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looking for legs for a lap steel...

Posted: 20 Jan 2011 4:08 pm
by Scott Prawalsky
Hi...just finishing up a resto on a National D8 Console, and I really want to slap some legs on this thing...
I know there used to be a resource on the forum for them...
I need legs and sockets, preferably 4 of 'em.
Anyone got an idea, or an old steel that they're parting out?
Any information is appreciated!
Thanks,
Scotty

Posted: 20 Jan 2011 5:10 pm
by Mitch Crane
http://bsgsteelguitars.com/

He'll set you up for sure.

restoring the National

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 8:00 am
by Mike McCracken
Was wondering if you're the gentleman who had posted several months ago about restoring your National. I am getting ready to do the same and would love to pick your brain on the process.
Hoping to find period correct:
switches
caps
tuning gears
etc..

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Mike

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 10:21 am
by Bob Hunter
Don (BSG) made special leg sockets so I wouldn't have to do much fitting to my my Gibson Console Grande D2 (the factory legs were a problem). The legs were the right height and everything went well. It's the second time he's helped me out with a machining problem and I'm very happy with the reults. Fast service and reasonable price.

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 3:25 pm
by Jon King
Don makes legs with quality that exceeds what I previously thought possible. Plus excellent service & prices.

Posted: 22 Jan 2011 3:02 pm
by Scott Prawalsky
Thanks for the help. Sounds like Don is the guy.

Mike-I did post a while back about the National. I was unable to find exact parts (either NOS or used), so I settled on making do with what I could find. I have a friend who plays steel among many other things and also does instrument repair. I was able to find most of the parts that we ended up using laying around his shop. The tone and volume pots are from old Fender stuff...everything else is just old stuff. Not very original, but it sounds GREAT! I am more interested in playing it than looking at it, but I certainly can respect the premise of all original. Mine had been through the ringer (auto paint, silver spray paint, bench grinder) and there was no way that I was going to be able to salvage it...so it is a Frankensteel...but it's all mine. Sorry if I wasn't much help. I did talk to a guy in Southern California who was very helpful. I can't remember his name, but he does repairs at Steel Guitars of North County...phone number 760.754.2120. The guy actually took apart a National Console that was sitting on his bench to give me the numbers off of the pots...very amazing. Good Luck!

Thanks Scott

Posted: 25 Jan 2011 12:18 pm
by Mike McCracken
I contacted Jim at that number. He sent me on a "google" quest. lol...Very nice guy and knowledgable. Thank you for your help on this Scott. I love the sound of this National and don't want to change the characteristics unless it's for the better. My 1949 needs to sing again.
Take care
Mike