Steel Guitar Builder

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...

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

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

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.