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Topic: Should I make an 8 or 10 string lap? |
Jeff Metz Jr.
From:
York, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 25 Dec 2011 2:42 pm |
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I am looking to build a lap steel with the same string spacing as my thomas pedal steel. I want to use it to get familiar with non pedal runs, bar slants, and the fretboard in general. Would you recommend making a 10 string (like my thomas psg) or an 8 string. The reason I ask is because I don't see too many 10 string lap steels on the forum and wonder if you guys know something I dont, that would make 10 strings unnecessary. Thanks so much for your time all. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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Mullen G2 SD10 , Lil Izzy Buffer, Goodrich 120 volume pedal, Boss DD-7, Peterson Strobo flip, Peavey Nashville 112 |
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 25 Dec 2011 3:08 pm
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| I'd go for the 10, you don't have to string up all 10 if you decide 8 is enuf, but you can't really add 2 more if you go 8 and then decide 10 is what you want. |
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Steve Ahola
From:
Concord, California
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Posted 25 Dec 2011 3:26 pm
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I don't know the string spacing of your PSG but for slants, etc., many non-pedal steel players prefer 3/8" spacing. At least for me it is not a problem switching between the different string spacings on my assorted steels, which range from "way too narrow" to "way too wide"... 
As for converting a 10 string to an 8 string I would probably make a new bridge and nut. That way I could use a wider spacing for the 8 string than the 10 string. I would use a pickup like the George L which does not require a specific string spacing (it does not use individual pole pieces.)
Just my 2 cents...
Steve Ahola
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Recordings on electric guitar:
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 26 Dec 2011 3:08 am
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| String spacing IS the key. A lap steel has wider string spacing than a Pedal Steel. I can't do some of the slants I used to do on a lap steel and maintain correct intonation. |
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Don Sulesky
From:
Citrus County, FL, Orig. from MA & NH
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Posted 26 Dec 2011 4:46 am
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I have made to lap steels over the years an 8 string which is now just a 6 string and a 10 string which I have recently put legs on it.
I like both for different reasons.
The 6 string is great to carry around for quick jams.
The 10 string has a fuller range and tone and I use the C6th tuning on it.
I think it's still a matter of choice and what you want to do with it.
Don
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Member: FSGC, PSGA, TSGA
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"Steel guitar is like playing chess in the dark with three players". Jeff Newman quote from 1997 seminar |
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