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Topic: very simple do-it-yourself sheet clamp |
Oliver Samland
From:
Hamburg, Germany
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Posted 9 Jul 2011 7:54 am |
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When I'm on the bandstand, on most occasions I just need a setlist or my little notebook or a couple of sheets at most. I find music stands are usually too bulky for my needs, and unpleasant to place in front of a steel as well. Here's my simple solution: a sheet clamp made out of a binder clip (also referred to as foldback clip or bulldog clip). You get them in every office supply store for a few dimes. It only works on steels that have a gap between the tuners and the body, though. On my Carter it works perfect.
Get a binder clip...
...flatten and bend it (a vise works best but comb pliers will also do the trick)...
...till it looks like this.
Wrap up the flattened end with gaffer or duct tape (to protect the finish).
Voila! Done! Now you can clamp it between the tuner and the body.
It easily bears my little notebook. As long as you don't equip it with a bible, it will not hurt your steel. 
As it is also chromed, the binder clip matches the look of the steel fairly well.
It even works with A4 sized sheets if you put a piece of cardboard behind them to stabilize.
Maybe some of you will also find this little gadget usefull.
best regards,
Ollie |
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Oliver Samland
From:
Hamburg, Germany
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Posted 9 Jul 2011 8:09 am
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| sorry, I put this in the wrong section by mistake... bOb, please move it to pedal steel, thanks |
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Bryan Daste
From:
Portland, Oregon, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2011 8:31 am
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| Cool idea, thanks! |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 9 Jul 2011 9:39 am
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| Oliver, how well does it work in a moderate wind?? |
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Oliver Samland
From:
Hamburg, Germany
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Posted 9 Jul 2011 10:42 am
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Barry, I did test it for you - with my hairdryer as a wind generator. Result: The binder clip holds the sheets very tight, they will not fly apart. But as they are only clamped at the bottom, the sheets may fold over in windy situations, especially if you use A4. A paperclip will solve this, e.g..
With the A6 sized booklet I usually use, moderate wind is not a concern at all. The contrary is the case, compared to a regular music stand it is very secure in the clip.. |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 9 Jul 2011 11:11 am
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| It isn't the integrity of the paper I was concerned with as much as the entire apparatus being blown off the steel in a gust of wind, since it is only held on by friction. |
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Mike Wheeler
From:
Delaware, Ohio, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2011 11:42 am
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Regarding Barry's concern, how 'bout instead of the duct/electricians tape, dip the flange in that stuff that's used for tool handles? Can't remember what it's called, but one of the fo'bros uses it on finger picks. It can be bought at Home Depot.
That stuff would provide some grip to prevent slipping.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike |
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Barry Blackwood
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Mike Wheeler
From:
Delaware, Ohio, USA
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Posted 10 Jul 2011 8:01 am
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Yep, that's the stuff. Thanks, Barry.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 11 Jul 2011 12:26 pm
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Oliver, thanks for the great tip , just what the Dr. ordered ! Made mine today , almost the best $2 I ever spent !
PS pay no attention to the list , it's probably from 3 or 4 years ago...it's a DEMO...
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Chris Lucker
From:
Los Angeles, California USA
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Posted 11 Jul 2011 12:31 pm
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| Oliver Samland wrote: |
| Barry, I did test it for you - with my hairdryer. |
You have a hairdryer?
Adding an extra strip to slip under all five tuning keys would be less elegant than your stock piece, but may add stability.
Great idea on your part.
_________________
Chris Lucker
Red Bellies, Bigsbys and a lot of other guitars. |
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