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Slide Easy: Dobro and Resophonic Set

Up
by Roger Fritz

Dobro set up for resophonic type instruments is simple and will improve the overall
volume and tone. These steps can apply to both fingerstyle and Hawaiian style
instruments as well as Biscuit and Spider bridges.

Tools Needed:

z Small to medium size Phillips head screwdriver and small slotted screwdriver
z Jeweler's files or nut slot files
z A flat, hard surface
z 8" x 11" 100 grit sandpaper
z A dark felt tip marker.

Here we go:

1. Tune the instrument to the pitch or tuning that will be used most. Changing
tunings dramatically will affect the set up of resophonic instruments so it is
best to use only one tuning or closely related tunings. To start, after tuning,
play some chords and listen for any discrepancies. Make a note of any and where
they come from.

2. Detune the strings for removal of the tailpiece and cover plate. Remove the
screws from the tailpiece and cover plate and keep in safe place. Inspect all
parts for visible flaws.

3. With cone or spider level and still in place, gently check for the seating of the
unit by placing a finger on top of the bridge saddle and tapping around the
outside of the cone with a finger on the other hand.

Some points may rattle while others have a thump. The rattle signifies a point
which is not touching the surface correctly. On the biscuit style cones you may
rotate them a little at a time while tapping until you hear more thumps than
rattles. This indicates the best location for the cone to sit. Using the felt tip
pen, make alignment marks on the inside of the "well" and corresponding marks
on the cone. This will match up later when reassembling.

For spider style cones, repeat the above process with the fingers tapping on
the outer ends of the spider listening for the same response. If it rattles in
several spots, it will need some sanding on the bottom of the legs. Remove the
slotted screw that holds the spider to the cone and set in a safe place. Using

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the 100 grit sandpaper on the level surface, lay the spider on the surface with
the flat side down. Hold the spider by the bridge and gently rub side to side on
the sandpaper. After a few strokes check the bottom of the feet to see where
it's touching the paper. Repeat. Set the spider down on the flat hard surface
without the sandpaper and check for leg contact. This can be done visible and
by tapping the legs. Repeat until the rattles diminish. Reinstall the screw
through the spider to the cone. (Note: when the screw has reached the contact
point between spider and cone, don't torque it, just 1/4 turn will do.)

4. On both types, check the surface of the well lip where the cone sits for any
unlevel imperfections. Correct with sandpaper or razor blade.

5. Line up cone at marks.

6. With cover plate off, reinstall tailpiece.

7. Attach strings and tune.

8. Make sure the slots on both the bridge and nut are wide enough for the strings
to move freely. If not, find a jeweler's file or nut file that's a slight bit wider
that the string. Gently enlarge the slot making sure to file downwards toward
the tailpiece or the tuners on the nut. Easy does it. Check as you go for depth
and width of slot. You want the string height the same. So also check as you go
by laying a screwdriver across the strings. All the strings should touch the
bottom of the screwdriver blade.

9. After adjusting, remove the strings and tailpiece.

10. Line up the cover plate with the screw holes. A trick for reattaching screws:
Turn screws in reverse lightly until you hear a tick. Then screw them in. This
aligns the threads on both pieces to prevent stripping threads.

11. Reattach tailpiece and strings. Tune to pitch.

12. Check for any problems. Repeat if needed.

Enjoy and slide on.

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