DBrooker - Posted - 07/19/2009:  05:15:43

Sorry if this is a dumb question - I just traded for my 1st squareneck, a Galveston, yeah, I know it's a cheapie - Anyway, the strings have the ball end on the top side of the tail piece - is this correct? On my original Dorbro brand round neck dobro they are on the bottom side of the tail piece - the Glaveston I believe is a buiscut bridge so I'm not sure if this was the reason for the difference in the way it was strung - I want to put new strings on it so this is why I'm asking - Thanks for your comments - Dennis Brooker

DNickell - Posted - 07/19/2009:  06:28:07

If I'm reading you correctly, you are asking whether the string should run over the top of the tail piece towards the bridge; or under the tail piece towards the bridge. I remember there being a heated discussion on the Big Road Blues site about that--but that was for round necks. Some claimed it didn''t make and difference and others claimed it made a tonal difference. Some claimed it changed the angle of the string as it crossed over the bridge. Others claimed it changed the way the string contacted the tail piece.

I tried changing it on my Dean roundneck. I couldn't tell a difference so i went back to the way it was when it arrived. Best I could tell, it was more about ease of restringing than sound.

Others can add much more as I am also new to squarenecks, but my understanding is that as long as you don't dramatically, or rapidly, change the pressure on the cone it isn't going to hurt to experiment. I had my round neck apart and even upgraded the cone, biscuit and bridge set up, but I haven't had any reason to pull my square neck apart, yet.

Also, I don't think I ever saw a sqaureneck with a biscuit bridge.

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How do you know you can''t if you never tried?

DBrooker - Posted - 07/19/2009:  06:38:17

Yes, it is a spider bridge - Thanks DNickell - I still look forward to any additonal comments - DB

SlimPickins - Posted - 07/19/2009:  06:58:37

If you check over on Reso-Nation, there was also a large debate about stringing squarenecks quite some time ago. The same thing happened over there where some people thought that the ball end should be under the tailpiece to increase the angle on the bridge, and some that went with putting the strings over the tailpiece. I personally go over the tailpiece - it's much easier and quicker when changing strings, and I think the tone is best, to my ear, this way.

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Life''s too short - sit back, relax, and enjoy the music!

-Brent

Dan Brooks - Posted - 07/19/2009:  08:44:33

My opinion only...

If stringing up backwards (which is the strings under the tail with the ball ends on top) improves tone, then there is a setup problem with the guitar. If the break angle over the saddle needs increased, it shouldn't be done with that stringing method. There is an optimal angle that is created by the combination of correct saddle height and correct stringing and placement of the tailpiece. Once you put an over amount of tension on the cone you could just remove the tension screw and throw it away because string pressure is forcing the cone and spider together so hard that it no longer serves it's purpose. The guitar may play but the cone won't last long...and the tone and volume would be destroyed.

Again, my opinion only.

Dan Brooks
B & B Resophonic Guitars
therarelyherd.com/documents/27...tion=show

Edited by - Dan Brooks on 07/19/2009 08:45:09

DNickell - Posted - 07/19/2009:  09:13:17

Do some resonator guitar tailpieces have an angle adjustment like on banjos?

I tried both ways on my round neck and could not hear a difference. I went back to over the top, like it was strung when I got it, 1) because it was easier, and 2) if it came from the factory/store that way, I assumed it was the proper way (that's not always a safe assumption).

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How do you know you can''t if you never tried?

SlimPickins - Posted - 07/19/2009:  09:20:10

Good to hear an actual explanation as to what's going on. Like David, I figured if my reso arrived that way with the strings over, that's the way it should be.

I've never seen or heard of an adjustable tailpiece - just the standard tailpiece you usually see, and the trapeze style. That would be an interesting development though.

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Life''s too short - sit back, relax, and enjoy the music!

-Brent

Edited by - SlimPickins on 07/19/2009 09:23:35

jaykellogg - Posted - 07/19/2009:  11:33:08

[quote]Originally posted by DNickell

Do some resonator guitar tailpieces have an angle adjustment like on banjos?


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According to Paul Beard in his video there should be a dampening pad between the tailpiece and the coverplate. Thy suggest making one out of leather.

W. Jay Kellogg

DBrooker - Posted - 07/19/2009:  12:31:39

"According to Paul Beard in his video there should be a dampening pad between the tailpiece and the coverplate. Thy suggest making one out of leather.

W. Jay Kellogg"

Jay - Can you be specific as to the thickness of leather - I have everything from deer skin to skirting leather - Should it be just thick enough to stay in place due to the pressue based on the thickness? DB

Edited by - DBrooker on 07/19/2009 12:33:50

jaykellogg - Posted - 07/19/2009:  17:54:45

I used a belt. It was actually pretty thick. Paul didn't specify. He said to glue it to the back of the tailpiece.

W. Jay Kellogg

DNickell - Posted - 07/19/2009:  18:15:13

quote:

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Originally posted by jaykellogg

I used a belt. It was actually pretty thick. Paul didn't specify. He said to glue it to the back of the tailpiece.

W. Jay Kellogg

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jaykellogg - Posted - 07/20/2009:  03:57:09

The guitar didn't have a buzz before. It just adds a soft pad between two metal parts to avoid any potential buzzes.

W. Jay Kellogg

DNickell - Posted - 07/20/2009:  04:45:56

So, if it buzzes, use a belt on it? Sounds a bit stern. I like my new PBS, so I think if it starts buzzing I'll try putting it in time out--and roll up my shirt sleeve to get the buttons away from the coverplate. My sleeve buttons on a banjo head had me convinced of a major problem once. When I figured out what the problem was, I was so upset I wouldn't talk to myself for several hours.

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How do you know you can''t if you never tried?

alaya - Posted - 07/20/2009:  05:47:34

My PBSM came from Beard with a cylindrical hard rubber piece installed between the tailpiece and the coverplate under the edge of the tailpiece, in front of the string holes.