Hi Dom, I would really like to build my first 10 string lap guitar, but am having a hard time finding any plans or measurements. I really love the sound of this particular one. Do you know where I can get instructions for building a 10 string?
If you have a laptop then I think your best option is to create your own plan using some kind of design software like Inkscape which is free. If you find an image of an instrument you like that gives a good angle to see all the proportions clearly then the software lets you scale it up to size so you can just figure out what scale length you want the instrument to have then by using the feature that lets you change the size of the entire image while keeping the proportions the same, you can then measure everything else like the width of the neck and body size. Then using that as a starting point, you can come up with your own design ideas. It's confusing at first but after a few goes it's a really useful tool.
Joshua Goodwin.... If this is your First Steel guitar, at all... which, from the wording of your post, in general... sounds as though it is, then I would advise to Start with a 6 string... and work "up" from there. I would also advise you to learn and master ONE tuning first, whether it be C6, A6, Open E or G, E9, E13th, etc, etc.... whatever, depending on what genre of music you are interested in playing the most.... then, move on to learning other tuning if you wish or need to. It's Not "rocket science" to build a lap or console steel (a lap steel with legs).... all the hardware you will need is very easy to obtain... just depends on how much your finances will allow you to spend... from cheap to really fine quality. Make sure you use GOOD, solid Hardwood.... a Number 1 grade of Mahogany will give you lots of strength, and great sustain & tone without "breaking the bank". Do Not use softwoods like pine... although Cheap to buy and easy to work with, you will have poor strength, lousy to very little (if, any) sustain, and tonal qualities. If you're going to do it... do it right, take your time, pay attention to detail and decent to good quality hardware and you'll be rewarded with something that you'll be proud of, and that plays really well. Keep your Scale Length in the 20" to 22.5" range and you'll be "golden". Good luck!
Excellent pickin!
Very nice!
Hello, thanks for the video. Are the pickups you used originally for a 6 string electric?
Hi Dom, I would really like to build my first 10 string lap guitar, but am having a hard time finding any plans or measurements. I really love the sound of this particular one. Do you know where I can get instructions for building a 10 string?
If you have a laptop then I think your best option is to create your own plan using some kind of design software like Inkscape which is free. If you find an image of an instrument you like that gives a good angle to see all the proportions clearly then the software lets you scale it up to size so you can just figure out what scale length you want the instrument to have then by using the feature that lets you change the size of the entire image while keeping the proportions the same, you can then measure everything else like the width of the neck and body size. Then using that as a starting point, you can come up with your own design ideas. It's confusing at first but after a few goes it's a really useful tool.
Joshua Goodwin.... If this is your First Steel guitar, at all... which, from the wording of your post, in general... sounds as though it is, then I would advise to Start with a 6 string... and work "up" from there. I would also advise you to learn and master ONE tuning first, whether it be C6, A6, Open E or G, E9, E13th, etc, etc.... whatever, depending on what genre of music you are interested in playing the most.... then, move on to learning other tuning if you wish or need to.
It's Not "rocket science" to build a lap or console steel (a lap steel with legs).... all the hardware you will need is very easy to obtain... just depends on how much your finances will allow you to spend... from cheap to really fine quality.
Make sure you use GOOD, solid Hardwood.... a Number 1 grade of Mahogany will give you lots of strength, and great sustain & tone without "breaking the bank". Do Not use softwoods like pine... although Cheap to buy and easy to work with, you will have poor strength, lousy to very little (if, any) sustain, and tonal qualities.
If you're going to do it... do it right, take your time, pay attention to detail and decent to good quality hardware and you'll be rewarded with something that you'll be proud of, and that plays really well. Keep your Scale Length in the 20" to 22.5" range and you'll be "golden". Good luck!