Clinesmith 8 string Frypan ( soundclip added... and another)

Lap steels, resonators, multi-neck consoles and acoustic steel guitars

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Todd Clinesmith
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Clinesmith 8 string Frypan ( soundclip added... and another)

Post by Todd Clinesmith »

I started this pattern back in February, and have been working diligently since, dialing in the details. I have been making shoe pickups for several years now, but this particular new shoe has been in the works for about a year. The shoe is the main reason I built the pan model. I wanted to build a proper "home" for the new shoes. Kinda the cart before the horse...
I have had requests to build a similar model for years , which lead to my Cast Aluminum Clinesmith guitar, which has it's own unique voice. I wanted this to sound like an old pan and it does. It features a long scale of 24.625 inches. String spacing of 2.375 at the nut and 2.75 inches at the bridge. I will be starting a 6 string long scale pattern very soon.


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Last edited by Todd Clinesmith on 3 Mar 2019 9:10 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Rick Aiello
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Post by Rick Aiello »

Stunning ... 🤠
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Todd Clinesmith
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Post by Todd Clinesmith »

A nod from 'da man.... Thanks Rick
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Mark Eaton
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Post by Mark Eaton »

Todd, that looks killer! Great work as usual. 8)
Mark
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Brad Davis
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Post by Brad Davis »

Drool :P
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Jerry Wagner
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Post by Jerry Wagner »

So Cooool, Todd. And so true to the original. Is the neck hollow? Seems like I've read somewhere that some Ric A25's had solid necks. Those shoes look really heavy! Looking forward to a sweet Hawaiian audio clip.
Jerry
Levi Gemmell
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Post by Levi Gemmell »

Just stunning, Todd! I'll be hanging out to hear some capable hands put one of these through its paces. :D
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Andy Volk
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Post by Andy Volk »

A gorgeous reflection of steel guitar's hallowed history married to the best of modern craftsmanship, drizzled with a heaping helping of tase and design skill. Congrats, Todd.
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Joe Breeden
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Post by Joe Breeden »

Congratulations Todd, it looks beautiful.
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Mike Neer
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Post by Mike Neer »

Magnificent! Long scale Frypans are the best sounding of all IMO. The alpha and omega.
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Allen Hutchison
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Absolutely fabulous!

Post by Allen Hutchison »

Lord help me - I want one. (& a 6 string) :mrgreen:
Ralph Czitrom
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Clinesmith frypan

Post by Ralph Czitrom »

Jeez Todd - I thought I’d already reached steel guitar Nirvana with my 7 string Cast Aluminum Clinesmith....
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Post by Scott Thomas »

Even knowing this was coming couldn't prepare me for what I'm seeing. Absolutely amazing!!!!

Now I just need to decide, 8 string or 6?
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Post by Bill McCloskey »

This is going to kill the resale market for the vintage ones I predict.
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Jon Zimmerman
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Fry Casting Finals

Post by Jon Zimmerman »

Ditto all these fine folks' remarks. Am sure those who take ownership will prize all the care and detail put into this effort, Todd. Take a bow! :o
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Stephen Cowell
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Post by Stephen Cowell »

Looks like Jim Newberry just got one!
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Jim Newberry
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Post by Jim Newberry »

Hope my thumb's healed up by the time it arrives (bone spur surgery on my picking thumb this morning)! Should be.

I told Todd that it may fall in to more talented hands, but not more appreciative ones. Todd, you’re a master and I feel very fortunate to be able to experience ownership of some of your fine creations!

Jim
"The Masher of Touch and Tone"

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Bill Creller
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Post by Bill Creller »

Superb !! :D Only thing I see, is that it's better that what a new Rick was :D Great to see a venerable design brought back to the forefront Todd !!
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Post by Joshua Clements »

Wow. I will be giving you a call soon to discuss the possibility of purchasing one of these.
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Post by Stephen Abruzzo »

Just beautiful. To those who may be on the fence....Todd does stellar work. I have a Clinesmith Cast Aluminum and love it. You won't be sorry with a Frypan.
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Todd Clinesmith
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Post by Todd Clinesmith »

Thanks all for the comments. I am trying to keep the price on these affordable, while not sacrificing any details or tone . The pickup is remarkable.

The neck is solid. I read in the Rickenbacker book that the early runs were solid necks. Adolph, I guess thought they sounded the best because of the sustain. I think they went to hollow to save on materials. The guitar weighs about 7.5 lbs.
There are some imperfections here and there in the castings , but that is the nature of a cast piece. The foundry I work with is one of the best!

I am working on a "ipad" recording, so the quality will be ..what it is, an ipad recording.


Here's a few more photos of details.

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Jack Hanson
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Post by Jack Hanson »

Todd, do you see a 22.5" scale 7-string in your crystal ball?
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Erv Niehaus
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Post by Erv Niehaus »

Some guys have just TOO much talent! :D
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Todd Clinesmith
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Post by Todd Clinesmith »

Thank you Erv.

Jack, If I had enough interest I would make an 8 string sized 22.5 " scale guitar, that could also be made as a 7. I have had interest from one other in a 22.5 scale guitar.
I would not make a 6 string sized short scale since there are many of these out there. I know they are still hard to get, but it is the most common of the frypans .

Todd
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Bill Groner
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Post by Bill Groner »

Make sure those decking screws are countersunk deep enough! :whoa: Very nice frypan.
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Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40
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