PYLE GUITAR PGA500BR 6-String Acoustic Resonator Guitar Instruction Manual
Please take a few moments to read through this manual and save for future reference.
About Pyle PGA500BR Acoustic Resonator Guitar
A resonator dfferers from an acoustic guitar because of the way in which it produces sound. Where an acoustic guitar amplifies the vibrations of the strings through their contact with the wooden soundboard or top via the bridge, a resonator instead amplifies the strings through the use of one or more metal coils which are in contact with the underside of the bridge. Whilst creating a distinctively different tone to the instrument, a resonator guitar is also much louder than a regular acoustic guitar.This meant that they were originally a solution to playing guitar in larger venues or with larger and louder bands before the popularisation of the electric guitar. Since then they have become a separate instrument in their own right with their own styles of playing for different genres.The Pyle PGA500BR Acoustic Resonator Guitar is designed for guitarists of all ages and skill-sets!The classic resophonic body style and hand-crafted wooden construction is perfect for beginners, as well as seasoned guitarists, looking to create warm & vibrant resonator acoustics — and it looks just as good as it sounds!The full scale 6-string guitar features a High Gloss Polished Deep Cherry Stained Body, protective ABS binding, diecast chrome-plated tuning pegs, built-in preamplifier with 1/4″ connector, along with an included accessory kit. It comes with everything you need to start playing right out of the box.Whether you’re practicing at home or performing with a band on stage, the Pyle Acoustic Resonator Guitar is your stringed instrument solution!
Resonator Guitars Parts
Guitar Slides and Action
Guitar action or guitar action height is the height of the guitar strings over the fretboard. Guitar action plays a big role in how a guitar feels to play. If the action is too high, the guitar will feel uncomfortable to play. If the action is too low, you will hear string buzzing.
If you use a guitar slide on your Acoustic Resonator Guitar, you will likely prefer high action.
High action is recommended for slide playing because it gives you some extra room to move when pressing the slide on the strings. The worst sound when playing with a slide is the strings fretting out. You want to hear a smooth glide between notes and having low action can completely ruin it
How do you lower the action on a resonator guitar?
If the action is too high for YOU, it can be lowered. Filing the nut slots will lower it at the headstock. To lower at the saddle you will need to have the cover plate removed and have the biscuit/saddle sanded to lower.
You’ll need to take off all the strings, remove the cover plate, and then put the strings back on. At that point you can start to make your adjustments.After you have the height to where you want it, you undo the strings again, put the cover plate back on, restring it and you’re done.
Resonator Cone Care
Over time, aluminum resonator cones begin to lose volume and tone. This is due primarily to metal fatigue (caused by consistent string tension and vibration) and surface oxidation (think rust on steel). We recommend cone replacement after 2 years of regular playing.
One sure way to get the best out of your Acoustic Resonator Guitar is to keep it clean. Not only will dust and lint build up kill the tone of your resonator, it also speeds up the oxidation process.
A Note on tension screws
An improperly adjusted tension screw will not only kill the tone of your resonator but in the worse case, damage your cone! The cone should only have 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn of tension on it total, with the strings tuned to pitch.Install the cone with the screw through the spider and tighten just until the head of the screw touches the top of the spider with NO tension on the screw. This is the starting point for the tension adjustment. The spider sits on the cone and the screw is just there to add a little tension.It is not there to hold the spider on the cone, (the string pressure does this). After stringing the guitar and tuning it to pitch, you can adjust the screw.You may have to tighten the screw down until the head of the screw touches the spider again as the cone sinks with string pressure. From this point, tighten the screw 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn.
How to check the cone fit on a Resonator/Resophonic guitar
Please take a few moments to read through this booklet.
1. Tuning Instruction
Using an electronic tuner is by far the easiest and most accurate way to tune your Acoustic Resonator Guitar. Tuning your Resonator Guitar with an electronic tuner is pretty straight forward. You put the tuner on your lap of clip it on the headstock and pluck the strings. It will then show the note you are playing. Use the tuning pegs to get the desired note.
2. Tips on How to Take Care of Your Acoustic Resonator Guitar
Even if your Resonator Guitar is of high quality, like all instruments, you need to care for it. Playing it and allowing all the oils from your fingers to get in contact with your instrument is a factor along with many others why you need to spoil your Resonator Guitar and give it the necessary attention.
1. Keep It Clean: Clean your Resonator Guitar after each time you use it. The sweat and grease from your hands are trapping dust on the surface of the guitar, which deteriorates the condition of the wood. You can use lemon oil and a microfiber cleaning cloth to get rid of all the dust and stickiness. Slip a clean rag underneath the strings to clean the board.
2. Avoid The Effect of Humidity: Keep your Resonator Guitar stored in about 50% relative humidity.3. Restring Your Resonator Guitar Regularly: Although this will differ from one player to the other, you need toconsider how frequently you play your guitar and based on that, change your strings.
Signs you need to change your strings:
- Strings are tired if they can’t hold in place as much as usual, and they loosen too quickly.
- A variation in the strings or strings aren’t as smooth anymore.
- If your guitar sounds a little dull.
4. Use Your Capo Properly: Make sure that your clamp is wide enough while placing it to avoid rough friction with your neck, and similarly, make sure to unclamp it then remove it, not just pull it off.
6. Use a Case: This is necessary if you want to avoid damaging your Resonator Guitar.
7. Handle Your Resonator Guitar Properly While Playing: Pay attention not to drop the instrument.You can cause a lot of damage to your Resonator Guitar if you just keep dropping it every now and then, from simple scratches to serious breaking.
Questions? Issues?We are here to help!Phone: (1) 718-535-1800Email: [email protected]
References
[xyz-ips snippet=”download-snippet”]