Lipstick on my Rondo
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
- Jim Mitchell
- Posts: 617
- Joined: 15 Nov 2007 1:24 pm
- Location: Phily,Pennsylvania, USA
AAAAAAA NUTS
What do we think about the STEEL nut on the
$99.00 / $109.00 RONDO
Should that be changed to minamize string breakage ?
$99.00 / $109.00 RONDO
Should that be changed to minamize string breakage ?
I am trying to play a Harlin Brothers 1956 Multi Kord 6 String 4 Pedal Steel Guitar
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
- Alan Brookes
- Posts: 13218
- Joined: 29 Mar 2006 1:01 am
- Location: Brummy living in Southern California
- Jim Mitchell
- Posts: 617
- Joined: 15 Nov 2007 1:24 pm
- Location: Phily,Pennsylvania, USA
RED LIPSTICK
How do you think RED LIPSTICK would look on the Light Blue RONDO
I think see will need a Blond wig also
I can buy a black pickup and paint it RED RIGHT ????
I think see will need a Blond wig also
I can buy a black pickup and paint it RED RIGHT ????
I am trying to play a Harlin Brothers 1956 Multi Kord 6 String 4 Pedal Steel Guitar
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
- Mark Mansueto
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 21 Dec 2007 9:30 am
- Location: Michigan, USA
Re: AAAAAAA NUTS
I guess I'll worry about that when I start breaking strings. So far no problem.Jim Mitchell wrote:What do we think about the STEEL nut on the
$99.00 / $109.00 RONDO
Should that be changed to minamize string breakage ?
- Jim Mitchell
- Posts: 617
- Joined: 15 Nov 2007 1:24 pm
- Location: Phily,Pennsylvania, USA
GET_R_DONE
Ok some of you guys with small machine shopsAlan Brookes wrote:If you changed it to a roller nut you would pretty well eliminate string breakage. There are many ways to build a roller bridge. One way is to collect those "balls" at the end of strings. Just put a spindle through them and you're 99% of the way there.
GET-R-DONE
Make one sell some
It sounds easy
I am trying to play a Harlin Brothers 1956 Multi Kord 6 String 4 Pedal Steel Guitar
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
-
- Posts: 72
- Joined: 28 Oct 2007 8:01 pm
- Location: California, USA
Re: RED LIPSTICK
No, actually you can't. There is a disclaimer on the GFS web site that says applying trampy lip gloss on their pickup will immediately void the warranty and require an immediate exorcism.Jim Mitchell wrote:How do you think RED LIPSTICK would look on the Light Blue RONDO
I think see will need a Blond wig also
I can buy a black pickup and paint it RED RIGHT ????
- Jim Mitchell
- Posts: 617
- Joined: 15 Nov 2007 1:24 pm
- Location: Phily,Pennsylvania, USA
MY NECK IS GOING TO TURN AROUND
No, actually you can't. There is a disclaimer on the GFS web site that says applying trampy lip gloss on their pickup will immediately void the warranty and require an immediate exorcism.
Neet that means if I play bad the neck will turn around
I got one coming
Name Code Qty Each Options
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GFS Pro-Tube Lipstick I53_I54_I55 1 30.95 Position =
Bridge Position 8K [I55]
Tuibe Pickup- GLOSS BLACK
Subtotal 30.95
Shipping 5.00
Tax 0.00
Total 35.95
Neet that means if I play bad the neck will turn around
I got one coming
Name Code Qty Each Options
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GFS Pro-Tube Lipstick I53_I54_I55 1 30.95 Position =
Bridge Position 8K [I55]
Tuibe Pickup- GLOSS BLACK
Subtotal 30.95
Shipping 5.00
Tax 0.00
Total 35.95
I am trying to play a Harlin Brothers 1956 Multi Kord 6 String 4 Pedal Steel Guitar
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
- Keith Cordell
- Posts: 3049
- Joined: 9 Feb 2005 1:01 am
- Location: San Diego
- John Billings
- Posts: 9344
- Joined: 11 Jul 2002 12:01 am
- Location: Ohio, USA
"Lipstick on you Rondo told a tale on you
Lipstick on you Rondo said you were untrue
Bet your bottom dollar you and I are through
Cuz lipstick on you Rondo told a tale on you, boy"
Roller nuts and bridges on lapsteels are the worst things you can do tone-wise. Been there! Done that! You might try to make a case that you need them if you're using benders or a Trilogy, But, if your guitar is set up right, you still don't need them.
Lipstick on you Rondo said you were untrue
Bet your bottom dollar you and I are through
Cuz lipstick on you Rondo told a tale on you, boy"
Roller nuts and bridges on lapsteels are the worst things you can do tone-wise. Been there! Done that! You might try to make a case that you need them if you're using benders or a Trilogy, But, if your guitar is set up right, you still don't need them.
- James Mayer
- Posts: 1526
- Joined: 5 Sep 2006 12:01 am
- Location: back in Portland Oregon, USA (via Arkansas and London, UK)
I've got benders on my steel and don't use a rolling bridge or nut. Both components are made of aluminum and I simply loosen the string, move it over, rub a graphite pencil in the groove. I've probably had to do this about once a month or whenever I hear a little squeak. I've never broken a string.
Oh, the benders are only applied to unwound strings.
Oh, the benders are only applied to unwound strings.
- Brad Bechtel
- Moderator
- Posts: 8146
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
After making some adjustments to mine (lowering the bridge as far as it would go, raising the pickup to be closer to the strings), I took it to practice last night.
It definitely has a "harsher" sound than my National Dynamic, played through the same amplifier (Fender Pro Junior) and settings. I had to roll down the treble quite a bit to make it sound clearer. Still, it's a very playable guitar. The string spacing is just a tiny bit wider than the National Dynamic as well.
Thanks for the suggestions regarding the pickup and pot replacements!
It definitely has a "harsher" sound than my National Dynamic, played through the same amplifier (Fender Pro Junior) and settings. I had to roll down the treble quite a bit to make it sound clearer. Still, it's a very playable guitar. The string spacing is just a tiny bit wider than the National Dynamic as well.
Thanks for the suggestions regarding the pickup and pot replacements!
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
- Jim Mitchell
- Posts: 617
- Joined: 15 Nov 2007 1:24 pm
- Location: Phily,Pennsylvania, USA
Re: RED LIPSTICK
I just had to bump this back to the topBob Borzelleri wrote:No, actually you can't. There is a disclaimer on the GFS web site that says applying trampy lip gloss on their pickup will immediately void the warranty and require an immediate exorcism.Jim Mitchell wrote:How do you think RED LIPSTICK would look on the Light Blue RONDO
I think see will need a Blond wig also
I can buy a black pickup and paint it RED RIGHT ????
I have not done any thing to mine yet but I did get the LIPSTICK
I am playing it with the strings they sent me they do suck
keep streatching I guess. I have to tun it every day
I am going to change strings this weekend
I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM GOING TO SAY THIS
It sounds better then my MULTI KORD
That my story and I am sticking to it
I am trying to play a Harlin Brothers 1956 Multi Kord 6 String 4 Pedal Steel Guitar
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
and a RONDO lap
Retired from Boeing Helicopters in Ridley Park Pa.
we build the CH47
- Brad Bechtel
- Moderator
- Posts: 8146
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Changing the strings was the first thing I did when I received mine. After playing it a while, I changed the strings again, but this time while the strings were off, I lowered the bridge, evened out the adjustable string spacers on the bridge, and raised the pickup so it was closer to the strings. The second procedure made a huge difference in the overall sound.
As I've said before, it's not going to replace any of my other lap steels, but it's a fine instrument to have around the office.
As I've said before, it's not going to replace any of my other lap steels, but it's a fine instrument to have around the office.
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
Here's one source for mini pots.
http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/elec ... nipots.htm
Just got my mini pots in from Guitar Parts Resource.
The shaft is too short. They will not work.
I got 5 of them if anyone needs some.
Does anyone know where I can get new mini pots with a longer shaft? Bob got his at Guitar Center so I can drive over there if need be. Maybe I can go on Saturday and hear everyone who knows three chords play them real loud. Over and over again, with distortion, through great big amps-oh boy!
http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/elec ... nipots.htm
Just got my mini pots in from Guitar Parts Resource.
The shaft is too short. They will not work.
I got 5 of them if anyone needs some.
Does anyone know where I can get new mini pots with a longer shaft? Bob got his at Guitar Center so I can drive over there if need be. Maybe I can go on Saturday and hear everyone who knows three chords play them real loud. Over and over again, with distortion, through great big amps-oh boy!
- Mark Mansueto
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 21 Dec 2007 9:30 am
- Location: Michigan, USA
Dave, you can get long shaft mini-pot's here:
http://www.guitarelectronics.com/catego ... ntrolpots/
http://www.guitarelectronics.com/catego ... ntrolpots/
Thanks Mark!
I am putting on a LP Junior bridge and new strings today.
I'll order new pots and I can install them later. The rail pickup I use doesn't sound half bad with the 500k pots.
I am leaving one SX lap original till I finish the first one. I think I will go with the Lip Stick pick up and another LP Junior bridge. But you never know. Someone out there may be making modifications that I will have to copy.
Keep those ideas coming!
I am putting on a LP Junior bridge and new strings today.
I'll order new pots and I can install them later. The rail pickup I use doesn't sound half bad with the 500k pots.
I am leaving one SX lap original till I finish the first one. I think I will go with the Lip Stick pick up and another LP Junior bridge. But you never know. Someone out there may be making modifications that I will have to copy.
Keep those ideas coming!
- Mark Mansueto
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 21 Dec 2007 9:30 am
- Location: Michigan, USA
You're welcome... whatever I can do to save you from going to G-Center on a Saturday.
Dave, you and I are on the same wavelength - I am also leaving one SX alone except for the bridge (which really isn't a mod) and doing changes on one only.
My plan for #1 is to route the top for a P90 and larger pot's and then use a pickguard to cover them similar to the way a Bluestem is done. Once I'm satisfied with that one I'll then decide what to do with #2.
Dave, you and I are on the same wavelength - I am also leaving one SX alone except for the bridge (which really isn't a mod) and doing changes on one only.
My plan for #1 is to route the top for a P90 and larger pot's and then use a pickguard to cover them similar to the way a Bluestem is done. Once I'm satisfied with that one I'll then decide what to do with #2.
- Alan Brookes
- Posts: 13218
- Joined: 29 Mar 2006 1:01 am
- Location: Brummy living in Southern California
Now that I have palm pedals on mine I find myself playing it all the time. I've reached the stage where I instinctively work the pedals to change the relationships of the strings to each other without having to think about it. In fact it's spoiling me for other lap steels, as I reach for palm pedals which aren't there. I will have to do something about changing the nut to rollers, though. I broke a 3rd string yesterday, which is unusual for me.
-
- Posts: 21
- Joined: 16 Sep 2005 12:01 am
- Location: Western Massachusetts, USA
-
- Posts: 72
- Joined: 28 Oct 2007 8:01 pm
- Location: California, USA
Mark...Mark Mansueto wrote:You're welcome... whatever I can do to save you from going to G-Center on a Saturday.
Dave, you and I are on the same wavelength - I am also leaving one SX alone except for the bridge (which really isn't a mod) and doing changes on one only.
My plan for #1 is to route the top for a P90 and larger pot's and then use a pickguard to cover them similar to the way a Bluestem is done. Once I'm satisfied with that one I'll then decide what to do with #2.
Now that I have played both my Industrial with the GFS Mean 90 (very P90 like) and the SX with the GFS Lipstick, it has become clear to me that the apparently hotter lipstick has overtones that the Mean 90 does not produce.
In a sense, it's nice to have the tonal variety between the two lap steels, but I am already beginning to wonder about a somewhat hotter single coil in a humbucker size for the Industrial. After all, reducing the overtones (when I don't want them)is only a tone knob twist away.
...Bob
- John Billings
- Posts: 9344
- Joined: 11 Jul 2002 12:01 am
- Location: Ohio, USA
- Mark Mansueto
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 21 Dec 2007 9:30 am
- Location: Michigan, USA
Alan, that is probably one of the main reasons why I have resisted installing some sort of tuning or bending unit on my steels. My fear is that if I start to depend on it and it becomes part of my general playing technique I'll need a unit on every guitar. I love the idea but I also love the simplicity of a basic six string steel. Maybe someday I'll be confident(or bored)enough with my playing that I'll want to branch out.Alan Brookes wrote:Now that I have palm pedals on mine I find myself playing it all the time. I've reached the stage where I instinctively work the pedals to change the relationships of the strings to each other without having to think about it. In fact it's spoiling me for other lap steels, as I reach for palm pedals which aren't there. I will have to do something about changing the nut to rollers, though. I broke a 3rd string yesterday, which is unusual for me.
- Mark Mansueto
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 21 Dec 2007 9:30 am
- Location: Michigan, USA
[quote="Bob Borzelleri
Mark...
Now that I have played both my Industrial with the GFS Mean 90 (very P90 like) and the SX with the GFS Lipstick, it has become clear to me that the apparently hotter lipstick has overtones that the Mean 90 does not produce.
In a sense, it's nice to have the tonal variety between the two lap steels, but I am already beginning to wonder about a somewhat hotter single coil in a humbucker size for the Industrial. After all, reducing the overtones (when I don't want them)is only a tone knob twist away.
...Bob[/quote]
Bob, just keep in mind that you're comparing two different guitars. Will the lipstick have the same overtones in the industrial? Would be an interesing test but at least we know that the lipstick sounds good in the SX. It's also interesting that a pickup called a "mean 90" is not as hot as a lipstick. I have a 1966 Danelectro with original lipsticks and they are not hot at all and never were.
Mark...
Now that I have played both my Industrial with the GFS Mean 90 (very P90 like) and the SX with the GFS Lipstick, it has become clear to me that the apparently hotter lipstick has overtones that the Mean 90 does not produce.
In a sense, it's nice to have the tonal variety between the two lap steels, but I am already beginning to wonder about a somewhat hotter single coil in a humbucker size for the Industrial. After all, reducing the overtones (when I don't want them)is only a tone knob twist away.
...Bob[/quote]
Bob, just keep in mind that you're comparing two different guitars. Will the lipstick have the same overtones in the industrial? Would be an interesing test but at least we know that the lipstick sounds good in the SX. It's also interesting that a pickup called a "mean 90" is not as hot as a lipstick. I have a 1966 Danelectro with original lipsticks and they are not hot at all and never were.
- Mark Mansueto
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 21 Dec 2007 9:30 am
- Location: Michigan, USA
- John Billings
- Posts: 9344
- Joined: 11 Jul 2002 12:01 am
- Location: Ohio, USA
Mark, it's a Lollar Chicago Steel for Strat pup.
" Chicago Steel for StratocasterTM, $140 each
A steel guitar pickup design intended for slide players based on specific 1940s Oahu/Valco/Supro lap steel pickups. Hound dog Taylor sound with touch sensitive over the top output. Big midrange tone that retains top end sizzle. Usually requires minor routing and slight pick guard modification."
http://www.lollarguitars.com/Pickups.htm
I'm building a Ry Cooder Strat. The Lollar will be in the bridge, and I have two Teisco's for middle and neck positions. I got a Robert Cray Strat body on ebay, and will use my old, very wide Warmoth Tele neck. Should be a bottleneck monster.
" Chicago Steel for StratocasterTM, $140 each
A steel guitar pickup design intended for slide players based on specific 1940s Oahu/Valco/Supro lap steel pickups. Hound dog Taylor sound with touch sensitive over the top output. Big midrange tone that retains top end sizzle. Usually requires minor routing and slight pick guard modification."
http://www.lollarguitars.com/Pickups.htm
I'm building a Ry Cooder Strat. The Lollar will be in the bridge, and I have two Teisco's for middle and neck positions. I got a Robert Cray Strat body on ebay, and will use my old, very wide Warmoth Tele neck. Should be a bottleneck monster.