Resorector - Posted - 04/16/2009:  04:08:59

What brand of cones are in these? What is the optimun string gauge? Any advice and/or knowledge of this brand would be appreciated.

Brad Bechtel - Posted - 04/16/2009:  07:56:32

Regal tricones have Regal cones in them (i.e. they are not any specific brand like Quarterman or Beard). The optimum string gauge would depend on whether you're playing a round neck guitar or square neck guitar, and what tuning(s) you're using. Regal tricones are usually made in China and are very decent sounding instruments, especially for the money.

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Bradskey - Posted - 04/16/2009:  08:57:07

Probably not much different from the Johnson or <Insert Boutique Brand> tricone guitars. The cones are stamped or spun in Asia somewhere most likely. A lot of people will find one that is solid and hot-rod it with name brand cones from National Resophonic, Beard, Quarterman, even Continental.

Edited by - Bradskey on 04/16/2009 08:58:38

Resorector - Posted - 04/17/2009:  14:13:36

Thanks for the info. I've ordered national cones but after reading about changing the strings one by one and reaking all sorts of havac, I'm leary about doing any surgery.
is it really that dificult?

garry uk - Posted - 04/20/2009:  12:44:10

I too have a Regal Tricone. I've had the saddle replaced with bone and intend to have the same done with the nut when I get round to it. I would be VERY interested in the results of a cone transplant and would like to know if they just drop in.

It's the coolest guitar I've ever had. Gains me instant attention when I get up to play with it and seems to be opening doors for me that no other instrument has. Played well straight out of the shipping crate, no buzzes or rattles, and I've encountered far more expensive instruments that couldn't make that claim.

I use 13 - 56's by the way for a mixture of slide (it's a roundneck) and straight fingering.

myspace.com/garrymsmith

Resorector - Posted - 04/20/2009:  14:50:37

Yeah, very happy with mine. I undersatnd it has a bone nut already. I installed an ebony tipped saddle with nice results. I've also put the national conesinthis weekend and made a big difference. However the 3-point bridge's pins don't fit the cones so you have to gingerly dremel them a tad larger. The on;y other improvement I could make is heavier strings but I don't play slide. I use .012's

Bradskey - Posted - 04/20/2009:  19:55:03

Cool! I think NRP cones for tricone and biscuit are the best, especially the newest variety. And yes I've understood all Regals to come with bone nuts for some time now, but could be wrong.