Morrell Pro 6 string spacing?

Nathan James · Post by **Nathan James** » 2 Jan 2013 5:58 pm

I just recently won a Morrell Pro 6 string on eBay. I think I got it for a good price, almost half of what they sell new. I'm in the process of getting a replacement nut built by Dom Franco. However, I'm unsure of the string spacing @ the bridge?

Are there any other common mods for the Morrell?

This is my first lap steel. I tried pedal steel a few years back, but, I had to get rid of it due to finances. Can't wait to dig in!

Thanks!

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Bill Brunt · Post by **Bill Brunt** » 2 Jan 2013 7:55 pm

Assuming the spacing at the bridge is 3/8 center to center, I would advise that for the nut also.

Congratulations!

I guess you have discovered that C 6th, with the 1st string being an E. is the tuning most favored among the forumites, but I would advise giving the A 6th tuning some consideration, also a high E. Same string set, and you can tune back and forth between the two quickly.

I just found it way, way easier to figure out and start playing songs with A6.
Herb Remington's Fun Tabs is a good starting point.

If you are musically inclined though, C6 may be easier for you than for me.

Regarding mods, I would just start playing, and make what changes you want after you decide from experience what you prefer.

Morgan Scoggins · Post by **Morgan Scoggins** » 3 Jan 2013 3:08 pm

Hi Nathan,
Welcome to the wonderful world of lap steel guitar.I started playing the thing a little over 5 years ago and like Bill said, I found that the A6 tuning is the best for a lot of the Western Swing style and the C6 probably works better for most all kinds of music. I warn you about that thing. It will make you insane. You know what the definition of insanity is: You keep doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result.
Good luck and if I can be of help, contact me through the forum PM.

Nathan James · Post by **Nathan James** » 5 Jan 2013 6:29 am

I didn't make it clear, but, I'm unsure of the string spacing because I don't have the Morrell yet. I should get it Tuesday.

I appreciate help fellas.

Paul DiMaggio · Post by **Paul DiMaggio** » 5 Jan 2013 10:21 am

They are 3/8" at the bridge but not at the nut. Check your intonation when you get the guitar. They have a reputation for putting the frets and nuts in the wrong place. On mine the nut was out 1/2". There was a mark on the neck where it was supposed to go and they missed it. I built a nut [3/8" spacing] and lined it up with the mark and the intonation was right on. You are in good hands with Dom, he helped me out too. The tuners and bridge are usable but not great. Some folks have had trouble with the Kent Armstrong pickup, mine has been good.

Dom Franco · Post by **Dom Franco** » 6 Jan 2013 3:01 am

From the photo, it looks like the string spacing is pretty tight at the nut. You can also see that the width of the painted fretboard is wider than the nut so it begs the question why did they make it so narrow?

It's just my opinion, but I see no reason for the string spacing to taper down on a steel guitar. It only makes sense on a fretted instrument so the chords are easier to form.

I guess because the steel evolved from the guitar, builders just continue the tradition of a tapered fretboard...

All my steel guitars have parallel strings @ 3/8 spacing.

Dom