New Custom 12 String Lap Steel

Bill McCloskey · Posted 9 Feb 2006 3:14 pm

Just so you can share the anticipation with me, I've decided that Howard can't be the only guy out there commissioning works of art, so I'll let you know that I've commissioned Loni Spector to build me a custom 12 string lap steel.

Let the suspense build.

Kris Oka · From: San Francisco, CA, USA

Hey Bill, I thought you had the first Superslide 12 string. What does the Loni Spector custom 12 string have to offer? Will the search for the perfect steel guitar never end?

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Never......and that's a good thang

Bill McCloskey · Posted 10 Feb 2006 3:28 am

Oh, don't get me wrong: I love the superslide and it is never going to get replaced. But I also love the 12 string tuning, and every instrument has its own thing. I'm having a custom pickup made, a wider string spacing, a longer scale length and the volume and tone knobs moved so that they can be manipulated ala Derrick Campbell. I don't expect it to replace the superslide but to be the first in a series of custom 12 strings I have created in order to expand what I see as the ultimate instrument: the 12 String Lap Steel.

Jeff Au Hoy · From: Honolulu, Hawai'i

Wow, 12 strings. It must be twice as good as my bakelite.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Well, that's a great feature of the SS's....you can go from 6 - 12 strings and everything in between on one guitar.

With regard to the quest for THE steel, or dobro , or pick ups, or any instrument......it's not only a quest of the consumer. Fortunately, the builders and luthiers are definately on this never ending quest and WE are the fortunate ones that have a variety of wonderful and amazing instruments available to us.

So whatever we play, or desire to play, we are in a golden age.

Bill, I also look forward to your next steel.

Stanford Lane · From: Oklahoma, USA

I have a 12-string lap steel made from parts of a Sho-Bud. I love it and the versatility that 12 strings brings to the table.

Adrienne Clasky · From: Florida, USA

I call dibs on Bill's Superslide!

I meant to do that on the MSA, but hurricanes, blah, blah, and it was gone.

Bill McCloskey · Posted 10 Feb 2006 9:37 am

"I call dibs on Bill's Superslide!"

I take a NRA position on that: from my cold stiff hands...

Adrienne Clasky · From: Florida, USA

LOL! I'm trying to save for a U12 pedal, but you describe the Superslide so well that now I want one.

They should pay you!

Bill McCloskey · Posted 10 Feb 2006 10:03 am

Your mouth to Reece's ears!

It took me almost forever to get a hat out of them, and I had to buy a double 8 to get it.

Rick Garrett · From: Tyler, Texas

Can't wait to see some pics Bill. Congrats!

Rick

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Mike D · From: Phx, Az

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Few men can really pull off wearing a woman's hat...and Howard's not one of them.

I've also said it before, the search for the 'one' guitar (and therefore the lack of a need for many) is an idea planted by the Devil himself! (or often a wife, six of one, half dozen, etc)

------------------
Half-assed bottleneck and lap slide player. Full-assed Builder of resonator instruments.

Mark Eaton · Posted 10 Feb 2006 12:23 pm

Bill-I'm curious about the string spacing-what will the two different guitars provide for you from that aspect, sound and aesthetics considerations aside?

------------------
Mark

Bill McCloskey · Posted 10 Feb 2006 12:26 pm

The Superslide has a Pedal Steel type spacing. If I was going to have a new steel made I wanted to experiment with a wider spacing. I remember trying out Howard's Sierra 12 String at the slide off and I did like the wider spacing since I'm used to Dobro playing.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Bill McCloskey · Posted 10 Feb 2006 1:23 pm

Boy,

Everytime I see that picture I'm reminded I have to lose 50 pounds. Thanks for making my day Howard!

Richard Sevigny · From: Salmon Arm, BC, Canada

Youse guys should wear Fedoras when youse strike dat pose!

Reece Anderson · From: Keller Texas USA, R.I.P.

Youse two gize are already having too much fun. I can't wait to be part of the party on the 25 and 26th.

I'll easily see Howard at the airport cause he always lives up to his reputation and manages to stand out in a crowd, and........ Bill, since you mentioned your MSA hat, I expect to see you wearing it.

Bill McCloskey · Posted 11 Feb 2006 11:25 am

You'll see both of us at the airport Reece. Did you think you were going to touch down on NY soil without me being there?

[This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 11 February 2006 at 11:26 AM.]

Reece Anderson · From: Keller Texas USA, R.I.P.

Bill....The thought never entered my mind you two would not be there.

It will be great for this country boy to see two familiar faces when I step off the plane in that big town. I'm gonna stick with you gize like glue, and watch you like you are hawks.

Bill McCloskey · Posted 3 Mar 2006 4:12 am

Update:

Just received pictures of Jason Lollar's first ever 12 string pickup. As Loni says, it is a total experiment, so we will have to see how it works. So things are progressing.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Bill, what's the string spacing going to be on your Lonimaster?

I wouldn't mind a different pu on my Sierra 12 as you know from last year's Slide Off.

[This message was edited by HowardR on 03 March 2006 at 05:11 AM.]

Bill McCloskey · Posted 3 Mar 2006 7:11 am

I believe we settled on 11/32.

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