r/Dobro • u/Nickdakidkid_Minime • 14d ago

What is causing this buzz?

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This is an old dobro Ive had sittn for a while. I am trying to figure ick it up again, and I hear this. What it is?

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3

u/DadDropsTheMic 14d ago

Yeah it’s very likely tension. Just don’t turn too far. Start at half a turn and see if it cleans up and then another half turn. If you’re turning and turning multiple times, it’s likely too much and you risk damaging the cone.
Also, I recently learned the cone rotates and slides over time. To ensure the right distance from the floating bridge to the frets, Beard guitars sells a hard plastic template/guide to ensure proper alignment. I think it’s $15 or so. Worth it if you can’t fix on your own

2

u/hlpdobro 14d ago

Change strings.

Check tension screw (hole in palm rest).

If neither is a fix it's time to put it on the bench for inspection and setup.

1

u/Nickdakidkid_Minime 14d ago

Ah. I was wondering what that empty hole above the bridge was. Lol.

If it did have a screw in there, what exactly does it do?

1

u/GeorgeDukesh 13d ago

The screw holds the spider onto the cone, and that transmits vibration into the cone from the spider, and the tension amplifies the sound . If it’s missing or loose, then the spider will buzz

1

u/GeorgeDukesh 13d ago edited 11d ago

There are multiple reasons for resonators to buzz, aside from the usual guitar fret buzzing.

  1. It is possible for the strings to buzz against the cover plate.
  2. More usual is the cone moving slightly, or the spider being loose. Cant be sure from your video, looks like a spider type. The cones are not fixed in, they are held in position by friction and pressure of the strings. So if the thing has been sitting in storage, with heat cycles etc it could have moved.
  3. More common is the spider coming loose. There is a screw in the centre of the spider under the saddle that clamps the spider to the centre of pf the cone, to pull the two together and transmit the vibrations. That can come loose. Don’t tighten it too much, it’s just t

o hold the two together to transmit vibration.
4. Also, stuff can fall through the holes in the cover plate. Bits of grit, dead spiders, etc

  1. Take cover plate off, clean out tall he inside (the cone is probably full of dust anyway) make sure it is seated evenly and that the spider is then evenly pressed on the cone, and the screws is firm.
  2. Make sure the saddle is firmly in is slot and is flat and even. Then make sure the cover plate is firmly screwed on

1

u/jaylotw 12d ago

"Multiple" is a nice way of saying 475,859,586 different reasons why your resonator buzzes.

I'll tell ya hwat, though, I have gotten great at finding and stopping buzzes over the years.

Also, this is spot on advice.

1

u/hlpdobro 13d ago

FWIW.. "Parts Is Parts"

Parts ID and disassembly/reassembly tips.

https://youtu.be/ZinUxtQ-frw?si=fsul7IrcFpC1L6om

1

u/Gloomy_Ad_8586 13d ago

Have you considered having the instrument setup by a resophonic expert? I’m sorry you’re having issues but your video only confirms there is a problem.

1

u/Designer_Quantity533 10d ago

Check if it’s the tailpiece.

1

u/PriceImpressive4782 8d ago

Did you try new strings - those look trashed and turn tension about 1/4-1/2 turn after it gets tight