this any indication of when it was manufactured?



A couple of the covers on the openings are torn. Does anyone know what kind of material this is or where to obtain something close? I found some mesh ribbon but the weave is tighter and doesn't have the same double stitch pattern.



It wasn't playable when I brought it home so I took it apart and re-shaped the aluminum cone. That did the trick but I am still considering buying a new one from Beard Resophonic. Has anyone replaced one of these and are they a close match to the original?

Edited by - Bookasan on 08/23/2024 18:11:00

 

jacknj - Posted - 08/23/2024:  19:32:06

A 1960s version listed on Reverb.
reverb.com/item/52552388-del-v...s-natural

SamCy - Posted - 08/23/2024:  22:28:13

Paul McGill designed his own version of a Del Vecchio resonator guitar. See his story attached. He may be able to answer your questions.

mcgillguitars.com/resonator

hlpdobro - Posted - 08/24/2024:  06:40:03

I recall at least one Del Vecchio repair/restoration at Beard Guitars during my tenure. Interesting creatures.

I personally would replace the cone but only AFTER the guitar is on the way to being playable.

FWIW (and just in case you are not aware), the guitar is designed to use nylon (classical guitar) strings as I recall. The axe that Chet Atkins played (standard guitar strings) was heavily modified to take the additional tension.

Those guitars that I've inspected were trashed because of incorrect string usage.

Beyond the above, I don't know much about these guitars.

Good luck with your restoration.

h