The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello all;

In the spirit of the "Experiment and Find Out" method*, I want to record wave forms generated with a minimal set up to explore* some unconventional configurations for a lap steel. But I want to use stuff I have on hand.

I have a single-string test rig with a tuning machine, nut and bridge. My plan is to simply run the the contact sensor for my Korg tuning machine through the input on my Spark Amp and record the wave through Audacity on my desk top.

Will that work or explode my Spark Amp? Any other insights?


(edited for offensive content)

I'm not sure the Korg tuner would ship out a sample of the contact transducer signal, it probably wouldn't sound very good and would probably keep it internal just for tuning.

Why don't you just use a regular steel guitar and run the pickup into Audacity/Spark? You'll get the waveform automatically in the recorded file.

well, how about this, tune the Steel, remove the Tuner and send the Steel signal directly into the SPARK amp which is feeding Audacity . Whats the purpose of using the Tuner ? Its not a preamp.

Thanks for replies guys. See apology below, re: original post.

What I want to do is record the waveform for variable configurations of the tuning machines, nut, saddle, bridge, scale length, string selection, &tc., isolated from any electronic effects (PUP). And I don't have another PUP. The reason is that I notice a significant decrease in sustain and volume on the strings through benders, vs. the other strings that go through the body on my first build. Actually, I only want to look at 2-3 different bridge configurations before my next build, but the test rig I use is versatile. (Also note "stuff on hand" comment).

I plan to run just the contact sensor for the Korg tuner through the input of the Spark, eliminating the actual Korg tuner body. After additional thought, I can get a $10-$20 piezo PUP, which seems analogous to the contact sensor (?).

I know the Korg sensor is sensitive enough because it picks the vibes up while attached to the workbench on the far vise (pic).








Anyway, thanks for replies, I'll keep you posted.

Apology: In the original post I include some material deemed "offensive", which was edited out. I thought it a little raw, but not THAT offensive, or I wouldn't have included it. But I happily defer judgement to the moderators and group members, and apologize to those offended.

Thanks a heap,
-jbb