The Steel Guitar Forum

Has anyone put together the reso kit offered by Janet Davis? Is it similar to the Resophonic Outfitters kit? I would appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks

I've always suspected that Resophonic Outfitters offered a kit, but they don't list one on their website.

I've tried repeatedly to contact them by e-mail to find out whether they have one and they don't even answer me.

I've also talked to Janet Davis on the phone about the one she offers. I asked her who produced the kit and she was very evasive. I then asked if it was Paul Beard and she neither answered yes or no. Personally, I think the Janet Davis kit is produced by Beard. It's made out of birch and he builds some of his guitars out of birch. Just a guess.

I asked Janet several times to send me some info on the kit and all I've gotten is her merchandise catalog which doesn't even list the kit. OH WELL!!

Beard does indeed have a kit. If you want to get ahold of him call. 301-733-8271

Stewart-MacDonald also sells all the makings. prebent sides plywwod tops, precarved necks etc.

Better to phone -- I do, even though I am in the UK.
Paul is very helpful indeed.
I wish we had a resource like that over here.

He has a catalogue circulating that contains details of all those reso pieces that you can name - and more. Couple of kits in there too.

I bought a Flinthill from him. Excellent value indeed.

May try a kit if the other half does not mind me assembling it in the Kitchen.

Too little space and time -- too many guitars to try out.

Good Luck -- tell us how things progress.

Bill Dalton,
Bolton,
UK

Oh - Webb straps -- got one from Reso Outfitters.
Cumfy !

------------------
Aspiring to mediocrity

Yes indeed, call Paul directly. He was very helpful to me. I never expected to speak with him directly, but he took the time. Also, his catalog is updated more frequently than his website and contains many more items.

Thanks for the info. I've heard mention of Stewart-McDonald, but I'm not familiar with them at all. How would one go about contacting them or ordering a catalog? Do they have a website? I suppose I could do a search, but you guys would probably know the answer.

Stewart-MacDonald has a fine web site.

Mike,

I happened to be in Nashville this weekend and the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of BlueGrass Music in America) had a convention. Resophonic Outfitters had a booth an I met Paul. Very nice gentleman. We had a nice chat about entry level Reso instruments and his kit. His basic input to the kit was your skill level with tools. It assembles fairly easily. The biggest thing governing the final appearance will be your level of expertise in finishing work, sanding, staining, varnishing (generic term) etc.
He had catalogs there and the kit is $399.00.
You can hardly buy an import and the upgrade cone etc for that. He will upgrade imports for $200.00. New cone, nut, saddle and labor.
He will also sell you an upgrade for $600.00 including a hardshell case. Seems like a pretty good deal.

I think I am headed the kit route.
Good luck hope this helped.

Blessings
Keith

Do not know about other reso kits but built one using Beards....
happy to share info.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
Glad to see you are here!
Aaron

Hey Aaron,

Got a little pile of stuff to send you..I'll try to get it out this week,,includes photos of the reso from Beard's parts..
shots of my molds, bending set up etc
step by step..

Id be glad to provide anyone who is seriously considering a first time build..with comments
on my experiences..photos and notes..


Going to go see Al Brinkerhoff tomorrow..
take a look at his Scheerhorn...

Jeff

Jeff,

I've tried to email you to ask for some info on the Beard kit, but my email was returned as undeliverable. Could it be that you've changed your email address? Mine is still current. If you read this, please email me so I'll have your address. Thanks,

Tom <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tom Olson on 11 February 2001 at 10:52 AM.]</p></FONT>
PS -- Brad, thanks for the Stewart-McDonald web address. You're right, they have an excellent site.

Tom<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tom Olson on 11 February 2001 at 10:54 AM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tom Olson on 11 February 2001 at 10:54 AM.]</p></FONT>

Try this

jefe46@earthlink.net

PS I was born in Colfax , Wa..

JJH