It's a walnut colored lacquer finish Vintage XL from the later 70's, I believe, very balanced resonance across the strings, nice rich tone and I really like MSA mechanics/feel. This is a jazz influenced alternative folk trio, and I don't think I could get what the songs need without the lower voicings that are possible with a 12 string uni. I view the steel as more of a synthesizer in this context, doing anything from bass to bowed cello / string quartet type voicings; even flutey and Hammond type tones. It ain't country!
This is my Carter U12, BCT model with gauged aluminium rollers made for me by Don Burrows. Truetone pickup and home made cushioned paddles. I also made the arm rest and re-cushioned & re-covered the seat which was originally a keyboard stool.
Nice Colour coordination Geoff.Even on the pedals and knee levers. My Carter Uni 12 is black but all the metal parts have been engraved by me like my Sho-Bud one picture back...the Turquoise one
Micky, do you use an electric engraving tool to do that, it looks great BTW.
I've been building up a workshop in my attic the past couple of years, unfortunately due to circumstances the past year or so I haven't had much time to do much but I'm hoping to get started very soon on an 8 string lap which has been in the planning for the last 2 years. I made the knee levers in the workshop, I posted the construction process in the Steel Guitar Builder site,
The arm rest in the photos on this link was a first attempt, I've since made a better job of it! I used eva foam for this with a copper bar embedded in the foam to give it weight. Firm but with a bit of give.
Hi Geoff...the tool is electric and diamond tipped I believe...works like a Tattoo machine. I was always good at drawing...if you can draw you can engrave. The Sho-Bud you saw was while I was recovering from my 1st heart bypass. The band got a dep player, so I was bored and thought I'd give it a try. Once you start and do a cock up, it's too late :0)..you have to live with it lol..so slow and steady does it. My Carter uni is engraved too...including a cottage and trees and mountains and a lake on the pedal board. Took awhile to do it
Geoff...this is just a small shot of the pedal bracket. The rest seemed too big to upload...if you e/mail me I can send more pics...including the Sho-Bud after it's rebuild from a house fire damage. Notice the waggon wheel amongst the leaves :0)...with this kind of engraving, it's great when stage lights catch it.
When Mike started this thread I was four months into building mine, and it gave me extra impetus to get it done. So now I can show you my 12-string! (if you haven't seen it already)
Only thing missing is a name...
BTW, there are some really interesting machines in this topic.
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs
Well, that might be appropriate. I've followed your example of tuning string 2 to C# and raising it rather than the more usual way round, and it's been making sense so far. I can't remember where I read it, but it stuck.
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs
Well I know Zane Beck had his fourth string a C# which is what I have then on a lever I raise it a tone and I have a half stop for the flat. it opens up a lot on a 12 string when the 6th is right there.
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo.
