Lets Talk Pedal Steel Guitar Cabinets

[Lamar Campbell]

Hi all I would like to hear from some that have built some pedal steel guitars on the cabinets. The ones I have built I have used 3/4 inch hard maple and various other woods for the cabinets but all are 3/4 inch top plates and sides. I am planning on starting another guitar and collecting what I need for the build now. I am going to be building a D10 my first D10 all mine guitars are heavy as all get out. I want to design one that will be lighter and I have heard of 1/2 inch being used for the cabinets with 3/4 inch necks. What do you all think?? thanks to all that reply

[Ian Worley]

Emmons cabinets are 1/2"

[Bobby D. Jones]

When I built a pedal steel guitar I used a Sho-Bud permeant for measurements. It had 1/2" aprons, 1/2" top and 3/4" wood neck.

[Lamar Campbell]

Thats exactly what I was wanting to do 1/2 inch all around with 3/4 necks. Thank you all for the helpful relies

[Les Ford]

I'm using 1/4 inch of curly maple and laminating it to 1/4 inch or 1/2 of western red cedar. The cedar provides light weight and the maple stops it from splitting or shattering.

[David Wisson]

Hi All my 12 string uni is 1/2" maple top & front apron covered with mica both sides and the rear apron is 3/8 Ali with mica on outer face. Dave

[Jerry Overstreet]

I think most all modern pedal steels are 1/2 hard maple or die board. Decks and aprons. Probably about weight and bulk, but I love the idea of 3/4 decks for a D10 like the old Sho~Buds had. That extra height makes for a more comfortable playing and roomier front neck.

I'd consider maybe some type of lightweight filler sandwich for the front necks to raise them another 1/4 inch, either underneath or on top of the 1/2 in. decks to keep the weight down though. Probably on top to maintain contact and sustain then a filler on top under the fret board.