wmrazek - Posted - 02/13/2009:  01:43:34

I have just purchased my first resonator guitar. It's a normal right handed Regal 45. I would like to convert it to a left handed. Any one having experience of that? Or some advices and "don'ts"?

With a guitar its easy, it's the nut (saddle?) up on the neck that must be changed. But with a reso I don't know, for example the bridge on the resonator is made in two pieces on my Regal. Do I have to change anything here? There is heavier pressure from the three bass strings than the three "treble" strings.

(Sorry for my bad english...)

Wolfgang

jaykellogg - Posted - 02/13/2009:  04:11:22

You will have to reverse the nut. I would guess that it would work better to get a new one, but yours may be able to be reversed. Under the coverplate, you just need to reverse the spiderbridge. Turn the beidge and cone 180°. This assumes the setup is excellant. On low cost resos, you sometimes find the ledge where the cone sits is not real smooth.

W. Jay Kellogg

phil dean - Posted - 02/13/2009:  07:20:23

You cant just turn the bridge and cone 180 degrees without reslotting them. The nut and saddles are slotted at an angle referred to as the takeoff. The saddles are angled downward towards the tailpiece, and the nut is angled slightly downward toward the end of the headstock. You probably can use the same saddle and nut after taking them to level and reslotting them to the proper takeoff angles. If you dont reslot them the angles will be on the wrong side of the saddles.

masteresoguitars.com

wmrazek - Posted - 02/13/2009:  08:05:35

Thanks for the input! I believe I have to take a look at some schematics, drawings or pictures of the resonator before I start. Can I find this on the internet? Of course I can buy a book but I'm eager to get started tonight... If someone can recommend a good book or dvd about it please do.

Phil: Do you mean that the nut and saddle shall be grinded down to a new lower level and then reslotted? If so then the string height will decrease slightly but does it matter (as it is very high now)?

Wolfgang

phil dean - Posted - 02/13/2009:  08:18:57

If it is low now you may have to consider doing a new one. You may lose volume and sustain if it gets too low, also the set up will be off if you change thje hights of the nut and saddles.

masteresoguitars.com

Edited by - phil dean on 02/13/2009 08:31:39

Beard Guitars - Posted - 02/13/2009:  08:50:13

Just to reinforce Phil. You'll need new inserts and nut. Essentially...the guitar will have to be set up again.

Howard Parker
Beard Guitars, LLC
howard@beardguitars.com
301-733-8271

jaykellogg - Posted - 02/13/2009:  09:16:30

Dan Brooks posted this. stewmac.com/freeinfo/instrumen...etup.html

It details pretty much how to do a new setup. You can purchase the nut and bridge inserts from Beard Guitars. I would consider going an extra $52.50 (US) for a Beard cone which would improve the tone of your Regal. beardguitars.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?

W. Jay Kellogg

piknleft - Posted - 02/13/2009:  11:34:17

Might give a call to "Stevearino" at RedLine Reso. He converted/set-up my Rambler to a lefty and did a fine job. Very friendly and helpful in every way. Hard to believe he's from California ;-) (That oughta get a rise from 'im) New bone nut and saddle. I'm having a great time with it. Whole different kettle of fish from guitar and mando but I'm gettin' more comfortable with it every day. Mike