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Topic: Want to build a 10 string, string spacing , ect |
Jerry Recktenwald
From:
Louisville KY
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 9:03 am |
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| My name is Jerry , I have built several 6 string lap steel's and also built my own 8 string steel. I want to build a 10 string. I have a big piece of oak 2"x 61/2" x 60" and Don't have a real preference on a pickup [ used and inexpensive ] I looked at a gorge l E66 that it is for up to 10 strings and is 3 1/4" long. But what string spacing is required for these kind of pickups? When I made my 6 string steel's I used 3/8 " because guitar pickups were spaced at3/8" . And also how high should the strings be from the fret board ? My 8 string that I made is 1/2" from the fret board. The reason that I am asking is if the strings are lower would you more accurate when placing the bar over the fret? I want to use brass as my past builds. All any other suggestions are welcome , I want to make this build right. Thanks Jerry Ps. I have been playing for about a little over a year, and love playing the steel. |
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Steve Ahola
From:
Concord, California
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 12:26 pm Re: Want to build a 10 string, string spacing , ect
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| Jerry Recktenwald wrote: |
| I looked at a gorge l E66 that it is for up to 10 strings and is 3 1/4" long. But what string spacing is required for these kind of pickups? |
One thing great about the George L pickups is the string spacing is not critical (the basic models can be used with 6, 8 or 10 strings.) I suspect that they use a bar rather than individual pole pieces which would need to line up with strings. I recommend making the pickup height adjustable so that you can fine-tune the sound to your own preference.
Another forum member here- Dom Franco- built his own 10 string non-pedal steel and he used 3/8" spacing.
HTH
Steve Ahola
P.S. IMO the string height should be whatever is most comfortable for you (1/2" or 3/4" works for me). I only use the fret markers as a rough guide and use my ears to determine the exact placement of the tone bar.
_________________
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Recordings on electric guitar:
http://www.box.net/blue-diamonds
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Michael Maddex
From:
Northern New Mexico, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 1:42 pm
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Jerry, if you haven't already, you might want to check out the Steel Guitar Builder's Forum:
http://steelguitarbuilder.com/forum/
HTH.
_________________
"For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert." -- Arthur C. Clarke |
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Jerry Recktenwald
From:
Louisville KY
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 2:24 pm
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| Thank you Steve and Mike , The builders corner has my answers. After Christmas it's to the workshop and time to have some fun building another steel. There is nothing like building and playing the guitar that you built. Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Jerry |
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