tri-pod stability

Gary Rue · From: Maryland, USA

I had a very nice person return a "King Pin" because the tripod was not stable enough. I took it as a challange and have tried every degree angle on the position of the sockets (on the shop Frankenstien), I have recessed the sockets so I could add another 15 degrees by putting a hard wood spacer behind the sockets, my conclusion confirmed by inspecting other steels as well as my own is that a Tri-pod set up should be level if you want stability. If you want a stable angle you need 4 legs. I know this sounds simple but this is a forum so feel free to give me back my bullets!

Loving Life, Gary.

John Rosett · From: Missoula, MT

I play an early 50's Fender D8 with 3 legs, and although sometimes when using a heavy vibrato, I can get it wiggling, I've never felt like it was so unstable that it might fall over. One of the legs is about 1/4" shorter than the others, and I put it at the outside position, so that the guitar leans away from me ever so slightly.
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Larry Carlson · From: My Computer

I also felt a little uncomfortable with 3 legs which is why
I bought a keyboard stand (4 legs) to place the guitar on when playing.
It is the perfect height for me and very secure.
Not a solution for everyone but it solved my problem......... Smile

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Jack Hanson · From: San Luis Valley, USA

I have a of couple three-legged Deluxe34 stands that I mount a pair of 6-string Gibson lap steels atop. They are a tad on the jiggly side, but I got used to it in no time. Sorta helps with the vibrato. Lack of stability is not an issue.

Bill Sinclair · From: Waynesboro, PA, USA

I expect a single neck guitar like your King Pin makes it a little more of a challenge to get good spacing on the legs. Have you had the opportunity to see how Fender did it with their single neck studio Champ models? Mark Roeder seems to sell a lot of three leg stands that splay off from a fairly narrow strip. Peope put their Clinesmiths and bakelite Rickys on those things. If I'm ever in the market for one of his stands, I think I'll order a 4-legger and have him drill and tap an extra hole in the middle so it could be used with just three legs on occasion.

James Kerr · From: Scotland, UK

I have no trouble on my National copy
Demonstrated here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlEbmQ6GrwI

James.

Gary Rue · From: Maryland, USA

Did measurements, angles, weights of steels, matched heights, ect. "On Level Steels 27" from wooden floor".

Results?
The stability of the narrow long king Pin was the same as the shorter 1950 DBL neck heavier fender.

The Dbl. 8 had one weak tip zone in front of the leg under the tuner.
The King Pin had 2 weak spots halfway to center.The
center leg was adjusted on King Pin to 30 degrees and the steel would spin in a circle when pushed.
Both steels are awful when angled.
Put heaver steel legs and sockets on King Pin and got better forward angle. Trade off. Wt. versus stability.

Gary Rue · From: Maryland, USA

Nice Rig Jack. How is the Morley pedal? Do you run it in stero?

Jack Hanson · From: San Luis Valley, USA

Gary Sill · From: Mt. Zion, IL, USA

All you have to have is a 3 legged lap and tip it forward or backward and see you heart sink as you steel hits the floor.

If you have room for 4 legs to be mounted to support your steel, you will find stability and it is very hard to tip 4 legs over.

I have sold hundreds of legs and most of them are 4 legged sets with my sockets in combination. Everyone seems happy with the way they fit.

Gary Sill
Sill Music Supply
Mullen and Peavey Electronics Dealer
217-433-7455
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Gary Rue · From: Maryland, USA

No dought. The triagle configuation on the 1950 trapezoid is very unstable when level. if you happen to bump it around the tuner pan, It's on it's way down. I fixed the problem on my steels that have a center leg configuration by changing the center leg to 30 degrees. very stable when level. I enjoy using a X stand or having the option of using legs on a single neck. I am going to make an aluminum bar with a tightening knob and rubber feet so there will be a small floor T for the heavier 3 leg dbl. necks. I am also considering a two holer that fits in one socket. Time and money. money and time!

Mark Roeder · From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

I've played on both 3 and 4 legs. I found the amount of wiggle for me is easy to ignore. I have heard from my customers with a more aggressive bar technique that 3 legs is way too wobbly. So I feel like technique is a big factor and always ask what someones style is like. I use 15 degrees on my stands for both 3 and 4 leg models.......
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Jim Newberry · From: Seattle, Upper Left America

I'm happy with three. When I had a StringMaster, I could never get the four solidly on the stage since it seems like everywhere I play is level-challenged. I use a Deluxe34 3 legger and play two different 3-leg Fender Pros. I much prefer a little wobbliness to having to constantly adjust leg lengths on the 4 leggers.
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