Having owned the standard instrument for about a year, and not played it that much either, I thought that an upgrade would rekindle my interest in banjo playing. The resonator is easy to fit and all you need to do is follow the instructions that come with it. Total rebuild is not required, just go and loosen half of the bolts and part fit the rim and then repeat the process for the other side, screw in the retaining bolts for the back and get playing again. The overall tone is greatly improved, the balance is also improved by adding the extra weight and the instruments volume leaps forward a couple of gears. A really worthwhile add-on.