Steel Guitar Builder

Storm, news to me about the nitro, and just goes to show I should keep my yap shut when I'm not sure
Thanks for your remark!
Here is the fruits of today's labor...

Hi Guys,

MANY ROADS, BUT ONLY ONE DESTINATION.

HOW WE GET THERE IS NOT IMPORTANT, SO LONG AS THE END RESULT IS THE ONE YOU WANT, THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS, IMHO.

BENT, SHE IS LOOKING MIGHTY FINE.

Dave.

Yo brother Bent, I certainly didn't know when nitro lacquer came along, however I was curious so ....Wiki-pedia is our friend...hehehe. Dave, my thoughts perzactly......Stormy

Hey, Guys -

Educate this old man.

I reckemember from building a few classic guitars that ordinary lacquer is relatively soft. Is nitrocellulose a harder, more durable material? If so - and over the long run - would it be more susceptable to cracking, "checking"?

Richard

Richard,
The lacquer I use is instrument lacquer, nitrocellulose based. The fact that it is "Instrument" means that it is formulated for acoustic guitars and so on - instruments with thin walls, prone to bending etc. The lacquer bends right along with the wood(to an extent) so this in turn prevents cracking and checking compared to other finishes. The tendency for bending etc is not as bad on a pedal steel made of way thicker material than an acoustic guitar(hey unless you have bad cabinet drop!!!)
The finish should not be thought of as soft, but rather flexible.
When I sanded it with 3 different grits (yes Pat, I went up to 1500) and 2 different grit swirl removers, I found out how hard it really is. Like they say: Harder than Japanese Arithmetic!

Bent -

Per usual, you explained it to my satisfaction. Won't hesitate to use it.

'Preciate it.

Richard

Quiet around here. Maybe everybody's busy with their project. I know I am. Can't think of anything else but to get this thing assembled, set up and adjusted. Another month and it HAS to be up and running.
Here are 3 pics from the assembly. Got the rodding almost done today - 9 hour day!

Bent , that guitar sure looks good, whoever gets it is gonna be very happy Im sure . Russ

Bent -

Really like your changer mount and Alumitone pickup.

We've discussed string height above the fretboard before here on the forum and there's been no concrete reason for any dimension given. So be it.

Curious, though - what was your thinking in placing your strings so sky-high on this instrument? Was it dictated, in part, by your changer mount design?

Teach me.

Regards,

Richard

Beautiful job Bent ,

is the bearing plate notch in the front apron?, the guitar is coming together real nice.


Pat C