This project started in November of last year. The tuning keys were replaced with mandolin tuners and photos were placed here on the forum. (See Part 1)
My new Jerry Wallace True Tone pickup arrived but the project was put on hold during the holidays. After the 1st of the year I began preparations to resume the project. Before I got started, I fell from a stepladder and broke my ankle, requiring surgery and several months of rehab. Last month I got tired of looking at the parts and decided to do a quick fix and play it for awhile.
I made a new nut out of some scrap ebony and a bridge out of wood and 5/16" rod. As I mentioned in part 1 I took off the old fretboard and moved the nut and bridge to give a 22" scale length. The original control cavity was too deep for the new pickup so I glued a wooden block in for a mount. It brings the pickup to 1/4" below the strings....I plan to shim it up a little higher...any recommendations for spacing?
Finally, the cover plate no longer fit so I hacksawed a piece and installed just a volume pot and output jack.
Well, what about the result? It's ugly...but it sounds nice, thanks to the TrueTone pickup. If it was a hot-rod dragster it would definitely fall into the 'B-Modified' class. There are several improvements I plan to make in the near future. A better nut is at the top of the list along with a nicer fretboard and new coverplates. But for now, it is playable.
Comments....If you are looking for an 8 string lap steel and have one of these imported guitars laying around, AND have mandolin tuners in your spare parts box, AND an 8 string pickup available, then this might be a way to go. But, having done it, I think there are better choices available. I would recommend anyone with a 6 string import sell it and apply the proceeds towards a Dyna-Lap kit. And, for God's sake, DO NOT go out and buy an Artisan or other brand with the intention of copying this project!
With the Dyna-Lap kit, you will have a much nicer finished product with the same TrueTone sound.
I used this guitar on my Night Life video on You Tube and I am currently working on three more songs that should be ready to go in a matter of days.
This has been an interesting and educational project for me, and I have developed a greater respect for those who have displayed their 'homebuilt' steels on the forum.
Thanks again,
Therman
