The Steel Guitar Forum

I have a question but I'm not sure where to ask it so I will ask here and if it is not the place I would appreciate a re-direct to the appropriate area.

I have been learning the 10 string PSG and I have a total knee replacement on my right knee but I have now injured my left knee. The meniscus in my left knee will have to be totally removed and at the present time there will be no knee replacement simply bone on bone for the time being. As well I can not use my left leg to move the levers and the positioning of my foot on the pedals causes great discomfort and it is very likely that the surgery will not alleviate what I am experiencing at the moment so I am thinking of going back to the lap steel (sorry for boring you all)

My question is this:

I was thinking of turning my PSG into an 8 string lap style console, I could adjust the fingers to 3/8 spacing on the bridge end but the nut end will still only be about 1/4 inch spacing, will or can this work out for my needs?

There would not be any destruction of the PSG whatsoever simply the removal of any PSG gearing that way if somewhere down the road I was able to start back up on the PSG I would simply have to re-install the components

Thank you for any and all assistance that you can provide

Have a Blessed day

David

So you're talking about removing the changer and installing an 8 string fixed bridge?
I think it'll work fine, unless you're wanting to do a lot of bluegrass Dobro hammer on licks.

The narrow spacing at the nut will affect slants.

Ok, thats what I was wondering if using the nut with the narrow spacing will have any adverse affect. I have a friend who has a metal shop so maybe what I'll do is take off the nut and have him make machine a solid nut and just replace it.

I was just planning on using the existing changer simply because once the strings are on and tuned it should hold them in place or am I wrong?

I could make a stop plate and put it in front of the changer to stop movement possibly?

Thx guys

If you were gonna change string spacing at the bridge, you'd need to replace it.
That's how I read your OP. Personally, I'd just restring it using 2-9 with no changes to the guitar.

What kind of guitar do you have?

Hey, David, very sorry to hear about your injury. It seems others have good suggestions for your idea, so I'll just send you good wishes and the hope that concentrating on lap steel for a while will be fun and absorbing, and you won't be missing the PSG until you can get back to it!

I had knee replacement in 2014. I was not able to play the pedal steel for quite some time. I concentrated on my lap steel in the interim. If you do not have a lap steel, I would suggest buying one. I do not know the cost of all the changes or the work involved in converting your pedal steel, but I would consider buying a lap steel, and perhaps exploring some new tunings. Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you do. RG