Intro & How to lighten a Stevens steel

Randy Cordle · Post by **Randy Cordle** » 9 Jun 2006 4:00 am

Hi, All.
I've lurked for a while and now have officially joined the ranks of all the rest of the microtonally enabled. I have had a few laps over the years and have always enjoyed sitting down with a six string as a form of relaxation and musical meditation and currently play a homebrew. I also build assorted musical instruments on a hobby basis and as a way of holding down the cost of my addiction. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute something of value occasionally. Here's a link to a pic of my "lightened" Stevens bar. http://www.angelfire.com/music2/construct/page11temp.html
Thanks to all you folks that contribute all your prized knowledge. SGF is a veritable goldmine of information.
Randy

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 9 Jun 2006 4:13 am

Very cool. Also makes a nice little storage space for some.....musical medication...

Actually, I use a Smith bar, similar to a Sheerhorn. They are sloped on both sides. Reverse slants are difficult (to me) with this kind of bar. I've often thought of drilling out one side a bit (pun) for a thumb recess.

Are you using a drill press or a milling machine?[This message was edited by HowardR on 09 June 2006 at 05:17 AM.]

Jim Jasutis · Post by **Jim Jasutis** » 9 Jun 2006 6:04 am

I am new at all this and would like to ask a question. Why would you want to lighten a bar? Everything I have read seems to indicate that heavier bars produce better tone.

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 9 Jun 2006 6:43 am

Welcome to the forum Randy!
I was just looking at your page of instruments you have built - acoustic guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin, accordian etc. Pretty amazing work.
I'd sure like to hear how they sound.
Have you built any lap steels?

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 9 Jun 2006 7:22 am

Hey Randy. Welcome. I just wanted to pass on to you a link to a good friend's site. He is a Boston area luthier and maybe a kindred spirit except that he is probably crazier. I thought of him when I saw your reference to making an upright bass.
http://www.liutaiomottola.com/instruments.htm

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 9 Jun 2006 8:11 am

Now you need to fill it up with lead so you can get some TONE.

Randy Cordle · Post by **Randy Cordle** » 10 Jun 2006 4:39 am

HowardR, Drill press was used. Pilot drilled with ¼” and followed with 3/8”.
Jim, I’m relatively new also and the Stevens bar gets a little heavy after holding it for extended time. I thought I’d try lightening it since I had two identical bars. I can’t tell any difference in tone between the two bars, so I’ll continue to use the drilled out version.
Rick, Thanks for the complement. I’m currently playing a homebrew steel and am working on my second.
Jon, I’ll check out your friend’s site. I’m always interested in folks that are a little zealous about making what they play!
Michael, My current steel has a humbucker with series/parallel/single coil switch and I run it thru a 5 watt tube amp. I can’t imagine any more tone than what I’m currently getting, but I’m always open for options! Maybe I should try using my dad’s 60 pound blacksmith’s anvil…hmm…

AJ Azure · Post by **AJ Azure** » 10 Jun 2006 9:42 am

If you want more control over weight check out http://www.gssteels.com

Back end divot wise I am working on soemthing like that with him for my bar. I'll encourage to offer it as an option.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 10 Jun 2006 4:30 pm

The Stevens bar looks like it's plated brass. What kind of bit would I need for stainless steel?

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 10 Jun 2006 4:59 pm

Howard ... most brands of cobalt drill bits are made of cobalt steel ... "thru and thru" ... with a hardness "in the hood" of 68 Rockwell C.

Titanium drill bits are "coated" ... titanium nitride... and this coating is much harder ... "in the hood" of 82 Rockwell C.

I buy and use cobalt mostly ...

But for that "special hole" ...

... where you wanna make sure you are gonna get the results you need ...

I go with Titanium Nitride coated.

Just my opinion ...

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[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 10 June 2006 at 06:11 PM.]

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 10 Jun 2006 5:14 pm

Thanks Rick. I should have used your milling machine when I was there at The Shenandoah Summit.....if I were sober at any one time