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Topic: Building From Scratch, Part One |
JB Bobbitt
From:
California, USA
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Posted 12 Sep 2018 9:31 am |
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Hello people, this is my first post here. I'm about to build a lap steel from scratch. So I'm going to research before hand. I've got a lot of Q's but I'll ask them one or two at a time.
1: Scale length. Most plans spec 22-1/2 inch scale length, but some are 25 or 25-1/2 inch. How does scale length affect sound and playability? I know its a broad question. I want to play like Ronnie Wood on "Cut Across Shorty" &tc.
2. Bridge type: What difference does it make? i.e. string-through-body vs. top loading - telecaster type?
Any advice helps. Also, can you direct me to a good source of information?
Thanks a heap,
-jbb |
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Larry Carlson
From:
My Computer
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Posted 12 Sep 2018 10:26 am
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You might try this forum.
http://steelguitarbuilder.com/forum/
They have a lap steel section.
It isn't a very active forum but I have found a lot of useful info just snooping around.
They also have a section on tools to use, finishing techniques etc.
_________________
I have stuff.
I try to make music with it.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
But I keep on trying. |
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Fred Treece
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Sep 2018 9:05 am
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Look up Sonny Jenkins on this forum. His work seems to draw the most attention of all the expert builders here, and for good reason. He is an artist, and a very humble one who would probably be happy to help you out.
You can also check out the GeorgeBoards lap steel parts website for design and construction ideas:
http://www.georgeboards.com/parts.html
I will say that generally speaking, short scale laps and wide string spacing are better for bar slants. Long scale makes accurate intonation and vibrato control easier. Different scale lengths are also a determining factor on string gauge and tuning. Through-body seems to be the default design, maybe an expert can tell you why but it probably has to do with overtones and sustain. |
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