How To Change Resonator Strings Or Restring a Slotted Headstock Guitar

[@TheWashboardResonators]

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[@mmcdobro]

Does your process apply to squareneck slotted headstock such as a 1962 Dobro. I have further questions but prefer to wait till you reply to this one. Mike, Rhode Island, USA

[@Jbuginas]

Thank you! Your suggestions on using a lip chapstick to lubricate the nut, and stretching strings were very useful!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

All good stuff. I have zero tuning issues.

[@supernova3653]

ive always used a realy soft pencil like a 3B or 4B for all my string lubrication

[@bobgreen8142]

I find these videos very helpful - I'm sure putting a piece of card in the tailpiece will save me time and trouble! I've always strung the same as you, first turn on one side then the remainder on the other side of the string through the post, but I tend to cut my string length once it's on the guitar. I'll try it your way, though, if I can gain the confidence that I'm cutting to the right length.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Cutting them first means you chew up the headstock less. Thanks for the kind words! Glad to be of assistance!

[@mitchellstrauss5117]

Good job on this video, especially the discussion of headstock/string geometries and the process of string stretching... I am curious how you measure out string length before you crimp the end of the string just prior to winding to give you the perfect number of wraps... this is always a challenge because that perfect string length varies as a function of the string's diameter... I like your trick of placing a piece of cardboard in the tail piece hole to hold the string down... I usually throw a piece of electrical tape on the tailpiece and raise it and lower it as I add strings... if you're changing a lot of strings, then a neck cradle and foam matt to keep the instrument from skidding all over the place is handy... Music Nomad makes a nice kit for that... Finally, string changing is made less painful with a drill-like battery powered auto winder... helps my shoulder as I am a lot older than you! Keep up the good work!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

This is all great advice. The cutting length is a knack really but I find going to the next string peg or the headstock end on the two middle strings works. 🎯

[@albertaadv6221]

This will be helpful. I restrung my resonator a couple months ago and made a complete mess of it. Haven’t bothered to fix it yet haha. Your videos continue to be an inspiration for me. Recently purchased my first National, a 2016 NRP B in Ivory. Thanks for the videos, also looking forward to the new music you teased on Instagram

[@TheWashboardResonators]

I saw you’d got the B series. Hopefully it’s doing you proud. They’re beauties! Thanks for the kind words. We’re dropping an album soon and a new series of podcasts.

[@albertaadv6221]

@@TheWashboardResonators awesome can’t wait

[@No-jq4jy]

Super helpful! Just got my first resonator about a month ago and will be replacing strings soon (will revisit your string video for recommendations when the time comes). Thanks in advance, I am sure I'd have messed up the cone setting without this video's advice!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

It’s good to try and keep the cones settled with string pressure but TBH even if the cone mixes it’s not rocket science to set it back for optimal intonation. Just use a tuner and tweak the cone position get both E strings in tune at fret 12.

[@JustForfun-hg8ni]

Hi Martin, very useful as usual. Got my resonator online a couple of months ago. The action was set really low, great for normal playing but made bottleneck really difficult. With a lot of caution (I’m not sure if you would recommend this) Following advice from one of your previous videos I slackened off a couple of strings at a time and but small chunks of wood under them near the nut. retightened to keep pressure on the bridge. Once all off the strings were raised and then tightened I was able to remove the nut. I then put a sliver of credit card under the nut and replaced the strings onto it. It was just enough that I can now practice my slide technique and also not quite so high that I can also play with my fingers if needed. Please keep up these informative videos.

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Thanks for this. It’s great they’re helping!

[@chadvandam7179]

You always have such useful information! Do you need to keep pressure on the cone if it’s a spider set up?

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Less important but I still would.

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

Hey man. So I have a little jingle when a tap the cover of my reso. Spider cone. I've had it before and it's that the strings were touching by the tailpiece. I slid a little piece of leather in there and it's been fine for a few months now it's back. Same jingle if I hit the fifth string. I've inspected everything and can't find the issue. I know that's probably hard to diagnose without seeing it but just thought you might have an obvious thought I'm missing. Thanks!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

We did a video about getting rid of rattles although it relates to a Tricone. It may help. Could be a loose tuner, loose truss rod, bad string slot, cone out of shape or other thing. I’d take it apart and put it back together looking for anything odd while making sure all screws are tight. If it’s still there then I’m afraid to say it’s time to send it to a pro and spend some money! It definitely comes with the territory on these. 🎯

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I just brought my Washburn archtop in for my first pro setup and Im pretty stoked for when I get it back!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Excellent! Should make it play great!

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I just use a pencil to slick the nut slots, and the wire cutter portion of my needle nose for cutting strings lol

[@TheWashboardResonators]

Very valid ways of doing things.

[@JoseGomez-lw2qk]

too much talking !!!!

[@TheWashboardResonators]

🥱