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Resonator Ukes

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:48 am
by Greg Steil
Ideas/dimensions for "sound wells" for Reso Uke? I was thinking of just routing circles of plywood.

Re: Resonator Ukes

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:27 pm
by Chris Reed
Plywood is a common choice. The important thing is to get the sound well and body really solid (and of course, different designs depending on what type of cone you are using).

I've only built one, and it sounds pretty good but weighs enough that I need a strap to play it standing.

Re: Resonator Ukes

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 9:04 am
by Greg Steil
I'm gonna go for as light as I can build it.

Re: Resonator Ukes

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 1:53 pm
by Chris Reed
Greg Steil wrote:I'm gonna go for as light as I can build it.
Conventional wisdom says the opposite - you don't want the cone to flex while you're playing or it will distort.

This was my skeleton (pear-shaped body), ready for cladding.
2016-01-15 13.50.19.jpg

Re: Resonator Ukes

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2017 12:41 am
by Bill Raymond
Conventional wisdom may dictate otherwise, but a lightweight soundwell can be successful. The Brazilian Del Vecchio Dinamico uses a 1/8 inch thick bent plywood ring that sits on a longitudinal bar running from headblock to tailblock, with a ledge which supports the cone. These guitars have a beautiful tone. They have a "biscuit bridge" and lightweight aluminum cone. However, if you're looking for something more in the nature of a National or Dobro sound, then you may want to go with a heavier soundwell.

Re: Resonator Ukes

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 10:02 am
by Greg Steil
thanks folks!! 3/4" ply it will be!

Re: Resonator Ukes

Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 10:54 am
by Greg Steil
I am going to build the body lightly though, since I already have the Koa thicknessed.