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Beginning to doubt my solid top and box resonator design.

Just got finished cutting my wood to size for a solid box resonator. I'm building it using a dog bowl. Will it work, as in produce a decent sound, even though the only part of the build that will resonate is the dog bowl itself? If I seal all joins in the box other than a sound hole or two will it improve the volume by channelling the vibrations from the underneath of the dog bowl? If not then there's less to worry about with not needing to seal everything I guess. I'm thinking about adding a piezo to the underside of the bowl anyway so no hassle if not. I'm going to go through with it now anyway as I don't want to waste the wood I've cut. If the resonator won't work then I'll just stick a pickup in it and have it as a hollow soild body, if that makes sense. Thanks for the help and for reading this.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on December 27, 2016 at 8:43am

I typically don't go to the trouble to make a box airtight. It isn't anyway with the sound hole. I suspect that the resonating dog bowl will be enough to produce some good sound.

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on December 27, 2016 at 9:52am

Thanks, Gary. You've definitely helped aleviate my concerns. I hear what you say on the airtight thing too. I was thinking, with me using slats, that directing all of the sound to one or two sound holes furthest away from the underside of the bowl might intensify the volume as opposed to multiple sound leaks. Probably not though if the box is none-resonating? Thanks again for helping.

Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on December 27, 2016 at 10:25am

Though I can't intelligently speak to the exact resonance or theories in building channels... I think you are overthinking it...

I have seen resonators made with paint can lids, even canning jar lids that sound great. Just build it, then another and see what the differences are...

I would put the piezo on the dog bowl, as you suggest... I have done that with hammered food can lid resonators, wonder it works great. It's even better with an acoustic preamp.

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on December 27, 2016 at 10:44am

Thanks for replying, John. You're probably right and I'm concerned over something that is really nothing to be concerned about. I'll build it as planned, analyse it afterwards and learn from it. Much appreciated and thanks again.

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on December 27, 2016 at 3:43pm

Yes.

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on December 27, 2016 at 6:20pm

Thanks, Thomas. I reread my first post and your comment answeed the questions completely. A man of few words but a man who says much with few words too! Much appreciated.

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on December 27, 2016 at 7:10pm

The resonator will create the sound, the box will direct the sound to the holes and the piezo will feed the sound to the amplifier when that's where you want it to go. All is right in the world.

If you understand, things are just as they are. If you do not understand, things are just as they are.

The sounds are already there. It's our job to release them to be heard.

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on December 28, 2016 at 1:07am

Thanks again, Thomas. All of that really helps and gives me a clear direction on how to proceed. I really appreciate the help. Have a great New Year.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on December 27, 2016 at 11:42pm

One point to consider is how you mount the bowl to the box. Mount the bowl to points around the bowls edge or hanging from the top of the box leaving a space for sound waves to exit the bowl and travel through the box's acoustic chamber. This might sound silly, but I've seen one mounted flat on the bottom of the box and the person was wondering why it was dull sounding.

I usually check the bowl for a quality sound before using it. Not all bowls are great for Reso building. If the bowl or whatever is being used sounds off with a dull thud, it won't make a great sounding Reso.

Strings: Acoustic Guitar strings or Electric Guitar strings? Try each one out to see what you like, chances are you'll like one and dislike the other. Rarely does one like both.

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on December 28, 2016 at 1:18am

Thanks, Paul. I've calculated box thickness so there's space between the bottom of the bowl and the box bottom. Checked the bowl for ring and it plings a treat. I'm hopeful of a good result but will have to wait and see. I'm the world's best bodger so no idea how well it's going to turn out!

I'm planning on drilling holes in the bowl and screwing it to as many points as possible but if I can't get my rubbish drill using my rubbish bits to do it then I'll hope string pressure will hold it in place.

I was hoping to use resonator strings but the lightest ones I've seen are 15-60-something. Not overly confident with my strong box building abilities, especially since this is my first time making my own box and first none through neck build. I'll buy some acoustic strings so I can take your advice on trying both. Thanks again and have a great New Year too.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on December 28, 2016 at 9:25am

Here's a pic of one of my latest projects. Reso-Strat

Permalink Reply by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on December 28, 2016 at 5:37pm

That's truly gorgeous, Paul. If I had saved the body from the salvaged neck/donor guitar I would love to try something similar. It would be a shame to buy a guitar just to cut it up though so maybe an idea for the future. Thanks for sharing. One thing I love about this site is that everyone is so willing to share ideas and help each other with advice. Thanks again.