Need advice on Nut and Bridge shape and angle

Kristen Bruno · From: Orlando, Florida, USA

I have a nice sounding console lap steel I bought a few years ago on the forum. Was homemade. Looks like neck came from a pedal steel cause it has about the same size fretboard.

The tuning head was 12 string but I string it up as either an 8 or 10 string. (12 strings would be way to close). Also it came with only 10 notches on the bridge and nut so I assume it was used as a ten string.
The one thing that bothers me is I get the heebeejeebees that a string may break (and sometimes does) when changing strings or tuning . Awfully tight turning on the tuners! Also developing a sitar sound from the 4th string from "hi side". The notch my be a little too big.
Does the string angle from either nut or bridge appear to be too steep? Looking for suggestions on "smoothing things out" and possibly adjusting angle. .

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"Technology has given us the ability to repeat all the mistakes we have learned from history, but much faster, deadlier and with much greater accuracy" - KAB

Stefan Robertson · From: Hertfordshire, UK

String gauge selection is Crucial.

Please ensure you are using the best gauge strings for your Scale length to avoid breakage.

the angle is steep but not too steep. maybe be an issue if the slots have not been filed smooth on the bridge and nut so there are no tiny sharp hairs or edges.

String buzz can be fixed with filing the affected string's nut and bridge until it is seated smooth. I had to get this done on mine. Carried it to a super expensive guitar store and they did this for me for FREE.
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Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com

"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist"

Stefan Robertson · From: Hertfordshire, UK

Decide on the tuning and measure the scale length of your instrument for a guide.

John ely has a String gauge chart to guide you.

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php
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Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com

"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist"

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