Cheap resonator upgrades

[Joe Strummer]

I read that most of the resonator sound comes from the cone. So, would it be possible to convert a Kala, Gretsch, Soundsmith, or etc into a much better instrument by replacing the cone? Are there other good options for cones besides National?

 

[mjh42]

I'm not an expert but it's my understanding that a deeper cone will have a louder sound? If you buy a National cone it should come with a biscuit but you may have to use your old biscuit with some modifications or the national biscuit with some modifications. Sanding, trimming, hand fitting type of work. Before buying a new cone make sure you measure the diameter of the space the present cone fits in and make sure the new cone will fit in that space.

 

[Kenn2018]

Strings would be the cheapest and easiest mod to make.

Nylon strings seem to provide more volume than fluorocarbons. I assume because they have more mass so they impart more energy to the cone.

Aquila and Bella make Nylon banjolele strings. I wonder how they would sound on a Resonator?

 

[Jerryc41]

I read that most of the resonator sound comes from the cone. So, would it be possible to convert a Kala, Gretsch, Soundsmith, or etc into a much better instrument by replacing the cone? Are there other good options for cones besides National?

I converted an Enya tenor into a resonator, but I didn't seek out the most expensive components.

 

[Kenn2018]

I converted an Enya tenor into a resonator, but I didn't seek out the most expensive components.

View attachment 156709

Geez Jerry, if it wasn't for the rosette, I wouldn't have noticed that you had fitted a piece of Koa in the soundhole. It really blends beautifully. As it is, it looks like it's original to the design and build. Nice work.

 

[ukulelekarcsi]

Yes, replacing the cone can be done, and it's a serious upgrade, soundwise.

But do measure twice before ordering, and know that the cones are very delicate and basically a kind of very thick but pliable aluminium foil - so tune them while bringing up the string tension evenly across all strings.

 

[willr]

I read that most of the resonator sound comes from the cone. So, would it be possible to convert a Kala, Gretsch, Soundsmith, or etc into a much better instrument by replacing the cone? Are there other good options for cones besides National?

I upgraded the cone in my Kala tenor resonator with a National uke cone kit.
The sound is VERY much improved.

The National uke cone kits cost around $70-$80: the cone is an exact fit (since the import cones are copies), but there is a lot of work involved trimming the saddle. (I don't know what it would cost to pay a pro do the work.)

I can't speak for other brands of cones, but there's a reason why they all copy National.

-Will

 

[Joe Strummer]

I decided to go a different route and ordered an Outdoor banjolele. It should have the extra volume and twang I was seeking.