Why is the Bottom Open?

Robert Bergland · Post by **Robert Bergland** » 14 Apr 2009 3:16 am

Well I must say that I think a fine undercarriage is some of the most beautiful and amazing eye-candy that a PSG has to offer. Don't be shy!

Richard Gonzales · Post by **Richard Gonzales** » 14 Apr 2009 3:26 am

After playing those HOT licks you need that open ventilation to cool the guitar off!

Jeremy Threlfall · Post by **Jeremy Threlfall** » 14 Apr 2009 3:30 am

I don't want to hijack but I don't want to split the thread ....

Can people post pictures of the famous pedal steel "drapes" or covers that some of the ancient fathers used?

Like on the cover on the front of my Speedy West/Jimmy Bryant album (Travellin' From Georgia To West Of Samoa) where Speedy has a bit of what looks like thick carpet down the front of his Fender, with "Speedy West" in an an embroidered diamond.

Perhaps this will lead to a discussion of why that fashion never persisited. I suppose it started because other sit-down orchestra players would sometimes cover their knees (so as not to detract from the performance?) ...

Some early pedal steels had built in wooden screens?

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 14 Apr 2009 6:13 am

Of course, If your undercarrage looks like this(see below), you might want to cover it up.

By the way, thanx for the Kind words, Tony.

Ronnie Boettcher · Post by **Ronnie Boettcher** » 14 Apr 2009 7:06 am

Wear a skirt, or short-shorts, and no one will see the under carriage. Especially when you hit the LKL, and RKR. Really, I think the undercarriage should be seen.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 14 Apr 2009 2:35 pm

James Morehead wrote:Of course, If your undercarrage looks like this(see below), you might want to cover it up.

James: without an undercover your bright shiny mechanism will eventually look like your dusty one...

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 14 Apr 2009 4:01 pm

Alan Brookes wrote:
James: without an undercover your bright shiny mechanism will eventually look like your dusty one...

Not under MY watch and care, it won't!!

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 16 Apr 2009 12:22 pm

I'm with Tony, too.

I like the fact people can see the underbelly. I like looking at it too.

More than topside, the underside really demonstrates the intricacies and complexion of the steel.

Seeing it, I think, just adds more 'awe' and 'wow' value to an already loved, yet very misunderstood instrument.

I always liked peering into a grand piano, when the cover was up. It's simply fascinating.(Who came up with this? Wow?)

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 16 Apr 2009 4:23 pm

Chip Fossa wrote:...I like the fact people can see the underbelly. I like looking at it too.
...

If the body were made of Perspex, you would be able to see the innerds from any angle.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 16 Apr 2009 4:47 pm

Alan Brookes wrote:
Chip Fossa wrote:...I like the fact people can see the underbelly. I like looking at it too.
...
If the body were made of Perspex, you would be able to see the innerds from any angle.

Well Alan, if they can get it in birdseye, I'm in!!

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 16 Apr 2009 6:08 pm

Thanks Alan, for your input.

But, I have no idea what 'perspex' is or means.

So, I'm not sure if you, you rascal, are poking me in the eye, or are serious about what you mean to say.

I could look up "perspex", but I'm gonna let you tell me what it is. I am interested.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 16 Apr 2009 7:18 pm

Is it related to being perspicacious? or being persnickety? or to perspiring?

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 16 Apr 2009 7:34 pm

Percieving. I think.

Did I spell that corectly?

Am I still hear?

Yuk Yuk, everbody.

Brint Hannay · Post by **Brint Hannay** » 16 Apr 2009 8:05 pm

Jim Cohen wrote:Is it related to being perspicacious? or being persnickety?

Or perplexed?

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 16 Apr 2009 9:38 pm

The problem can best be solved with the subtle eloquence of fringe to bring out ones feminine side yet vulgar enough to imply wealth and masculinity.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 17 Apr 2009 6:17 am

Chip Fossa wrote:Thanks Alan, for your input.
But, I have no idea what 'perspex' is or means...

http://www.perspexdistribution.com/
It's a brand name, which is why I capitalized it. It's basically the same as Plexiglass. It's a very strong, transparent plastic. You can buy it in sheets and make almost anything out of it by cutting and gluing, or, if you're really good, carving, but you have to do a lot of sanding if you carve it or it will go opaque.

Here's a Mellotron made of Perspex. You can imagine how a pedal steel would look...

admin · Post by **b0b** » 17 Apr 2009 7:29 am

Here's a photo of the underside on my Rickenbacker:

And the top:

Sorry about the shaky camera work.

Robert Harper · Post by **Robert Harper** » 17 Apr 2009 11:14 am

I think they should make the front hinged so whe you needed/wante to tinker you just flip it up an start to work.

admin · Post by **b0b** » 17 Apr 2009 11:24 am

Notice that the side panel on the Rick is hinged, hiding the pedal tuning mechanism. Both sides look the same when it's set up.

Robert Harper · Post by **Robert Harper** » 17 Apr 2009 11:43 am

While I can see the point of impressing some people witht he intricasies (sp). Them there drunks in a bar room are only going to be impressed with another round and the best lookig woman left at 2:00A.M. Is don't know much about steels, but Is has been in a barroom or 20 at 2:00Am

admin · Post by **b0b** » 18 Apr 2009 10:51 am

Some people even expose the machinery on their player pianos!
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The Steel Guitar Forum

Why is the Bottom Open?

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Hinged

I don't know