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Topic: Wrecking an old National steel |
John Bushouse
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Posted 17 Jun 2008 9:38 pm |
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Well, not exactly. I have a 1936 Electric Hawaiian (looks like the New Yorker). It's got one of those amphenol connectors. Recently, either my guitar gave up the electric ghost or my cable did. Unfortunately, I can't tell because I only have one cable.
So, I'm giving it a workover. I'm going to pull all the pickups to send to Rick Aiello to recharge. Replace all the pots, because more often than not they are scratchy and have volume jumps. Probably replace all the wiring while I'm at it.
This won't make a difference. But, I'm considering a 1/4" jack to replace the amphenol. I'm considering RELOCATING the jack so it doesn't poke my belly - probably to the butt end of the guitar. I'm also thinking of replacing all of the tuners
It wouldn't bother me much except I'm pretty sure I'm the second owner (aside from the music store that had it sitting around for 15 or so years). Everything is original. The nut was originally set up for the high 7th string, as they were originally made, but I switched it around (and still feel guilty). I know it's not a museum piece, or even a collectible except for Fred K., and all of the changes are reasonable. But somehow I think I'm changing the integrity of the guitar.
So please everyone, tell me I'm being crazy and I should just do it. And recommend a spot for the 1/4" jack while you're at it. Or tell me not to do it. Either way, I need some "support." |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 18 Jun 2008 3:42 am No Wrecking ... A "Makeover"
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I just finished Fred K.'s 3 pickup (2 hidden) National yesterday.
He sent the whole steel over for a "magnetic makeover" ...
It's really "hot rodded" now ... but it was a difficult job ... took about 5 hrs.
I wanted to replace the amphenol , caps (2) and pot (1) too ... but resisted 
When he gets it back ... and says he loves it ...  ...
I'll run a pictorial and discuss its unusual pup wiring scheme, use of capacitors and its new found "strength"  |
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Fred Kinbom
From:
Berlin, Germany, via Stockholm, Sweden.
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Posted 18 Jun 2008 4:13 am
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Yes, John - your post was timed just right!  I can't wait to play my "rejuvinated" 1937 New Yorker - thanks big time to Rick A. for this!!! 
I first thought I would never want to "tamper" with this lap steel, but when I got another 1937 one (that I still haven't finished fixing the switch on, must get on with that) that has about 40% louder output (if not more), my first one was standing on the guitar stand looking sad and neglected.  And, a recent thread where recharging of the magnets on one of these was mentioned gave me the idea to ask Rick A. to perform his magic on my silent "Old Beauty" so that it can reach its full potential as a guitar to play, singing loud and clear, which is what it was made for. I'm very excited about playing it again now!
Fred
_________________
www.fredrikkinbom.com - New lap steel album out now - listen here: fredrikkinbom.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-lap-steel-and-harmonium |
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