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Author Topic:  7 string dobro conversion question
John Rosett


From:
Missoula, MT
Post  Posted 20 Sep 2005 3:09 pm    
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i'm enjoying my 7 string lap steel conversion so much that i'm now ready to tackle the dobro. the only part that's a big problem is finding a coverplate with a bridge opening that's wide enough to accomodate the extra string. i'd like to keep the same string spacing it has now, so the original coverplate won't work.
thanks, john
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HowardR


From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
Post  Posted 20 Sep 2005 6:10 pm    
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John, you should have plenty of room for 7 strings WITH 6 string spacing (I have that set up). You'll need a longer saddle to accommadate 7 strings but the space under the palm rest is ample. At least it is on mine.

If it isn't, on yours, you can always cut or file the area at both sides to give you more room.

[This message was edited by HowardR on 20 September 2005 at 07:18 PM.]

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Jim Bates

 

From:
Alvin, Texas, USA
Post  Posted 20 Sep 2005 6:13 pm    
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I have a 7- String Dobro, that was factory made by Ed Dopera when the plant was in Long Beach. The neck is a seven string neck - not a modified 6 or 8 string. When I got to visit the factory in the early '70's, Ed Dopera showed me the 7-string neck template (jig?) he had used, plus also he showed me the ones used to make necks for various other 8, 10, and 12 string Dobros.

The string spacing is of course closer than on the 6 string, but the standard coverplate has plenty of room.

There are probably other factory built 7-string (Dobro or Sho-Bro) out there somewhere.

Thanx,
Jim
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Billy Gilbert

 

From:
Texas, USA
Post  Posted 20 Sep 2005 10:37 pm    
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I made a new nck and converted a D-body guitar to 8 string reso. I cut off the handrest and made a wooden one with more clearance and mounted it with a screw on each side.
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Jerry Tillman

 

From:
Florida
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 3:01 am    
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What tuning do you all use on your 7 string dobros? thanks lakeshrk
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HowardR


From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 3:12 am    
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I have G7 on one of mine.

l > H...G B D F(E) G B D I have a pedal that lowers the F to E for a G6. The common tuning in G would be the G6.
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Jerry Tillman

 

From:
Florida
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 3:58 am    
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Howard,I resemble your suggestion that I use a common tuning.I am from the south but I don,t think I should have to use a common tuning anymore than the next dobroist or resonaterest. lakeshrk
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HowardR


From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 4:52 am    
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Jerry, I'm also from the south......south Brooklyn.... The common tuning here is:
G fuggettaboutit.....I didn't feel that I had to play that either, until Vinnie came by and gave me a few pointers. You think my tuning was sharp? You should have seen his blade....

[This message was edited by HowardR on 21 September 2005 at 05:56 AM.]

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Jerry Tillman

 

From:
Florida
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 5:01 am    
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Howard,I didn,t know your a fellow southerner.I need all the help I can get with this tuning thing.My tuning fork headed south a few years back. lakeshrk
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Dave Giegerich

 

From:
Ellicott City, MD, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 6:18 pm    
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Paul Beard makes a spider assembly for 7 string resos. The saddle sits just in front of the cone adjustment screw so you can turn it without removing the saddle. Google Resophonic Outfitters for his website.
See you in Joliet in a few weeks Howard? I'm bringing a Beard and a ShoBro 7 string.
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HowardR


From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 6:47 pm    
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Well, I'm growing a beard but I'm leaving my 6 string Sho Bro home...

See you in a few Dave....

[This message was edited by HowardR on 21 September 2005 at 07:49 PM.]

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John Rosett


From:
Missoula, MT
Post  Posted 21 Sep 2005 8:30 pm    
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that's one of the things i like about this forum- you can throw out a question, then just sit back and enjoy the show.
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Gregg McKenna

 

From:
South Windsor, Connecticut, USA
Post  Posted 22 Sep 2005 3:54 am    
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The 7 string spider is the offset spider bridge which has the adj.screw in front of the bridge channel instead of in the middle. It will change your scale length by 1/4" because the bridge will no longer sit directly over the center of the cone.
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