belfast_harper
34 posts
Nov 25, 2008
12:31 PM
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I know this is a harmonica forum but I there might be a few people on here who might be able to give me a bit of advice.
I have bought a resonator guitar and when checking the notes with a cromatic tuner I have noticed that the notes at the twelfth fret are about 15 cents sharp compared to the open notes.
So if I tune all the open strings to 440hz I need to adjust the tuner to 443hz to hit the notes on the twelfth fret.
How much can the notes be out on the twelth fret before it is a cause for concern?
The guitar cost £495 so it isn't a cheap guitar.
Last Edited by on Nov 25, 2008 12:32 PM
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XHarp
4 posts
Nov 25, 2008
4:33 PM
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Well belfast harper, there's a problem with modern electronics. They set us up for critical finite adjustments that are really not noticed by the audience ear.
Having said that you are correct in that the intonation is out. You can correct it by moving the bridge back effectively increasing the distance between the 12th fret and the bridge. There is likely enough movement in the mounting to do this without any trouble.
Then use the chromatic tuner only to set the open tuning. Then, at the 12th fret the fretted note should be audibly the same as the harmonic note. If you can hear them to be the same then you have correct intonation.
If you are really striving for the truest possible set up then the chromatic tuner will display the same note fretted or harmonic after you have moved the bridge. Very sensitive so good luck with this.
Now, lets get to reality, It is not likely that Robert Johnson, or Son House or any other outstanding player of which we always try to emulate or learn from had a chromatic tuner or really even cared about intonation. They usually took the thing to the piano and tuned it by ear then played.
In fact a good number of players even played 1/2 step down to get the efffect, tuning off standard by ear like Stevie Ray, Lightinig Hopkins etc. and they sounded great.
Play for fun and enjoy without "fretting" over some things.
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"Keep it in your mouth" - XHarp
Last Edited by on Nov 25, 2008 4:35 PM
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oldwailer
338 posts
Nov 25, 2008
4:38 PM
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I'm jealous, I've been Jonesing for a reso for some time now. Are going to play slide with it?
The bridge is out of adjustment on your guitar. I don't know if this is a big problem on a reso or not--(I've never been flush enough to own one)--on a flattop the usual fix is to get a decent luthier to install a compensated bridge. These are usually not too expensive.
The intonation is only a problem if it offends your ears or doesn't play well with other instruments. In other words, if it sounds good, don't dick with it. 15 cents seems a little extreme--I usually expect a little difference--not more than maybe 5 cents.
There is a pretty decent board at
http://bigroadblues.com/forum/index.php
where they discuss all manner of stuff like this in the slide and bottleneck section--there are some real experts on the subject of resos there. . .
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belfast_harper
35 posts
Nov 26, 2008
3:59 AM
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Thanks for the replys guys,
To be honest it doesn't bother me too much but as it is my first guitar I better check to see if that sort of difference was acceptable in the guitar world.
I have emailed the seller and he has given me a few things to try that should solve the problem.
If anyone is interested it was the MM Lightning that I bought, have a look at it at.
http://michaelmesser.co.uk/MICHAEL%20MESSER%20RESONATOR%20GUITARS.htm
I have to say the service from Robin at buskerguitars.co.uk were I got the guitar from has been great. I think there are plans to export the guitars to the US and Australia.
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belfast_harper
36 posts
Nov 26, 2008
4:01 AM
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Oldwailer, I plan to play mostly slide, I have it set up in open G at the moment. I have to say the guitar is great fun and I am glad I went for a resonator rather than an an acoustic.
I will check out the forum that you mentioned.
Last Edited by on Nov 26, 2008 4:05 AM
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XHarp
5 posts
Nov 26, 2008
6:16 AM
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Belfast harper, excellent decision for sure. As there is less room for harp players around here I am fortunate now to have a position in a band doing that but for years I've also had to play guitar.
I also stretched out for a resonator. Bought the Dobro Hound Dog and have been enjoying that journey too. Playing in open G will give you excellent range but also look for Open E + D and listen to great slde players like Hound Dog Taylor, Son House, Rory Block, etc.
Also check out that site that Old wailer gave up. Its a great place to get started.
Post a sound clip somewhere so we can listen in.
Worry Less/Play More.
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"Keep it in your mouth" - XHarp
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oldwailer
341 posts
Nov 27, 2008
10:53 AM
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Belfast Harper,
Cool--I love the sound of a slide acoustic guitar. I fixed up a guitar I wasn't using much with a higher action and heavier strings--it sounds good--but lacks the rawness of the reso.
I have tried several tunings, but I think I like open D the best right now--the cool thing is that when you change to G tuning, you just move the same chord forms over a string and honk on.
Here I am going on about guitar on a harp forum--but I do plan to add some harp to the slide soon. . .
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belfast_harper
37 posts
Nov 27, 2008
2:28 PM
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I managed to fix the intonation sorted out, I just needed to loosen the strings and move the biscuit/cone back and then tighten the strings back up. I am sure if I played about with it for a while I would get it almost perfect.
It is good to have another instrument to play for when I hit a brick wall witht he harp, and I reckon I will get a few ideas from playing guitar that I can transfer to the harp.
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Genesis
Guest
Nov 27, 2008
4:16 PM
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Check out Kenileeburgess on youtube. He has a series
of reso videos that are great. Entry to advanced.
I bought one 2 years ago but havent had to time to devote. And my fingers dont want to contort to some fingering. Ouch! Wrist cramps. I have a new respect for guitarist.
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