The Steel Guitar Forum

I won't go into detail but a few months ago I descovered Bobbye Semours shop in Nashville and stopped in. He was there, the only pro. I'd ever met. I also medt another pro in the shop in the back. It was Jeff Peterson. Jeff was working on an old Sho-Bud and although I wanted to ask a thaosand questions I just gave him his space. Later we started talking a little and I ask him about a LeGrande that was setting on the floor. He said it had the compensator in it. I said "whats that"?. He explained cabinet drop. It was the first time I had heard of it until I joined the Forum. I had never noticed a problem with my guitar. It stays in tune, both open and with pedals down or when levers are used. I've checked it on the meter while playing. It does'nt show any varitation nor to I hear any. Is it possible that this guitar just does'nt have this problem?

Sounds like you are home free. Lucky Guy

FWIW: My Williams D-10 keyless drops less than one cent with any pedal combination. Maybe my ears are bad, but I do not hear any drop. IMO: Most of the newer guitars have just about licked this problem. Some of the old Classic guitars had this problem, yet some very beautiful music was played and recorded on them.

Not all steels have cabinet drop. It usually is not a brand thing either. I have had guitars with none and had other guitars of the same brand that had lots. The newer guitars are for the most part better about it. Bottom line, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Johnny

Johnny, i've ran into the same thing, and usually the ones with the LOT's, have the front & rear apron's flexing outward, therefore letting the top take all the stress.
Sometimes a cross-brace in the middle will rectify this problem,,, some-what.
I've have found it to fix it, to where you can live with it.
Knowing that you also work on guitars, I'm sure you've found this to be true.

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66 Emmons bolt-on D-10
2x Fessenden D-10
Peavey's & Webb's