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  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 16 Feb 2022 2:07 pm   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
I scored the same geetar off eBay recently, sounds great. Mine has colored fret markers, assuming that was earlier, but the blue ones have fallen off. Any ideas about repairing this issue which is p ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 13 Feb 2022 8:41 am   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Answering my own questions here.

Removed entire wiring harness with pots and caps. There is no more writing on the pots than what I've already seen. "VC 16289" is probably a product cod ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 12 Feb 2022 11:57 am   Subject: problems with pots
So I have a new CTS EP 0686 a long shaft split post 500K audio taper pot from AllParts to check to see if it fits, but it is too short. The original pot has a reach of 1 ⅜" from the mounting s ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 11 Feb 2022 1:17 pm   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Thanks Jack for the great info.

You mentioned mahogany bodies. But mine (1948 BR-1) is maple... right? It's pretty heavy at 7 lbs, 10 oz.

I'm starting to search for a set of pots for this guy. ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 10 Feb 2022 8:17 pm   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!


What are the main differences in the early ultratones vs the others? without having to consult *the book*...mainly concerned about tonality differences than simple mechanical differences.

Ya- t ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 10 Feb 2022 3:18 pm   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Jack:

So my 1948 Gibson Ultratone arrived, and it's way better than I thought. By far best condition compared to others currently on Reverb. Don't know why I hesitated. Of course, there is the is ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 4 Feb 2022 8:41 pm   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Jack:

Good info- didn't know needed to be long shaft. You did not use audio taper?

I'm gonna order one just to have on hand if I decide to replace it.
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 3 Feb 2022 5:52 pm   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Killer, i had one a long time ago, traded it away for a Bakelite that i traded away for a '50 Fender Deluxe 8 that i still have, whew! I never did figure out why it had three knobs...

Ya. Plus, ve ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 3 Feb 2022 4:43 pm   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
You'll be glad you opted for an Ultratone instead of a Skylark. The fragile hinged covers look ultra cool, but are a nuisance. Many if not most have broken off over the course of 70 years. Some of tho ...
  Topic: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Kip Duff

Replies: 18
Views: 4444

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 3 Feb 2022 3:06 pm   Subject: Gibson BR-1 Ultratone on its way!
Arriving next Monday is Blanche DuQuesne (pronounced "DuKane"), born 1948. Distant relative of Sir Dystic D'Arcy. After a very boring and demeaning stint posing for pictures on Reverb, she ...
  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 3 Feb 2022 2:28 pm   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
That is a very pretty guitar.
Nice find.
And be careful, they're addicting.
I used to have just one.
Have no idea where there rest of them came from........ Rolling Eyes

Weird.... in my email inbox, ...
  Topic: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
Kip Duff

Replies: 10
Views: 2312

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 30 Jan 2022 12:53 pm   Subject: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=359531&highlight=melody+maker

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=329859&highlight=skylark

Thanks for the links. I've seen so ...
  Topic: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
Kip Duff

Replies: 10
Views: 2312

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 30 Jan 2022 8:56 am   Subject: Re: Skylark Pickup

I would concur that any perceived shortcomings in the Skylark's sound are less on account of its pickup than on its method of string mounting.

Where the string barrels hook into the plate? Shoul ...
  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 30 Jan 2022 5:35 am   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!


Ya...the price I paid does not reflect its value. The more I'm learning about lap steels, my opinion of my Vega keeps improving. Really rings.

Minor issue: the tone knob seems like it's place ...
  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 30 Jan 2022 5:29 am   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
That Vega looks really nice! Good find.

I can tell from your posts that you’re already in too deep to escape. I hope you have an understanding partner at home!

Flyin solo! No joint discussio ...
  Topic: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
Kip Duff

Replies: 10
Views: 2312

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 30 Jan 2022 5:24 am   Subject: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
The John Anthony Guitars (JAG) plans may be available on the Esty site:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/487356027/plan-to-build-gibson-style-century?click_key=4ce3c531cd02347d1c49aab2b338922f4dd9f7 ...
  Topic: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
Kip Duff

Replies: 10
Views: 2312

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 29 Jan 2022 8:54 pm   Subject: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?

Might be fun to buy yourself a Skylark, and then use it as a template for your build?

Exactly. If I like it- keep it. If I'm not wild about it, try to clone the body and sell.
  Topic: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
Kip Duff

Replies: 10
Views: 2312

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 29 Jan 2022 6:43 pm   Subject: plans and drawings for Gibson Ultratone and Skylark guitars?
I really like the look of the Gibson Skylarks- and I'm considering buying one. But the consensus seems to be that they don't have the same quality sound as the Ultratones, Centurys and others.

So ...
  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 29 Jan 2022 4:08 pm   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
That pot dates to either 1946 or 1956; unfortunately, this model looked the same in both those years. Your steel's wiring has been redone; Vega used wire with insulation that often falls off over the ...
  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 29 Jan 2022 4:05 pm   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
That pot dates to either 1946 or 1956; unfortunately, this model looked the same in both those years. Your steel's wiring has been redone; Vega used wire with insulation that often falls off over the ...
  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 29 Jan 2022 3:18 pm   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
That is a very pretty guitar.
Nice find.
And be careful, they're addicting.
I used to have just one.
Have no idea where there rest of them came from........ Rolling Eyes

Ya- I really wanted to do the ...
  Topic: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Kip Duff

Replies: 17
Views: 4306

PostForum Section: Steel Without Pedals   Posted: 29 Jan 2022 2:49 pm   Subject: my new Vega "Commander" lap steel!
Didn't know much about lap steel, but figured I couldn't go wrong when I bought this 1940's Vega lap steel at the Orange County Fairgrounds guitar show last Saturday for $325 with OHSC. Since then, I ...
  Topic: Goodrich Omni volume pedal review?
Kip Duff

Replies: 35
Views: 16410

PostForum Section: Electronics   Posted: 7 Nov 2018 9:11 am   Subject: Goodrich Omni volume pedal review?
The other Goodrich pedals do utilize a spring return but are not as adjustable as the OMNI and the off point can be adjusted by adding washers to the heel stop of the pedal.

Thanks much......
  Topic: a volume pedal with spring inside for resistance?
Kip Duff

Replies: 37
Views: 16444

PostForum Section: Electronics   Posted: 6 Nov 2018 9:31 am   Subject: a volume pedal with spring inside for resistance?
I think I understand what you are looking for. I had the same problems when I was starting. I think you are giving yourself a handicap by looking for a volume pedal that will make up for your current ...
  Topic: Goodrich Omni volume pedal review?
Kip Duff

Replies: 35
Views: 16410

PostForum Section: Electronics   Posted: 6 Nov 2018 9:18 am   Subject: Goodrich Omni volume pedal review?
There is a return spring on the OMNI and from the factory is adjusted to keep the volume the same if you lift your foot off but it is adjustable. It does have an adjustable off level as well however i ...
 
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