Pedal Steel Arm Pad

[na4it]

On pedal steels with arm pads, does the pad sit level with the strings, or level with the top of the neck? Think about building a D8 console, and would like to have that feature on it.

Scott, the novice steeler...

[Bent]

Don't know if there is a standard, but for me, I make the pad match the height of the C6 strings if they had been there. In other words, the top of the pad sits 1/4" below the level of the E9th strings

[richard37066]

Scott -

I have a feeling that this falls within the category of "personal preference". On the Dekley that I'm rebuilding, the first pad that I made sat even with the strings. I found it to be uncomfortable - for me - and commenced to fabricate a second one which sits slightly above the fretboard. I almost made a fatal mistake in committing to the final version on the first try. Fortunately, I was able to salvage the embossed vinyl that I used and was able to use it on the second. Given my "aw, crap" moment, I would suggest making a mockup and giving it a test run. A little trial and error never hurt anything. Seems like my position is just about where Bent describes his preference.

Richard

[gamac]

On the subject of arm pads for the back neck, is there anyone who is making these at a reasonable price.

Last one I had made was by a guy in Alabama, but his name eludes me at the moment. That was
about ten years ago.