Steel Guitar Builder

Thanks for all the posts. I believe this should get me going. Burt's link showed using a scale with a hook which should give me a real close starting point and I will then go to McMaster-Carr and order up some springs. Sorry to hear about the house Richard, I'm sure that must have been devastating. ...

This is my first build and was wondering if the spring should be like 1/4 inch dia. and then what a good starting strength would be, 1 lb., 2 lb., etc., and also does someone have a diagram of how they do the adjuster? Thanks again.

Dave G.

Would anyone know if there is an average pull weight on return springs for the lowering fingers? This is an all pull changer and any info would help as a starting point. Haven't seen anything on this, but I know they have to be strong enough to keep hold them against the stops in the neutral positio...

Bent, it's a matching pair! sound and beauty. Great job!!!! The detail on the changer is excellent. a long way from what mine will look like it What brand of lacquer do you use on the maple and what kind of sprayer? Thanks

Dave G

These are some pics of my changer. Pretty much done except for final minor adjustments and polishing. I made everything but the pickup mounting block. Found that from an old MSA with a SuperSustain II pickup for less than I could buy the aluminum so I decided to cut a corner. Not likely to use the p...

Bent, another beautiful guitar as always! Can't wait to see the rest of the pics. That finish is amazing.

Dave G.

Steve, I don't know what others use but I used 16 gauge steel which is 0.058" I believe in thickness. Also, the site you reference having make your parts did not come up for me? Is that the complete name? I'll be posting pics in a couple of days at most of my changer, just a couple of little things ...

Blacksb21, the binding posts kind of look like a rivet. You have a flat head screw and the other part is a threaded tube with a flat head. You can go to McMaster.com and search on binding posts. They have 1/8" in stainless steel, zinc coated steel, aluminum, etc., I have been getting all my supplies...

I decided on Chicago binding posts from McMaster-Carr and the Teflon washers sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the input.
Dave G.

I used a bandsaw with a metal blade and went slow. I used a saber saw on the 1/4 inch aluminum and had good success with that, just can't get in a hurry. My biggest problem is figuring out what to put the 2 pieces together with that won't bind, wear and be too long.