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-   -   12 string modified as lap-steel guitar (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=481495)

JohnnySmash 09-01-2017 03:07 AM

12 string modified as lap-steel guitar
 
Is it possible to only put 6 strings on a 12 string guitar and play it as a lap-steel? Best ways to do it? Negatives to this idea? Would this in any way destroy the 12 string? Does using the Grover Nut Extension to raise the strings up cause more tension on the body of the guitar, neck, saddle area? Whatever anyone else can think of?

tdq 09-01-2017 09:36 AM

I actually have done this. In principle, it worked fine. I did it with a beater 12 string that I got very cheaply. I replaced the nut and saddle to make the strings higher. The down side is, well, it was a cheap guitar and it just didn't sound any good. Having that huge body and the extra tuners (they were on a plate so I couldn't just removed 6 of them) made it feel a bit cumbersome. I do have a weissenborn which is very comfortable to play so compared to that it felt like a tank. If it had sounded better I would probably have gotten used to it but I considered it a failed experiment but it was still fun to try.

JohnnySmash 09-01-2017 10:06 PM

I got mine at a very reasonable price. Given to me for free. On this one I can remove six of the turn keys. Which turn keys should I remove, what string numbers? Did you keep it with the E A D G B E strings and standard tuning or did you change to another set up on strings? I love alternate tuneing, especially open D, open G, and DADGAD

I have never played lap steel/guitar before, however, I love the sound. I know nothing about tension except what I have read over the last few days and there is all sorts of opinions on the subject. Is there anything to worry about there?

Thanks a lot for your help.

tdq 09-02-2017 03:12 AM

I wouldn't bother removing any of the keys, at first. Get a nut extender, string it up, give it a go, see how it works. Get a nut extender, bung it on and see how it goes. There are many fine musicians who play lap slide like this, Kelly Joe Phelps, John Butler for example, (and usually on a 6-string acoustic) - the nut extender will probably be a bit narrower than the 12 string nut but it'll still work. If it works and sounds good then after a bit you can replace nuts, tuners. I just use regular strings (12 or 13s) but many like them heavier for slide.

Nut extenders are cheap as chips
LINK

JohnnySmash 09-02-2017 03:28 AM

Thank you. John

JohnnySmash 09-02-2017 10:02 AM

Sorry to bother you again but I would like to know. Remove strings 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 or the even number strings?

tdq 09-02-2017 04:44 PM

Leave the thicker strings of the pairs. Or, better yet probably, just buy a regular 6 string set and remove the existing set, if they are still on. They've probably been on there a while!

Rudy4 09-02-2017 05:00 PM

If you're handy just make your own:

http://web.archive.org/web/201603250...:80/page5.html

JohnnySmash 09-06-2017 06:47 AM

Today I received in the mail my Grover nut, finger picks, and book so I took off 6 strings keeping the heavier ones and tuned it. My new, old 12 string, lap guitar. does not sound too bad but not perfect. I also received a second deliver and received my steel bar, like the ones for a dobro. Now its practice time. Sure feels funny going from bare fingers to finger picks.

mstuartev 09-25-2017 05:02 PM

I started playing Weissenborn about 5 years ago. I now have 2 Pogrebas, a shortscale Lazy River, and A 1925 Knutsen. I haven't played a regular 'spanish' style six string in months! I love lap steel. Addictive! As soon as you master dropping the steel down on the string, string muting behind the bar, tremolo and intonation, it's a blast.

Kelly Jo Phelps lesson here is good
https://www.homespun.com/instructors/kelly-joe-phelps/

welshruss 09-28-2017 11:58 PM

I started lap style on a Eastman acoustic with a nut riser. in 2010 I got my weissenborn and haven't looked back, it is addictive.

Silly Moustache 09-29-2017 03:03 AM

Why bother ? Just go buy a Weissenborn or a resonator square neck.

JohnnySmash 12-18-2017 09:42 AM

C6 tuning
 
I have been looking at some of the instruction vids on u tube for different songs. Most of the instruction for a song are using C6 tuning. What is so big about C6 tuning? Is it the best? on my converted 12 string can I, or should I change strings and tune to C6 tuning? Can I then tune to open D tuning or open G tuning?

Howard Emerson 12-28-2017 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnySmash (Post 5462710)
Is it possible to only put 6 strings on a 12 string guitar and play it as a lap-steel? Best ways to do it? Negatives to this idea? Would this in any way destroy the 12 string? Does using the Grover Nut Extension to raise the strings up cause more tension on the body of the guitar, neck, saddle area? Whatever anyone else can think of?

Why not just keep all 12 strings on it?

Give a listen to Tut Taylor playing 12 string Dobro, which he flat picked, by the way.....



HE


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