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Author Topic:  Gibson BR-6 questions
Dave Zirbel


From:
Sebastopol, CA USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2008 12:01 pm    
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I just traded some of my time tracking in the studio for a BR-6 lapsteel. I don't know much about them. The guy said he had the pots changed and I know that some pots have date codes on them. How can I find out when it was made? He thinks it was a late 50's model. Also can someone tell me if that pickup looks original? It's real quiet. I think I like my Fender lap better but I'll know more after I change strings and take her out on a job.



Thanks for your help! Also would be interested in a fair market value in case it doesn't suit my needs. It comes with a case but missing the handle. Sorry about the fuzzy pics.

Have a great New Year everyone!
Dave


Last edited by Dave Zirbel on 31 Dec 2008 12:23 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Dave Zirbel


From:
Sebastopol, CA USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2008 12:22 pm    
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Here's a full shot.

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Blake Wilson


From:
Boulder CO, USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2008 2:45 pm    
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In my seemingly never-ending quest to comprehend covers over bridges on guitars, I have always hated the bridge/pickguard on my BR-6. Muting is a very important effect for me and simply cannot be achieved on a stock BR-6. I suggest taking your pickguard/control plate off, which is very simple due to the fact that the strings can slip out of the bridge (use a velcro strap to hold the strings up on the neck), and experiment with a simple pickguard cut from plexiglass. I did this rather elaborate design first, then simply cut everything off except for a small oval around the controls to allow the wood to show (third pic down; this is a completely reversable mod). Altho the screw holes are visible, it's still better looking than the gold Lucite thing that covered half the guitar. I also ditched the gold knobs in favor of copper/brown Gibson top hats, which match the body color perfectly. This is now an eminently playable guitar except for the pickup noise. You mention your p/u is silent. Mine may need a rewind, but I also notice that your poles are about 3/8" higher than mine. Maybe I'll try that. There was no dating info on my pots; I replaced those too (yes, I saved the originals). Lastly, my tuning machines are different than yours, and I assume mine are replacements.

Fun! Nice to see another BR-6!

Regards,

Blake



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Dave Zirbel


From:
Sebastopol, CA USA
Post  Posted 31 Dec 2008 3:18 pm    
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Thanks Blake. The pickups look the same on our guitars. I may screw those poles in a little more. I know what you mean about the cover being in the way. What year is yours?
Dave
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 1 Jan 2009 8:38 am    
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We just as well make it triplets:








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