The Steel Guitar Forum

Does anyone know where I could find a bridge/tailpiece for a 6-string lap steel. Anyone sell parts, or do I have to visit my local machinist and have one made up?

try posting in the wanted section.

ron

You can have this chrome bridge w/screws for $20 plus postage:

Thanks, Erv. I've seen those on Ebay. Gretch parts, as I recall. Do you know what the "string spread" of these bridges is? I'm also looking at a hard tail, top loaded bridge at Stu-Mac, part # 5304. Seems like it would work, if I can even out the saddles and get the height up a bit. Again, thanks, I'll check 'er out.

I have 6 and 8 string versions of this bridge. It's string through so you don't need a tail piece. $75-80 respectively. I'll be at the NAMM Museum on Saturday night and I could put it in your hands if you're going to be there. Otherwise I can ship it.

Tom,
The string spacing is just a tad over 3/16".

Forumite, Ryan Rukovina (sp.?) sells a sweet looking set up on Ebay, contact him if the ones posted above don't crack your nut.
But Colin's look's awesome.

Nice options here. Erv, did you mean 2-3/16" outside string to outside string?

Outside string to outside string is 2 1/16".
Overall length of the bridge is 2 3/4".

Erv Niehaus wrote:You can have this chrome bridge w/screws for $20 plus postage:

I put that exact same bridge on my Rogue. The nut's string spacing matched the bridge spaceing pretty well.
Made a difference in sound, sustain.
Also made slants easier and cleaner sounding.
(Wider string spacing at nut means less angle on slants)

I purchased a new 8-string bridge on ebay a few months ago. The guy's name who makes them is Ryan and his e-mail is rrukavina@bresnan.net He had 6 or 8 string bridges.

It was a brass base with a Stainless insert for the bearing surface it was held down with 3 screws, polished, pretty nice. I don't see him selling any right now on ebay, but contact him for pictures...

Thanks to all for your advice. I followed David's recommendation and bought a bridge from Ryan Rukavina. He was fast making it and getting to me and was able to give me the string spacing I wanted. A super bridge.

Does your new bridge string spacing line up OK with the pole pieces on the pickup?

Yes, it is a Jason Lollar Chicago lap steel pickup. Ryan made the bridge to fit the pole pieces exactly. (2.2" string spread) Every thing lines up quite nicely.