The Steel Guitar Forum

I've made a few 6-string laps that didn't turn out half bad, so I guess it's time to try an 8-string. This'll be "from scratch;" I figure I'll even wind my own pickup. Never having owned or played (much less built) an 8, I thought I could get a few of you to pull out your tape measures & tell me:
--What's the "standard" string-to-string spacing at the bridge? Or the pole-to-pole spacing on your 8-string pickup?
--Do most of you prefer a narrower nut, or do you like the same spacing at the nut as at the bridge??
Much obliged.............

Mike: Since you are used to six string spacing, go with what you have. Just add two more keys, a little wider fretboard & a George L p/up. Or wind your own. Let us know how it turns out. If you run into problems email me & I'll try to help more. Good luck. Andy H.

Thanks; 'preciate it. Any other opinions out there??

I built an 8 string from scratch. The string spacing is 3/8" at the bridge and 11/32" at the nut. I have a Jerry Wallace True Tone pickup on it with 3/8" spacing.

I've tried narrower and wider, but I like 3/8" at the nut and bridge the best.

"Straight, No Taper"...

The Wallace Truetone has a lot of satisfied customers. To me it's a good choice for an 8-stringer. Good luck with your project!

--Steve

I've used approx. 30 TrueTones TT-8s on my Dynalap Lap Steel Kits and so far they seem well liked.

My first few kits were 11/32" string spacing (standard PSG)thinking that folks would eventually want to get into PSG.Also this was the spacing Jerry offered on his eight string pickups.

This didn't fly. There seems to be a lot of No Peddlers who prefer 3/8".

I asked Jerry to wind an eight string pickup with 3/8" spacing which he did,but on a large ten string bobbin.I ended up resizing them myself by routing off the excess plastic.
Eventually ,being the accomodating guy he is, Jerry tooled up to make a smaller eight string bobbin which is perfect.

Thanks for all the replies guys--Looks like I'll go with 3/8"; will post pics etc. when it's done. Don't hold your breath though.....

Sort of strange, but B.E. said that he would
like to try a 3/8" string spacing on a PSG.

What do you plan on using for nut/bridge material? I have a few options, but some of them are costly. I want a nut like those found on many commercial products, but they don't seem to be available as aftermarket products. I don't "mind" making my own bridge and nut (and I've done it before), but I'd rather just purchase them.

Greg

I use a real simple arrangement consisting of a 1/4" stainless steel rod with ends made of 3/8" aluminum for both the nut and bridge. Lesse if I can post a pic:

Cheers for that!

Do you just have to make extra-sure that the tuners are in the right spot in order to get the strings spaced out evenly, or is the rod grooved at all?

Greg

The nut is grooved but the bridge isn't. Using a string-through design (like a Telecaster), there's enough down pressure at the bridge so the strings stay put.