Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael Gajeski on January 19, 2011 at 4:50pm

Here is a good article with some basics about scale lengths. I hope it helps you out.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ben on January 19, 2011 at 4:58pm

I'm a fan of 23" for lap steels. This lets you put on some heavy strings, still tune it up no problem, but not get ridiculous with the tension. It means there's less "distance" between "frets" but also that you have to be more exacting since it's a shorter scale length. Got a good ear?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Bingham on January 19, 2011 at 5:01pm

Hey Michael,

I built a lap steel with a 25-1/2" scale and was really pleased with it.  Telescasters and Stratocasters are 25-1/2" scale insturments and as a result they have a clean, bell-like tone.  I strung my lap steel up with one string initially and found the harmonic closest to the bridge harmonic by lightly touching the string with my finger and plucking it with the other hand.  I then mounted the pickup with the magnets directly under the harmonic point.  If you want a darker, muddier tone, you could use a 24-3/4 inch scale.  I've built CBGs on both scales and they have distinctly different tones.  Good luck, and remember, it's always good to have an excuse to build one more!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Bingham on January 19, 2011 at 5:18pm

Hey Bill,

Sorry for calling you Michael.  I was looking at Michael Gajeski's reply and my brain misled my fingers...  Let us know how your build works out. Welcome to the Nation, too!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 19, 2011 at 10:22pm

A very common scale for lap steels is 22 1/2", like a lot of the classic 1940s and 50s lapsteels. I'v had quite a few and made a couple as well, and these were 22 1/2", as is my wonderful JuJu Lapsteel.

 

You do need to put heavy strings on them, but it's generally regarded as the way to go.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bill walsh on January 20, 2011 at 3:02am

Ben said:

I'm a fan of 23" for lap steels. This lets you put on some heavy strings, still tune it up no problem, but not get ridiculous with the tension. It means there's less "distance" between "frets" but also that you have to be more exacting since it's a shorter scale length. Got a good ear?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bill walsh on January 20, 2011 at 3:04am

Thanks Ben - left ear's fine - right a bit dodgy so should be ok! Bill

bill walsh said:

Ben said:

I'm a fan of 23" for lap steels. This lets you put on some heavy strings, still tune it up no problem, but not get ridiculous with the tension. It means there's less "distance" between "frets" but also that you have to be more exacting since it's a shorter scale length. Got a good ear?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bill walsh on January 20, 2011 at 3:16am

Hi Mike - thanks for info - my next question (and I have a million!) was going to be how to site the pickup or pickups since I have a couple spare but don't really know if they're necessary since a lot of lap steels I've seen only have one.I like the tones I get from my Tele - which according to some - was a direct mutation from Leo's lap steel - and thought bridge and neck would give me that range.

Also - just struck me - before I go cutting up my piece of oak it might make sense to do the set up on a lump of pine... hmm?,

Bill

Mike Bingham said:

Hey Michael,

I built a lap steel with a 25-1/2" scale and was really pleased with it.  Telescasters and Stratocasters are 25-1/2" scale insturments and as a result they have a clean, bell-like tone.  I strung my lap steel up with one string initially and found the harmonic closest to the bridge harmonic by lightly touching the string with my finger and plucking it with the other hand.  I then mounted the pickup with the magnets directly under the harmonic point.  If you want a darker, muddier tone, you could use a 24-3/4 inch scale.  I've built CBGs on both scales and they have distinctly different tones.  Good luck, and remember, it's always good to have an excuse to build one more!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bill walsh on January 20, 2011 at 3:17am

You bet! Thanks Michael.

Michael Gajeski said:

Here is a good article with some basics about scale lengths. I hope it helps you out.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bill walsh on January 20, 2011 at 3:20am

That's ok Pete - will keep you posted - I do have other questions - far too many really.

Michael. (English sense of humour)

Mike Bingham said:

Hey Bill,

Sorry for calling you Michael.  I was looking at Michael Gajeski's reply and my brain misled my fingers...  Let us know how your build works out. Welcome to the Nation, too!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bill walsh on January 20, 2011 at 3:23am

Thanks for info John - I can see I'm going to have to make more than one! Bill

ChickenboneJohn said:

A very common scale for lap steels is 22 1/2", like a lot of the classic 1940s and 50s lapsteels. I'v had quite a few and made a couple as well, and these were 22 1/2", as is my wonderful JuJu Lapsteel.

 

You do need to put heavy strings on them, but it's generally regarded as the way to go.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by bill walsh on January 20, 2011 at 3:31am

Thanks Wes - I begin to realise I will only find what I like best by making a few - making one seems pretty daunting just now but I expect once I get into it I will be knocking 'em out every week... maybe... Bill

wes carl said:

I have an old Supro from the 50's  22.5   I think they knew what they were doing.  Im sure others work, but this is quite good  Enjoy

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page