12-string pick-up size

Jimmy Smith · Post by **Jimmy Smith** » 21 Aug 2006 12:29 pm

I am in the process of building a 12-string lap steel. I am modelling it after a remington steel 8-string "playboy". After taking the proper measurements and further calculation, I have determined that the whole thing needs to be about an inch and a half wider (5 7/8" total). I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions regarding to the size of pick-up that I need; at least what the distance needs to be from pole to pole. I've posted this topic before, and got no reply. I'm hoping someone might have a suggestion this time.

------------------

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 21 Aug 2006 2:05 pm

Since this is an electronics question, you might try posting this same question on the Electronics area of this forum. I'm leaving this open in the No Peddlers section in case you get a response.
Another good option would be to ask on the Musical Instrument Manufacturers Forum.
Good luck!

------------------
Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 21 Aug 2006 9:03 pm

I play a coupla 12 string steels. Both are MSA's. One is a PSG 12 string universal. The other, as you might guess, is the new Super Slide.
I wanted the string spacing to be the same for a 12 string lap. I had approached two mfgr to build me a 12 string nonPsg.
Long story short..Take a close look at string spacing. I think that 3/8" is too much for that many strings. I believe MSA uses 11/32" string spacing.
There are several world class pickups already available. George L's E-66,12-1,True Tone's single coil, and Bill Lawrence's line.

FWIW
My D8 and T8 Fender's have 3/8's string spacing. I don't know the standard string for S-10's or D10's.
I think most 12 string UNI's are 11/32"<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Ron Randall on 21 August 2006 at 10:11 PM.]</p></FONT>