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Post new topic Converting Gibson J60 to lap slide - string height like KJP?
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Author Topic:  Converting Gibson J60 to lap slide - string height like KJP?
Hans Henrik Rasmussen

 

From:
Denmark, Copenhagen
Post  Posted 5 Jan 2010 3:55 pm    
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Hi all,

I'm converting my Gibson J-60 to lap slide and I read in Terry Sullivan's excellent summary of his time with Kelly Joe Phelps at the Fur Peace Ranch that KJP has the action on his converted J-60 at 7/32 of an inch (about 6mm) from the top of the fret. I thought this seemed a little low so I wanted to check with you guys if you think it sounds alright?

My Lazy River weissenborn is at about 13/32 (10mm) so I was planning on settling on a little under 9/32 (7mm) for the Gibson J-60 - just to not go too low.

Thanks!
Hans
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Mark Mansueto


From:
Michigan, USA
Post  Posted 6 Jan 2010 7:03 am    
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You might want to consider what capo you'll be using. When I converted a standard acoustic to lapsteel I jacked up the strings to near 3/8"
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Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 6 Jan 2010 7:40 am    
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That height seems low. Are you permanently modifying the guitar by replacing the nut? Have you considered buying an extension nut and slipping it over the existing nut? That's a very inexpensive option that will give you a more or less standard string height.
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Hans Henrik Rasmussen

 

From:
Denmark, Copenhagen
Post  Posted 6 Jan 2010 3:54 pm    
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Well, it is permanent. I have an extension nut on another guitar and actually its action is lower than KJP's - about 6/32. And as far as capo goes, I'm using a hand made KJP-style capo so that's not going to be a problem.

I think I've settled on a little under 9/32 (7mm) unless someone here comes up with a good reason to go higher.

Thanks for the replies!
Hans
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