The Steel Guitar Forum

I play PSG with picks slightly (but not extremely) extended. Minor claws but not more than ~~1/8" beyond the fingertip.
On the Stringmaster this results in clacking on the fretboard, the SM having strings considerably lower than any other steel I've got, pedal or non.

The dumb question--do all Stringmaster players adjust to this string height thing and pick cleanly or do some play with pick clatter and consider it a 'goes with the territory' thing?

Is it simply a matter of: good players pick clean, hacks clack?

Jon,
My bakelite Ricky has the same string height as my Stringmaster. You get used to it after a bit and the clacking stops.

Why are you picking DOWNWARDS and THAT far from the bridge ?

...probably too agressive on string attack, Jon.

One possible approach __ bend a separate set of finger picks just for the Stringmaster. Each guitar has it's own "feel" anyway. You will soon become accustomed to the new picks. Curve them back more toward the palm.

The closeness of the strings to the fretboard on a
Stringmaster does present a problem for some. I
have had a couple brought to me for a simple mod.
You just insert 1/8" aluminum strips under the bridge and nut.

You will have to drill two holes in the strip for the nut so the mounting screws can pass thru. The strip for the bridge is simply slid under and held in place by string pressure. There is enough adjustment in the pickup to raise it to the proper height. I can't tell that it makes any difference in
the tone of the guitar.

Jon,
I had the same Problem with my stringmaster D8,then a Frind of mine made 2 "Raisers" for my guitar.Now that i'm selling my Stringmaster you can Have the "Raising kit" if you are interested in.

Walter T

Thanks guys. Hey Walter--thank you for the offer. I appreciate it. But my objective and I believe my best approach will be to become accustomed to picking this guitar properly rather than adapting it to my improper technique. Now that I have my answer (that no, it is not standard to clack & clatter) I can proceed with confidence and determination.

Good thinking Jon, that's the way to go, for sure..
Basil

Jon Light wrote:...my best approach will be to become accustomed to picking this guitar properly rather than adapting it to my improper technique...

I've been finding this out the hard way over the years. There's always a reason why a particular style of playing evolves and becomes standard. I think it hinges around two heads are better than one, and a multitude of heads is better still...