Hi
Just wanted to get a few peoples opinions on string spacing on a lap steel build. Majority of laps appear to have a tapered string spacing with wider spacing at the bridge than at the nut rather than just, say, 3/8 all the way down.
Not sure what this adds or if there is any reason for it and I would be interested to hear what other people have to say on the subject.
thanks, Andrew
String Spacing - tapered or straight?
String Spacing - tapered or straight?
Sugartone Guitars
http://www.sugartone.co.uk
http://www.sugartone.co.uk
Re: String Spacing - tapered or straight?
Well, you asked exactly the right question. 'Opinions' is the right word. I have never heard a good reason to make the strings taper towards the nut so I don't! I just feel better with parallel strings.
The same discussion goes on in the pedal steel world and I have never seen a good case made there for tapering the strings. Bottom line, I think you should go with what ever feels and looks good to you.
Good luck with your build.
Regards, Allan.....
The same discussion goes on in the pedal steel world and I have never seen a good case made there for tapering the strings. Bottom line, I think you should go with what ever feels and looks good to you.
Good luck with your build.
Regards, Allan.....
Only nuts eat squirrels.
Keep yer tools sharp! That way you can use more of your strength guiding them AWAY from your body rather than forcing the cut!!!
Keep yer tools sharp! That way you can use more of your strength guiding them AWAY from your body rather than forcing the cut!!!
Re: String Spacing - tapered or straight?
You got that right Allen , its all personal preference, it wont change the sound one iota, opinions will vary . Russ
Re: String Spacing - tapered or straight?
Hi Andy, and welcome.Nice to see you finally got here.
You know, Allan and Russ are correct I think. The only reason I can see is it makes for that much of a narrower keyhead...a keyhead that has to fit on the
5 1/4" or so deck board. Especially with the old Grover Rotomatic tuners, I can see where the builder was concerned with the keys overhanging the deck board.
So I have always thought it was for esthetic reasons.
You know, Allan and Russ are correct I think. The only reason I can see is it makes for that much of a narrower keyhead...a keyhead that has to fit on the
5 1/4" or so deck board. Especially with the old Grover Rotomatic tuners, I can see where the builder was concerned with the keys overhanging the deck board.
So I have always thought it was for esthetic reasons.
http://benrom.com/
21 BenRom pedal steel guitars, a Nash 112 and a 1967 TOS Milling machine with many cutters making one hell of a mess on the floor.
21 BenRom pedal steel guitars, a Nash 112 and a 1967 TOS Milling machine with many cutters making one hell of a mess on the floor.
Re: String Spacing - tapered or straight?
Thanks for the all the replies. This concurs with what I felt and I shall therefore go for a straight 3/8 all the way down.
I must admit that I wasn't even aware that my Gibson lap was tapered until I actually got a ruler out and measured it at both ends.
cheers, Andy
I must admit that I wasn't even aware that my Gibson lap was tapered until I actually got a ruler out and measured it at both ends.
cheers, Andy
Sugartone Guitars
http://www.sugartone.co.uk
http://www.sugartone.co.uk