I need some help with fret markers on a Gibson lap steel

Lap steels, resonators, multi-neck consoles and acoustic steel guitars

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Brian Bauhs
Posts: 6
Joined: 29 Apr 2016 7:35 pm
Location: New York, USA

I need some help with fret markers on a Gibson lap steel

Post by Brian Bauhs »

Hi Everyone,

The fretboard markers on the Gibson Royaltone I just got was crudely painted over from the 5th fret to the 17th fret.

Image


I need to make a stencil so I can redo those markers.

I'd really love it if someone could make a clear photocopy of their fretboard. The BR-6 has the same fretboard as the Royaltone. There may be others that have it as well.
Just take out the 8 screws that hold it on and photocopy it or scan it.

Thanks so much. It really appreciate it.
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Keith Glendinning
Posts: 378
Joined: 9 Mar 2014 2:38 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Post by Keith Glendinning »

Hi Brian,
I don't know if this will help, but attached is a home-made guitar with a Gibson BR3 fretboard fitted. It shows all of the original fret markings.

Image
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Michael Maddex
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Joined: 18 Apr 2007 5:02 pm
Location: Northern New Mexico, USA
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Post by Michael Maddex »

Hi Brian, welcome to the Forum! Gibson used that fret marker scheme on a number of different steels. There are a couple of very clear photos in AR Duchossoir's book Gibson Electric Steel Guitars 1935 - 1967. The photos are not full-size, but like Keith's photo above, should get you going on the road to restoration. IMO, this book is a must-have for Gibson Steel devotees!

HTH. Good luck with your project! 8)
"For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert." -- Arthur C. Clarke
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Keith Glendinning
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Joined: 9 Mar 2014 2:38 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Post by Keith Glendinning »

Hello Brian,
Here's a picture of just the fretboard from the Gibson BR3.
Keith.
Image
Brian Bauhs
Posts: 6
Joined: 29 Apr 2016 7:35 pm
Location: New York, USA

Post by Brian Bauhs »

Thank you Keith! I appreciate the photos.

And thanks Michael! I saw the book and considered buying it. Now I'll definitely do it.

If anyone else has easy access to creating a full size photo copy I'd appreciate it.
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