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I am in planning stages of my first resonator build. I have decided to got open box on this first one with a mixture of guidance from both my Beard plans and the Dusina article. It will be a solid mahogany box. I am working on my neck ideas and since I play only lap style slide, frets only serve a locational function. I have heard of other material for fret wires and would like some more input from a wider knowledge base. What do you think might look nice instead of fretwire?

I use contrasting veneers, usually Birch. They fit perfectly in a standard fret slot.

Thanks Mike. I was thinking about maple so I am going in the right direction.

I finished my body mold for the resonator. It is a R body based on my Beard plans. It seems that this forum is not getting much attention. Well, we need to work on that.

The 'R' sides are now bent and in the mold. I have the neck blank ready and will begin working on it next. I want to cut the mortise and tenon joint so I have a neck block ready for glue up on the sides.

Where can I read the Dusina article? I'm about to build my first resonator (a square neck). Why did you choose mahogany?

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I have gotten further along since my last post. I thought I would add some additional pictures of my progress
If you were at the St. Louis Gathering last month you will recognize the body.

Tomorrow I start on the fretboard and neck.

On the final leg of the finish. I have grain filled, strayed 3 sets of 5 with shellac, level sanded twice, now, hopefully, this is my finish set and then final sanding with micro mesh. It really has been more enjoyable than I anticipated. Finishing should become an element in the standard treatment of ADD. It might be better than drugs... LOL just teasing.

Final pictures to follow soon...

Well it is finished. My first resonator in solid Mahogany. It was sweet to see the light reflect in the final finishing and then hear some nice clear tones when I played the first time. As I was warned but many of you, I am hooked. It is hard to describe the feeling you have when you play an instruments in which you have play such an intimate role in its creation. Thanks to all of you who were so supportive on here.

On to #2 ( in Maple )

Very nice!

Wow Ken that is really nice. If you are able to make it to the Old Time Music Festival, here in West plains next year, bring it along. I enjoyed our visit during this years event and look forward to doing it again next year.

Cecil

Thank you for the kind words. It as a good start and look forward to #2.

Cecil, I hope to have a couple more to bring. Talked with Jerry Hibdon and they are excited about hosting the 2nd annual Gathering of Luthiers in St. Louis next year. The date is not final but they would like a reciprocal date in April. I hope you are able to join us this year. Your work would a grand addition to the displays.

Build looks very nice Ken . Hows # 2 coimming along . I hope to see that one played a little at the next gathering.

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Ken,

That's some nice work!

After a few more steel strings, I will be attempting an open sound well reso.

Could you tell me whose hardware (cone, spider, and tail piece) you went with?

Thanks,

Mark

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A world without music would Bb.

Looks great Ken, I keep forgetting this forum since I don't do resos, so I lost track of this project. It came out nice. If I am not mistaken, #2 will be maple with that nice set you got at Hibdon this spring.?.

BTW check up at the top of the screen, I sent you a PM today.

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Ken, sorry I'm just now seeing your first one is finished. It looks great! How does it sound?

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

sheet aluminum/flashing would work in the fret slots too, for "faux frets".
other metals would just rust/corrode...