Newbie and a new project

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snkysnake
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Jan 08, 2014 4:20 am

Newbie and a new project

Post by snkysnake »

Hey there ! I'm a newbie to Lap Steel , and live in Middle tennessee. I can't play one yet , but I bought a POS Rogue knock off to teach myself on. The fever has got me now , so I'm gonna attempt to build my own . It will be an 8 string , and I'm thinking a cross between a lap and a consol. I bought a nice piece of Bloodwood today , 7/8ths X 6 X 48 for the main body /key head , and a cool piece of Purpleheart 3/4 X 4 X 36 for the fretboard area. I don't have a clue on what tuners to buy , or how to wire it , but I'll be sifting thru the forum for ideas . Right now I'm doing rough drawings to get me to the woodworking point. Any suggestions, tips, or add vice will be welcome !
na4it
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:26 pm

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by na4it »

Stewmac (http://www.stewmac.com/) has lots of parts and also info on pickup wiring. I would suggest pickup straight to 1/4" jack, then use a volume pedal.
Scott Duckworth
E6 Rogue lap steel, D6 Regal RD-30MS squareneck reso-guitar,
Li'l Izzy, Zoom MS-50G Effects Pedal into a Berhinger mixer and Harbinger V2112 speaker(s).

Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it
snkysnake
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Jan 08, 2014 4:20 am

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by snkysnake »

Thanks for the reply. I've been studying the stew mac catalogue , and will be sending in an order soon. I also ordered a book on lap steel building from amazon, to help me with measurments and scale lengths etc. We'll see how it goes !
snkysnake
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Jan 08, 2014 4:20 am

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by snkysnake »

Does anyone have a recomendation for an eight pole pickup ? My search for pickups isn't going too well. I wouldn't mind if some of you exsperienced builders could give me a short list of pickups to look at. For tuning heads it looks like I'll have to do the Gotoh 1951-LB and 1951-RB individual tuners (four each) from Stew Mac
na4it
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2013 12:26 pm

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by na4it »

Google is your friend.. search "8 string pickup"...

https://www.google.com/search?q=8+strin ... 2&ie=UTF-8
Scott Duckworth
E6 Rogue lap steel, D6 Regal RD-30MS squareneck reso-guitar,
Li'l Izzy, Zoom MS-50G Effects Pedal into a Berhinger mixer and Harbinger V2112 speaker(s).

Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it
snkysnake
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Jan 08, 2014 4:20 am

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by snkysnake »

Thanks for the reply na4it , funny how changing the search term gets better results !
Paul Lafountaine
Posts: 332
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 5:06 am
Location: Northern Ontario

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by Paul Lafountaine »

Decide on the scale length you want to use as this measurement will help you decide were to place your pickup, bridge, nut and the overall length of your project. This is how I do it anyway! You do not want to make the scale length to long as you will find it difficult when you have to do bar slants. Personally, I find 22-1/2 " not to bad. If you just enter "lap steel" in google you should find images of lap steel to look at and these may help you find a design you like.

For your first project if you buy most of your parts such as bridge, nut, pickup and such it will give you some experience building, but when you do your second one you will find you will want to make as many of the parts as you can yourself. This is an addictive hobby.

Good luck with your build and don't hesitate to ask questions on the forum. There are many talented people here willing to help.

Paul
snkysnake
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Jan 08, 2014 4:20 am

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by snkysnake »

Thanks Paul , and all of you who jumped in to help. My home build project is now on hold . I need to rethink my wood supply, probably will have to double up on my body thickness at the very least. Now to share the good news , I just ordered a GeorgeBoards Retro Deluxe 8, I think having a great one in my hands will be inspirational , and help me refine my plans for my home build. Now the loooong wait...two to four weeks . If anyone needs me, I'll be waiting on the porch !
sheepdog
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:45 am
Contact:

Re: Newbie and a new project

Post by sheepdog »

Hi,
Glad you have decided to join us lapsteelers......
If you require an 8 string lapsteel pickup I will gladly make you a custom one for 100 GBP.
Check out my site at. http://www.raypalf.co.uk/PALFRay/Home.html

Mail me direct, link on site if you are interested, I also have plans for a basic 8 string lapsteel if you need, and yes I think your body should be at least 1 3/4" thick,!

All the best

Ray

PALFRay Guitars.
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