Gold Tone lap steel - problem re-stringing, help needed

Johnny Rojas · Post by **Johnny Rojas** » 7 Feb 2014 4:31 pm

I purchased a Gold Tone, and am trying to restring it with the gauges I use. The bridge is a weird design, and I can't figure out how to keep the string ball in the slot it's supposed to sit in. It fits in there, but as soon as I tighten the string it just pops out.

The strings that came with the instrument honestly look like they're "floating" in there. Hard to explain, but I don't see how they're being kept in place.

I've owned many guitars and steel guitars over 20 years, and I have never seen a bridge like this. I am completely at a loss. Does anyone have experience with this instrument?

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 7 Feb 2014 5:18 pm

Hi Johnny. If you scroll down in the attached link there is a picture of one with the cover off - does it look like that? If it does, you put the ball end in the slot and make sure you keep tension on it until the string is wound tight so it stays snugly in the slot - after that the tension should keep it in place, and it shouldn't pop out. If it doesn't look like that can you post a picture?

http://www.12fret.com/content/2011/10/3 ... lap-steel/

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 7 Feb 2014 5:52 pm

Yep, just insert ball in slot and tighten string.

Johnny Rojas · Post by **Johnny Rojas** » 7 Feb 2014 8:33 pm

Okay, I see. I haven't tried it with the cover off. I did try holding it down while tightening but it didn't work. I guess with the cover off the angle may be better.

Thanks for the heads up.

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 8 Feb 2014 6:59 am

Mr Walter Hutcherson taught me a trick... you can pre-bend the ball end with needlenose pliers to make restringing easier.

William Hoff · Post by **William Hoff** » 9 Feb 2014 3:17 am

Another trick after you do the pre-bend thing, have a pencil with the lead broken off and friction fit the string in place with the pencil while you tighten it to pitch.

Jim Williams · Post by **Jim Williams** » 9 Feb 2014 5:58 pm

You can also put a piece of tape across the back of the bridge after you insert the ball to hold it until you get it tight. Kinda neat simple bridge though...wonder if you can buy those seperate somewhere?

Johnny Rojas · Post by **Johnny Rojas** » 10 Feb 2014 6:24 am

Thanks for the advice. I managed to string the guitar up (after getting over my stupidity; it's actually pretty simple once you get that cover off) and played it at a gig in Dallas on Saturday. Sounded really great. I definitely recommend at least trying out this instrument. I think I am going to enjoy playing it for some time.