Original Post By: Pete Howlett Date: 7/29/2008 8:46:33 AM   (Updated: 7/29/2008 8:48:59 AM) Introducing the resolele - unique 'compressed' sound makes it the ukulele equivalent of the guitar dobro sound. See here at: http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/ukulele_pete/RepublicResolele.jpg Sound sample here: http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f352/ukulele_pete/?action=view¤t=DirtyBlues_.flv Posted By: drubin Date: 7/29/2008 11:48:56 AM Very, very cool Pete! Sounds just fantastic! What size is the one you played on "Down and Dirty Blues"? Any plans to make one in the tenor size? Posted By: LoMa Date: 7/29/2008 12:29:03 PM Sounds very cool... Posted By: NinaC Date: 7/29/2008 12:38:02 PM Sounds great, and great playing. You do a terrific job with the blues. Love the shirt also. Was there a cover plate on this uke or just the bare reso cone? Posted By: Howlin' Hobbit Date: 7/29/2008 12:56:13 PM Looks fabulous, Pete! Can't play the sound sample right now, will check it from another 'puter (with good speakers) later. Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 7/29/2008 1:54:15 PM The coverplate is a reject republic.. when I have finished prototyping I am having my own coverplates made.... I always get asked about tenors and then when I do them - no interest! Posted By: PhotoJosh Date: 7/29/2008 2:56:20 PM That is a great looking reso. The star rules. Posted By: Boswell Date: 7/29/2008 3:24:14 PM I love that 'compressed sound,' as you put it. I presume the star sound port gives it added volume? Or, does it serve some other purpose as well? Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 7/29/2008 4:08:32 PM   (Updated: 7/29/2008 4:10:13 PM) No idea... I haven't a clue about resos. I'm going to bung a National cone in it. It currently has one hand spun buy luthier Dave King - an amazing guy who needed some cones so he went out and made 'em! It is very loud and IRL sounds like an electric uke plugged into a nice vintage amp. See reviews and progress of this on link site - ukulelecosmos.com BTW: there will be a limited run of 5 available in October using the Republic coverplates and cones (maybe - if they sound pants then I'll be using National cones) Posted By: Phil Morris Date: 7/29/2008 4:39:05 PM Nice uke Pete. I enjoyed the other videos in your album also. Phil Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 7/29/2008 5:08:34 PM Not really a uke player. Posted By: Genius J Date: 7/29/2008 6:47:32 PM What are you asking for these? Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 7/29/2008 7:56:30 PM $1300 Posted By: Kevin Crossett Date: 7/29/2008 10:43:47 PM I think that's the best sounding reso-uke I've ever heard. Fantastic job, Pete! Posted By: William Date: 8/1/2008 1:29:38 AM Having the front bout open does make a difference in volume and quality. One of the things which gave the Johnsons and Republics such a bad rap was/is the solid front bout. The star is really classy. Would you consider a long neck soprano for those of us who really like the concert neck? Do you put a strap button on the tail end? Posted By: Howlin' Hobbit Date: 8/1/2008 2:18:14 AM William sez: "One of the things which gave the Johnsons and Republics such a bad rap was/is the solid front bout." Hmmmm... better talk to the folk at National I guess. My steel one has no openings in the upper bout. Posted By: NinaC Date: 8/1/2008 7:55:37 AM I'd like to hear how it sounds with the National cone. I don't think they can be beat. And I agree with Hobbit, my Nationals certainly don't suffer for volume because of solid upper bouts. Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 8/1/2008 9:05:02 AM I guess it's going to sound like a National which kinds defeats the object... We'll see. I'm making up a birdseye maple one at the moment. Posted By: NinaC Date: 8/1/2008 12:03:27 PM   (Updated: 8/1/2008 12:05:31 PM) I'm not sure, Pete. I think a lot of people would love to have National quality sound but made out of interesting woods and inlays other than what limited ones National offers. National is not doing any more customs so I think there's a real opportunity for you to do some cool stuff and yet have it sound as good as a National or even better. Just one reso-loving National owner's opinion. The entry level National wood instruments are very plain, without bound fretboards, no ebony like the higher end, either. Then you jump up to instruments like my rope-bound koa one, which are a lot more expensive and only were made in limited quantities. Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 8/1/2008 4:42:31 PM sure I want to replicate that sound Nina - if you want a national sound and style then buy one is how it seems to me. The Resolele has incredible volume anmd a very cool sound; very rich and sparkly with plenty of sustain. The nationals I have played have all varied and the overall sound is more acoustically uke like. Doh, I wish I had the words. See Rufus's explanation on Cosmos... Posted By: NinaC Date: 8/1/2008 5:56:03 PM   (Updated: 8/1/2008 6:01:05 PM) OK, but here's the thing, though. As you know, resos are sort of their own animal because most of the sound is as a result of the resonator and much less than with the rest of the ukulele, as opposed to wooden ukes. So what is wrong with a ukulele that makes the sound of the reso that most people find most desirable, yet housed in a body that most National people will still covet? I don't think a Republic cone sounds better than a National cone and if you're asking people to pay $1300...I don't know. I think using a National cone would better justify that price. Again, just my honest opinion, again as a reso enthusiast and a National owner and as someone who has worked in marketing all her life in one capacity or another. I have listened to the recorded sound samples but haven't played one in person, but recorded I can hear a quality difference. I hope you'll see this as constructive. I think you're on to something good. Posted By: Surfink Date: 8/1/2008 9:09:15 PM I think it looks great Pete, congratulations. I would like to say when I compared cones by balancing them all individually on the end of a stationary #2 pencil and tapping the side of the cone, they will ring, I felt the Quarterman cone actually was a more balanced tone to my ear. This was between the National cone, a Continental and Quarterman. I also felt the instrument projected better after cutting "C" holes in the upper bout. It was strung up and played with no holes first... With resos, alot can be learned from the patent drawings from the 1920's and '30's. Posted By: lecky Date: 8/2/2008 5:56:17 AM   (Updated: 8/2/2008 5:57:36 AM) I've played the beast, and it certainly doesn't sound anything like a Republic. I don't think that if you put in a National cone you'd get a National sound any more than the Republic cone gives a Republic sound. If it's worth trying other cones it's not because it'll make the uke more like X uke, but that it might provide another different sound that is its own sound. I think Pete's uke is so different to a National, and with its own strengths, that it doesn't need to, and anyway can't, chase a small subsection of National owners or would be owners, but it can establish it's own market on it's own merits. Posted By: NinaC Date: 8/2/2008 8:43:10 AM   (Updated: 8/2/2008 9:27:56 AM) " it doesn't need to, and anyway can't, chase a small subsection of National owners or would be owners" I think National owners (not just a small subset, the whole enchilada) and would-be owners is Pete's key target audience. They're already sold on resonators, they're predisposed to buying quality resonator instruments over 1K, and they all most likely are interested in obtaining new instruments from time to time. So my point is that I don't think it's a bad idea to aim for something that meets or exceeds the typical National owner's expectations. But that's just marketing talk, Pete can and will do whatever he wants. I don't think he's attempting to try to corner the resonator ukulele market so most of this is moot anyway. He'll make a lovely instrument as he always has done before. Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 8/2/2008 4:59:16 PM I suppose I better answer this. The cone in the instrument is hand spun by David King. I haven't tried a republic cone yet. But it's not just the sound. The instruments will be faced with high grade wood and have really nice binding. Ebony fingerboard with pearl inlays, very highly appointed. Great lacquer finish (National is very 'lazy' with its finishes on the ukes) There is an obsession with recreating 'sound'. I'm not into that, nor am I inetrested in competing with other builders. After 14 years in the business I think I have enough experience to walk sure footed through all this. If you buy a Howlett you know your getting a bit of history and a value for money instrument because I only use the highest grade materials. I learnt a very good lesson building guitars - guy comes into my shop with a production macafferi. We have a long discussion about his needs and after building two guitars to get his sound I realised he want me to produce a reproduction of his beat up original. Did so and hey, happy customer. I don't do business with people like this anymore. Sorry if this disappoints but I know the value of what I do and why I do it. In Europe at least there is a market for new ideas and am doing less businesss in the US... so thanks for your comments and yes I will try the National cone but I won't change to them unless I think it improves my sound. Posted By: NinaC Date: 8/2/2008 8:46:23 PM   (Updated: 8/2/2008 8:48:46 PM) "In Europe at least there is a market for new ideas and am doing less businesss in the US" Not sure what you're driving at here, Pete. Surely you wouldn't want us drawing conclusions from this that you don't care what anyone outside the UK thinks, or that just because someone from the US is offering some constructive suggestions that it means we aren't open to new ideas, or that things we're suggesting might not apply to other geographies. If this isn't what you were implying, then maybe you could explain further. Posted By: Neal Date: 8/3/2008 12:21:11 AM I don't think Pete is asking for suggestions. This is what he's building. A Howlett. Now, if you put some cash in his hand, I'm sure you could suggest the wood, and maybe a circle instead of a star. Heck, he may even put a Nat cone in it if you suggested! Posted By: William Date: 8/3/2008 1:32:03 AM I cannot envision someone cutting into a sacred cow National to open the front bout to see how much better it could sound. If you like it how it is,"if it ain't broke-don't fix it!" I currently drive a DonMo galvanised tin can.Quite a few of the greats and near-greats have played it. It has yet to get someone to curl their lip and sneer at it. My only on sunny Sunday afternoon vehicle is a 1932 engraved and inlayed walnut body Dobro #2629. It also has the front bout opened and covered by two small grille screens. I can remember when Greeves was THE name in motorcycles. Some musical instrument company put them out of business with a happy motorcycle called a Yamamhahahaha! No one laughs now. It is interesting to hear a Brit call a Yank stodgy. I think I agree with you,Pete. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be does not apply to building musical instruments. Hmmmm--National vs.International. Posted By: lecky Date: 8/3/2008 3:58:44 AM Thanks for putting me right on the cone Pete, I look forward to hearing what different cones do in your lovely Resolele. Posted By: NinaC Date: 8/3/2008 9:14:31 AM   (Updated: 8/3/2008 9:17:11 AM) "I don't think Pete is asking for suggestions." I don't think Pete needs someone to put words in his mouth, Neal. He's asked for feedback both here and elsewhere and because I'm interested in resos (I now own 4) and respect Pete's efforts, I offered some opinions. The only reason I was suggesting the other cone is that I thought the one he had in this uke sounded on the tinny side in the recordings, but maybe that's the sound he is looking for. I didn't play the uke in person and I'd said so, my thoughts were just based on listening to the recording. I was under the impression that it was a Republic cone, but Pete cleared that up. It's just the cover plate that is Republic. I know others have commented positively about the sound, so mine is only one opinion of many that I'm sure he'll get (and will consider or not, as is his right). Good luck, Pete, whatever you make and wherever you choose to sell it. Posted By: Neal Date: 8/3/2008 1:27:33 PM "I don't think Pete needs someone to put words in his mouth, Neal. " I've been "matronized" by the best! Yippee! Posted By: Adrian Date: 8/3/2008 3:29:42 PM Excellent work Pete, sounds great to my ear. All the best. Posted By: Neal Date: 8/3/2008 4:22:42 PM Adrian, stay on topic please. Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 8/3/2008 6:32:55 PM Let me just say that the 'ukulele mindsets' between the USA and Europe players are very different. One big difference is that in Europe there is an intense interest in the soprano and not much call for tenors. It's very much the reverse in the USA. On another level there is certainly more 'knowledge' in the USA than in Europe so a more focued type of thinking regarding sound and style in the playing community there. There is a greater desire for 'reproduction' work in the USA and Japanese market but not so much confidence in innovation because the bench marks are very secure. There is also a solid market for Hawaiian built instruments regardless of their quality. There are also three types of builder - reproducers and innovators. I'm in the third category of neither. I just wanted to have a crack at the reso and somehow I have a different sound. Now I am going to explore why that is because I am a builder, not a scientist or a luthier and I don't as yet have the answer. And you are right - I am not looking for comparisons or suggestions. I am looking for critique - this instrument is already being put together with the input from two very knowledgable 'advisors'. However I am not so arrogant as to ignore constructive comments from you guys so keep 'em coming - BTW I'll be having a crack at spinning my own cones next month when I have finished building my spinning lathe! needless to say I'll be doing the same for the cover plates. Posted By: Neal Date: 8/3/2008 6:50:31 PM   (Updated: 8/4/2008 7:21:50 AM) Holy cow! Pete! Keep 'em coming! I, for one, am excited for you. Posted By: duane Date: 8/3/2008 7:30:59 PM "There is a greater desire for 'reproduction' work in the USA and Japanese market but not so much confidence in innovation because the bench marks are very secure." I can't agree with this statement at all. This is certainly not true in my case. I find there is a great call for innovation all over the world. Frankly, I don't see how all the production builders are selling anything with all the competition out there, most of it coming out of China. Posted By: Dave Means Date: 8/3/2008 9:07:10 PM Its not as though the reso ukes with no obvious soundhole in the upper bout don't have any. I've never disassembled a National, but all the other such resos whose innards I've peeked at have ports in the soundwell above the cone that serve the same purpose. As I see it, the issue is whether this port arrangement works as well as a more traditional hole in face of the upper bout. My engineer's gut feeling tells me that the soundwell ports create the potential for the pressure wave coming out of the ports to be modulated by the movement of the cone, possibly creating something called "intermodulation distortion". Now, whether this is good or bad may be completely subjective, as it may be responsible for some of that funky tone that a lot of folks are looking for in a reso. -- Dave Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 8/4/2008 4:10:24 AM Wow Dave - talk English/American :) I suppose Duane that's why they have their 'foreign' lines isn't it? I dunno. I guess each of our experiences differs so much but I do know haveing lived and worked in the US that it is different between USA and Europe. Posted By: Dave Means Date: 8/4/2008 8:52:07 PM Sorry, Pete... I just lapse into engineerese every now and then! I've been looking at different reso designs, as I'm starting on one of my own that I have an order for. When I saw that the ones that have no soundhole in the upper bouts have those ports in the soundwell immediately above the cone, my instincts (and prior loudspeaker design experience) told me that design must be a sure recipe for introducing distortion. Still trying to decide whether that's a good thing or not, but I don't think so for me as I'm going for a sweeter sound. I'm thinking along the lines of the DelVecchio and Paul McGill resos -- Dave Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 8/5/2008 7:48:17 PM Dave - do you have Del Vecchio plans? Posted By: RSteve Date: 8/5/2008 8:31:55 PM   (Updated: 8/5/2008 9:38:23 PM) Pete Howlett asked:"Dave - do you have Del Vecchio plans?" see: http://www.mcgillguitars.com/newmcgillhtml/main_guitar_sub_reso.htm photo http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/steel_guitars/delvecchio3.jpg see YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agy8DRj6zCk "In Brazil the guitar factory of DelVecchio (or "Del Vecchio") made a local version of the dobro. This instrument was officially called the Dinamico, but players often refer to it just by the factory name. The factory in São Paulo has stopped (officially) making these instruments (it still has a website : DelVecchio). It is quite rare, but players like Chet Atkins played on one. The fretting was usually not very well done, so they are known to be slightly out of tune on some notes. Inside a DelVecchio guitar is a dobro-type aluminium cone with a wooden cylinder on which the bridge rests. The cone is covered with a round thin wooden plate, wherein usually 5 small round soundholes, covered with metal grilles. Some instruments have 6 and up to 10 can be found. The type of the grilles varies, and sometimes they are made of plastic. In the top of the body are two (usually bigger) soundholes with similar grilles. Often beautiful Brazilian woods are used for the body. The sound is quite dark (not at all like the sound of Chet Atkins' instrument), but marvellous for single-note jazz picking. A similar looking guitar, but with 5 double metal string courses is called a viola sertaneja and used for Brazilian country music (see Brazil). A similar resonator instrument is nowadays also made by McGill. The wood used for the example is quite dark, making the instrument look like it is made of bakelite. Probably there was a shortage of grilles at the time of building, as the 5th hole (on the top of the circle) is missing." http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/steelguitars.htm also see McGill patent http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5780758.html Posted By: Dave Means Date: 8/5/2008 8:32:49 PM Hi Pete... no, I don't... just a couple of bad pictures. But I did find Paul McGill's patent drawings online that describe his "improvements" to the Del Vecchio design. I think I can vastly simplify McGill's ideas for application to a uke instead of guitar without running afoul of the patent. Your new reso looks and sounds great! -- Dave Posted By: Pete Howlett Date: 8/5/2008 10:50:52 PM I don't have any holes in the soundwell... however I will be spinning a soundwell with holes just to see what happens. Posted By: LoMa Date: 8/6/2008 11:32:53 AM Since the cone is such a major factor in a reso's tone, it would be hard to compare the sound of Pete's prototype with a production model since he'll be using different cones... The prototype sounds real cool to me, though.

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