Why not put the changer on the left side?

[Ryan Barwin]

There's been all kinds of talk about the best changer fingers for resonance and tone, and the fingers being in contact with the body (Carter BCT, push-pull design, etc.)
Obviously, the best design in terms of resonance would be a solid bridge, in contact with the body. Maybe even a string-through design. If the space behind the bridge was short enough, no roller bridge would be necessary.

There's also been designs (particularly by Excel) where the open strings are tuned at the changer, and it's all integrated. Like this:


So why not use a changer like this on the left side of the guitar, and put a solid bridge on the right? Sierra, and Moyo guitars (which sounds really resonant) both did something like that, but I wonder why it hasn't caught on? It would make the most sense.

http://www.moyopedalsteelguitars.com/featuresvideo.htm

[Bent]

Hi Ryan,
There is a thread going on the SGF now with JD Sauser, Ed Packard et al, with exactly that idea. I have been discussing witha couple of guys for some time, the beast way of constructing a changer/keyhead as one unit. I can't see any disadvantages with it. There are probably more advantages to a system like that that with the traditional all pull/ scissors system. How old is the traditional one now? 50? 60? years old? I think it is time for new thinking on this part of the pedal steel.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=188456 Here is the link. I am sure you have read it, but in case some of us here missed it, I would say it is very important for us all to read it and get the hang of it all.

As for me..why haven't I embarked on this venture yet? I Still feel like I need to perfect my traditional steel building a bit before branching out. There is just so much an old brain can absorb! Plus, it IS a lot of fun building the traditional way! And what's wrong with the sound of the traditional pedal steels? Ummmmm
nothing...

Younger thinkers like yourself have to get on this bandwagon right away, Ryan. Thanks for mentioning this.

[burt]

I've been thinking of making a trial one string model, just to see if there's any mileage in the idea.

I've got the string anchor method (at the pickup end) sort of designed, in my head, but the current stumbling block is the changer finger itself.

It will need to be no more than 1/4" thick, to allow for the strings tapering at the nut end of the steel, and 1/4" doesn't leave much room for manoevre.

I don't see the need to have the tuners integrated with the changer, it can go the other end, similar to the Fender PS 210.

[Bent]

I don't see the need to have the tuners integrated with the changer, it can go the other end, similar to the Fender PS 210.

But that was sort of the whole idea behind this, Burt. The thinking is to have the changer and tuner integrated - on the same end.