Have you ever wondered about pairing a resonator guitar with distortion? It’s a question that sparks curiosity among guitarists, especially those intrigued by blending vintage tones with modern effects. Resonator guitars, known for their distinctive metallic sound and acoustic projection, might seem like an odd match for the aggressive, often chaotic, world of distortion. However, the combination can yield surprisingly unique and compelling results. In this article, we'll explore the possibilities, challenges, and sonic landscapes that arise when you plug a resonator into a distortion pedal or amplifier.

Understanding Resonator Guitars

Before diving into the world of distortion, let's get a handle on what makes resonator guitars special. These instruments, sometimes called 'resophonic' guitars, were developed in the early 20th century to provide louder volume than traditional acoustic guitars, particularly in ensemble settings like jazz and blues bands. The key to their unique sound lies in the resonator cone(s) built into the body. Instead of relying solely on the wooden soundboard to amplify the strings' vibrations, resonator guitars use one or more metal cones to project the sound. This gives them a brighter, more metallic, and often louder tone compared to standard acoustic guitars.

There are two main types of resonator guitars:

• Single-Cone Resonators: These typically feature a single, large aluminum cone, often with a 'spider' bridge (in the case of a spider-cone resonator) or a biscuit bridge. Spider-cone resonators tend to have a sweeter, more sustained tone, while biscuit-cone resonators offer a punchier, more aggressive sound.
• Tricone Resonators: As the name suggests, these guitars have three smaller resonator cones. They are known for their complex, harmonically rich tone with plenty of sustain. Tricones are often favored for fingerstyle playing and slide guitar.

Resonator guitars are commonly associated with blues, country, and bluegrass music, but their versatility extends beyond these genres. Players like Mark Knopfler and Jerry Douglas have showcased the instrument's potential in rock, folk, and even experimental music.

The Allure of Distortion

Distortion, in its simplest form, is the alteration of an audio signal to add harmonics and overtones, resulting in a 'dirty' or 'fuzzy' sound. It's a cornerstone of rock, metal, and many other genres, used to create everything from subtle overdrive to full-blown sonic mayhem. Distortion can be achieved through various means, including:

• Overdrive Pedals: These pedals produce a milder form of distortion, often used to simulate the sound of a tube amplifier being pushed to its limits. Overdrive can add warmth, sustain, and a slight 'edge' to the tone.
• Distortion Pedals: Distortion pedals create a more aggressive and saturated sound than overdrive pedals. They are often used for rhythm guitar in rock and metal, providing a thick, crunchy tone.
• Fuzz Pedals: Fuzz pedals are the most extreme form of distortion, creating a thick, buzzy, and often unpredictable sound. They can be used for lead guitar, bass, or even vocals, adding a chaotic and raw energy to the music.
• Amplifier Distortion: Many guitar amplifiers have built-in distortion circuits that can be dialed in to achieve a variety of distorted tones. Tube amplifiers, in particular, are known for their warm and responsive distortion characteristics.

The appeal of distortion lies in its ability to add character, aggression, and sustain to the guitar's sound. It can transform a clean, mellow tone into a powerful and expressive voice, allowing guitarists to cut through the mix and make a statement.

Resonator Meets Distortion: A Sonic Experiment

Now, let's explore what happens when you combine the unique sound of a resonator guitar with the raw power of distortion. The result can be surprisingly diverse, depending on the type of resonator, the type of distortion, and the player's approach.

Potential Benefits:

• Unique Tonal Palette: The metallic, resonant qualities of a resonator guitar can interact with distortion in interesting ways, creating textures and tones that are not possible with a standard electric guitar. You might find yourself discovering new sonic landscapes that blend the vintage vibe of the resonator with the modern edge of distortion.
• Enhanced Sustain: Distortion can significantly increase the sustain of a resonator guitar, allowing notes to ring out longer and create a more sustained and expressive sound. This can be particularly useful for slide guitar playing, where sustain is crucial for creating smooth and seamless transitions between notes.
• Increased Volume and Projection: While resonator guitars are already louder than standard acoustic guitars, distortion can further amplify their volume and projection, making them suitable for louder band settings. This can be especially helpful if you're playing with a drummer or other amplified instruments.
• Aggressive Blues and Roots Tones: For blues and roots musicians, combining a resonator with distortion can create a raw, gritty, and powerful sound that perfectly captures the spirit of the genre. Imagine a Delta bluesman plugging his resonator into a cranked tube amp – the result would be nothing short of electrifying.

Potential Challenges:

• Feedback Issues: Resonator guitars are prone to feedback, especially at high volumes. Adding distortion can exacerbate this problem, making it difficult to control the sound. Careful attention to amplifier placement, guitar positioning, and gain staging is essential to minimize feedback.
• Unpleasant Harmonics: The metallic overtones of a resonator guitar can sometimes clash with the harmonics produced by distortion, resulting in a harsh or unpleasant sound. Experimentation with different distortion pedals and amplifier settings is crucial to find a combination that works well.
• Loss of Acoustic Qualities: Overdoing the distortion can completely mask the acoustic qualities of the resonator guitar, defeating the purpose of using the instrument in the first place. A more subtle approach to distortion is often more effective in preserving the resonator's unique character.

Tips for Taming the Beast

If you're intrigued by the idea of using a resonator guitar with distortion, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Experiment with Different Distortion Pedals: Not all distortion pedals are created equal. Some pedals may sound great with a standard electric guitar but terrible with a resonator. Try out a variety of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz pedals to find the ones that complement your resonator's tone.
2. Start with Low Gain Settings: It's generally best to start with low gain settings and gradually increase the distortion until you find the sweet spot. Too much distortion can quickly muddy the sound and make it difficult to control.
3. Use an EQ Pedal: An EQ pedal can be a valuable tool for shaping the tone of your resonator and taming any unwanted frequencies. Try cutting the harsh high frequencies and boosting the mids to create a more balanced and pleasing sound.
4. Consider a Noise Gate: A noise gate can help to reduce feedback and unwanted noise, especially at high volumes. Experiment with different threshold settings to find a balance between noise reduction and preserving the natural sustain of the guitar.
5. Experiment with Amplifier Placement: Amplifier placement can have a significant impact on feedback. Try positioning your amplifier away from the guitar or angling it upwards to reduce the amount of sound that is directly hitting the instrument.
6. Use a Resonator-Specific Pickup: If you plan to amplify your resonator guitar regularly, consider investing in a pickup that is specifically designed for resonator instruments. These pickups are often designed to capture the nuances of the resonator's tone and minimize feedback.

Famous Examples and Inspirations

While the combination of resonator guitars and distortion might not be mainstream, there are some notable examples of artists who have explored this sonic territory:

• Seasick Steve: Known for his raw and gritty blues sound, Seasick Steve often plays resonator guitars through distorted amplifiers, creating a powerful and visceral performance.
• Bob Brozman: A master of resonator guitar, Bob Brozman experimented with various effects, including distortion, to create unique and innovative sounds.
• Many modern blues and experimental artists: Keep an ear out for contemporary musicians pushing the boundaries of resonator guitar playing with various effects, including distortion. They're out there!

Is It Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a resonator guitar with distortion is a matter of personal preference. There are no hard and fast rules in music, and the best way to find out if it's right for you is to experiment and see what sounds you can create. If you're looking for a unique and unconventional sound, this combination might just be the key to unlocking your sonic potential. So grab your resonator, plug in your distortion pedal, and see where the music takes you. You might be surprised at what you discover!

Conclusion

The pairing of a resonator guitar with distortion opens up a fascinating avenue for sonic exploration. While it presents certain challenges, the potential for creating unique, aggressive, and expressive tones is undeniable. By understanding the nuances of both the resonator guitar and distortion effects, and by experimenting with different combinations and techniques, guitarists can unlock a world of sonic possibilities. Whether you're a blues purist looking to add some grit to your sound or an experimental musician seeking new textures, the resonator-distortion combination offers a rewarding journey into uncharted musical territory. So, go ahead, plug it in, crank it up, and let your resonator scream!