Steel Guitar Builder

Beautiful works of art, plain and simple.

George, applying your knowledge and experience to this question: Would you say that mahogany has special tonal qualities compared to other woods? Also, what domestic woods would you favor for their tonal qualities?

Georg, another way to get around the timing problem is to use custom made bell cranks for certain puls, liek Ed does on his Fulawka steels. His bell cranks might look the same , but the holes are spaced say 1/16" inch further apart or closer together, whatever the requirement may be. In other words,...

Well, guys, I just got off the phone with Jerry Blanton in San Antonio, TX. Since we have been discussing his bell crank system a bit, I felt like hearing it from the horse's mouth. Allan, I asked specifically about the bell crank on the round cross shaft with the set screw to hold it on there. Jerr...

Tuning of the end-note and "a rough balance" of Timing. This works well because we usually don't "glide" pedals so slowly that Timing-errors can be clearly heard. The timing part can be felt, as I was made aware of by Bruce Snow during set-up of Red. I hadn't really given this part much thought; I ...

Allan, I hesitate to say whether a system is better or not. I think every system certainly has its advantages, and maybe also its drawbacks? Compare for example the all-pull and the pull-release. Both are great, proven systems but they both have their own drawbacks if one wants to look at it with a ...

Allan Some of us discussed this system earlier on the SGF. I think the 3 factors needed are Tuning the pedals, Timing the pedals and adjusting the Throw of the pedals(pedal length of travel). I believe(could be mistaken) that the problem with the Blanton system is that it will do the Tuning and timi...

Allan, I spaced my pedals 2 3/4" o/c I Measured on a ShoBud Superpro and there the spacing was 2 5/8". Can't explain why I gave it another 1/8" ...not that it matters much. With that spacing, I wouldn't make my pedals any less than an inch wide. Yes, you can use nylon bushings for the cross rods. Ho...

George, that was just fascinating! I had instant visions of what my shop router could do if it was set up as an overhead one instead of in a table.

Please let us know if you have more of the same. Great stuff!

We now have Chet Wilcox with us as the newest member. Most of you likely know that Chet is the builder of the Wilcox pedal steel guitars. He has 134 steels to his credit. I am sure we can all learn from Chet's expertise.

I hope you all will join me in welcoming our latest member to the Builders' Forum. Adair Torres is Brazil's premier Pedal steel guitarist. Adair does one fine job of promoting our beloved instrument in Brazil and all over the world. Just click on the links below and give him a listen and decide for ...