Banjo resonators have vernier on the outside but is the actual "shell" made from a different wood?
Veneer
If I understand your question, yes. The inner plies are not necessarily the same wood as the veneer.
quote:
Originally posted by lightgaugeIf I understand your question, yes. The inner plies are not necessarily the same wood as the veneer.
Would you know if they are solid wood or a laminate?
Most are laminated. Some of the top tension Gibson resos were solid. Search Gill resonators for more info on construction.
It varies.
In pre-war Gibson banjos, the the sidewalls of banjo resonators were built up from multiple plies with an outer finish wood layer, a middle ply of poplar, and a thicker inside ply of maple. Other resonators have sidewalls of maple or poplar or bother with only veneer on the outside.
Backsides of pre-war Gibsons were three plies of poplar with outer veneer.
Other makers may use other woods.
See the cross-section drawings from Steve Gill showing the difference between his pre-war style resonators and his modern style resonators.
Typically, the curved sides and the "dome shaped" backs of banjo resonators are constructed using multiple layers of wood veneer. The use of veneer facilitates the bending, forming and gluing of the sides and the backs of the resonators.
quote:
Originally posted by Old HickoryIt varies.
In pre-war Gibson banjos, the the sidewalls of banjo resonators were built up from multiple plies with an outer finish wood layer, a middle ply of poplar, and a thicker inside ply of maple. Other resonators have sidewalls of maple or poplar or bother with only veneer on the outside.
Backsides of pre-war Gibsons were three plies of poplar with outer veneer.
Other makers may use other woods.
See the cross-section drawings from Steve Gill showing the difference between his pre-war style resonators and his modern style resonators.
Thanks
http://www.gill-mfg.com/images/products/res_modern_lg.jpg
Might as well post the pre-war resonator to show the difference in construction. See the thickness of the outer finish wood layer.
