Subject: lap slide acoustic guitar
Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2005 00:07:11 +0100

Greetings Jason,

I'm interested in playing lapslide after seeing a local chap playing a concerted 12 string guitar (he had his strung as a 6 string). So, I'm thinking of buying a 6 or 12 string guitar to have customised for lap playing with a tone bar. I know I would need the saddle and nut raised. What advice could you give?

My suggestion would be to buy a squareneck dobro...there is far too much tension exerted once the strings are raised with an extension nut...for a roundneck to withstand.

Although the guitar would be left in open tuning such as open G or D and using a capo when needed. I'm a little concerned with regards to what the extra tension of heavy gauge strings would do to the neck. Are necks on a 12 string guitar stronger than 6 strings?

Yes, they're stronger...just not that much stronger to hold this kind of tension...not like a squareneck anyway.

I'm currently thinking of buying a Takamine 12 string for this purpose or maybe a 6 string G330s. I've been quoted a price from a couple of local guitar shops for the work. I understand that there will be an increased tension on the neck. I understand that Kelly Joe Phelps uses heavy gauge strings and with regards to the tone that a heavier gauge offers I would like to do the same. At present I'm intending on having any conversion done professionally. Would I benefit from buying a 12 string to use as a 6 string? Are the necks on a 12 string thicker?

Yes, the necks are usually thicker and always wider...just the same, if you're planning on using it as a squareneck, my suggestion would be to go with a lap style squareneck guitar...you can find them inexpensive as well. There are many reasons from tone to proper string height...Mickey

I'd appreciate any advice you could give.

Regards
Jason

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Subject: resonator kits
Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 21:38:23 -0700

Could you please tell me if it is possible (commonly done?) to modify a standard steel string acoustic to take a quarterman cone and bridge setup?

Greetings,

Nope...this is very rarely done and not cost effective...

A standard acoustic guitar would not have the soundwell nor the bracing of a dobro...yes, you can still come close to setting it up to sound like a Dobro just the same, only, you would be missing some of the major features that make a Dobro a Dobro....and if you're converting to a squareneck, you'll also need to consider that the roundneck on an acoustic guitar would have to take a lot more tension due to the added tension of tuning to open G...my suggestion would be to invest in an inexpensive dobro and add the Quarterman cone upgrade for better tonal range...Mickey