MIMF

I have a Washburn resonator that I would like to repurpose to a tapping guitar.
I would lower the nut and bridge and get a light set of strings, but any idea how low I need to go.
I saw somewhere the distance between the 12th fret and string should be about that of a dime?
Any thoughts?
Wyndham

I'm no expert, but I think you're chasing a lost cause. I can't see how a spider bridge could be lowered, though you might be able to cut ~3/16" off the saddles. But then if you lower the nut, the strings will still be way off the fretboard as you go toward the bridge. Even if you could lower the bridge, the convex cover plate will still be in the way.

I think the only feasible way of doing this would be to cut off the neck at the heel and reset the angle to about 1/8" below the saddle height.

I'm assuming here that you're talking about a square neck instrument with electric capability.

I have seen several tap style guitarist that use conventional flat top guitars, are you hoping for more volume from the resonator, or is it that you just love the guitar?
I would love to see how that works out, I understand that a the resonator really projects, but with the available pickups today would it not be easier to add a hi quality pickup to a flat top?

Peter, you brought up several things likely to be major roadblocks. The Washburn was a gift from a friend. I'll likely just keep it as it is.
I most probably will take a cheap electric lapsteel I have and hack on it to make it a lap tapper. If I do this, do I need to put metal frets on the fretboard to get a good tapping sound. It has a plastic fret board with slightly raised plastic fret bars now. Should I order a 22.5 replacement fret board with frets.
Thanks Wyndham