new 7 string lap steel

Kevin Ruddell · Post by **Kevin Ruddell** » 20 Aug 2006 2:17 pm

Recently I got a really nice 7 string Blattenberger lap steel from Rex via his link on the Steel guitar Forum Manufacturers section ( We Need The Money Guitars )
It's really a nice guitar and a lot of fun to play . I got to have it my way too ; 3/8ths inch string spacing with no taper to the nut.
I don't have a web space anywhere or I would post some pictures if anyone one wanted to take a look at the guitar . If any kind soul would be willing to donate the time and energy to host space I could send some digital photos for posting

Chuck Fisher · Post by **Chuck Fisher** » 20 Aug 2006 5:52 pm

we sure wanna see it, Rex does nice work.

Twayn Williams · Post by **Twayn Williams** » 21 Aug 2006 11:10 am

http://www.photobucket.com/

It's what I use, and best of all, it's free!

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 21 Aug 2006 1:30 pm

7 strings! The perfect number. I have a 39 Gibson Grande Console that's a D-7 with Charlie Christians'. It's just too much fun!

Kevin Ruddell · Post by **Kevin Ruddell** » 21 Aug 2006 1:41 pm

Twayn ;
thanks for the tip on photobucket , I will check them out. Thanks to some help I'm in the process of getting a link ready to post for viewing the pictures this week hopefully

Kevin Ruddell · Post by **Kevin Ruddell** » 22 Aug 2006 1:53 am

Gary Boyett · Post by **Gary Boyett** » 22 Aug 2006 3:32 am

Wow, that is very nice Kevin. He looks like he puts quite a bit of detail into his work. The spacing is perfect. The two colors really add depth to the steel. I like it!

Have you checked the frets against a tuner for accuracy? Some builders get them a little off once in a while. I am sure this is fine though.

My only question would be why not 24 frets? 19 is ok but it is bad enough up in the nose bleed section. Without a guide I would sound like a cat with his tail caught under a rocker.

I will check out his site today. Thanks.

Rex Blattenberger · Post by **Rex Blattenberger** » 22 Aug 2006 7:12 am

Hey Gary ,
You asked, why 19 frets? ( actually , there are 21

)... Mostly because when you get up that high,there's not a lot of spacing between those frets and the bar gets in the way of your vision anyway so most guys play by ear up there...Besides , only banjo players NEED frets

( rim shot!)
But if you really want 'em, I can do 24...
I also,design wise , like showing more of the wood top ...
I wanted to thank Kevin for putting up the pix and for also sending in a great review to Harmony Central. http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Blattenberger
Glad you really like the guitar, man

I'll also have the newest acoustic version in St Louis so stop by the booth if you all get to go .
rex http://www.weneedthemoneyguitars.com
(coming soon: www.blattenbergerguitars.com )

Roman Sonnleitner · Post by **Roman Sonnleitner** » 22 Aug 2006 2:27 pm

Sweet! I like the minimalistic headstock!
But why no vol. pot - or are you using a pedal for swells?

Kevin Ruddell · Post by **Kevin Ruddell** » 22 Aug 2006 3:57 pm

No volume pot was an option that I chose, although it can be added as an option . I usually use a volume pedal. The RB guitar is pretty responsive and does fine with no pedal too.
I forgot to mention that the handsome lad dressed in tweed that the steel is resting against, is a finger jointed pine 1/15 cabinet Rick Johnson made for me . And yes , it sounds as good as it looks . I love it.

Kevin Ruddell · Post by **Kevin Ruddell** » 23 Aug 2006 1:47 am

Stephan Miller · Post by **Stephan Miller** » 23 Aug 2006 10:44 am

Kevin, congrats on the new 7-stringer. Nice woods, and the high waist gives the "shoulders" kind of a heart shape, cool. What's your tuning?

I'm jealous of the Rick Johnson cabs-- what does one weigh with the Eminence in there?

--Steve

Kevin Ruddell · Post by **Kevin Ruddell** » 23 Aug 2006 2:10 pm

Steve , I tune it lo-hi A C# E G A C E ;
or A6 A C# F# A C# E -
The Rick Johnson Tweed Cabinet weighs 27 pounds with an Eminence Gamma 15 in it. It's fine as wine

Rick Johnson · Post by **Rick Johnson** » 11 Sep 2006 11:51 am

Kevin
Thanks for the kind words, I know
several guys that make cabinets.
Thanks for allowing me to build
for you.

Rick
www.rickjohnsoncabs.com