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Hold on just a sec.....WTH?

OK, am getting deeper into the online plans for the 2x4 lap steel, and reading closely, it's a 23" scale, but later down the page Shane starts talking about the nut at 26". I thought scale length is bridge to nut.

So what is it? 23" or 26"? I built mine to 23".

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Permalink Reply by Myron Joe Hickel on September 11, 2019 at 5:13am

the 26" he is referring to is the 2x4 butt end. Measure from there will get you the 23" scale. You have to go to page 114 to understand this 1 1/2" to string feeds, 3" to bridge location and 26" to the location of the nut. Latter on page 118 He refers to the 23" scale to find the fret layout using the 26" starting point.

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on September 11, 2019 at 5:17am

Yes, 26” from the butt end, you’re fine?

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on September 11, 2019 at 6:05am

@ Myron and Brian...

Ok, my butt is fine.

So, 26" from butt is nut location, then frets are from the nut, and not additive, all measured from the nut, right?

BTW, I'm using metric for fret location. Much easier than figuring inch decimal fractions....

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Permalink Reply by Myron Joe Hickel on September 11, 2019 at 6:12am

Yes that's correct.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on September 11, 2019 at 6:36am

Just as I thought. When I read it this morning I had a panic moment...

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on September 11, 2019 at 7:54am

OK, Change of subject.

I need advice....., no, I need to be told how to build a baritone.My calculations, based on my first 2x4 build, stretched to a 39-40" body and a scale in the neighborhood of 30".

See, I'm just throwing numbers together without knowing what i'm doing. My plan is for the butt end to remain the same (probably), and the stretch go in the headstock end.

Also, if you want to hear the sound and key I'm shooting for, listen to the intro for Pink Floyds "Sorrow" Live (I know it's not a steel), and "One Of These Days".

Anyone?

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on September 11, 2019 at 2:06pm

Yes, you can keep the tail the same dimensions, you’ll just have to adjust for it at the head end? Quick question, have you done any research about baritones? Answer about sound & key? The sound is a big muff & some layered modulation effects, I’m sure you can easily find the specs over at gilmourish? the key is Em, but the only thing that’s gonna make you sound like him is lots of practice & skill, took me a minute to get there myself, luckily I had a good friend who shared his playing talents with me?

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on September 12, 2019 at 2:18am

-It's not so much that I want to be as good as Gilmour (well, as a 'wish' I do), but I just love that roaring growling guitar. I will check out that site.

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Permalink Reply by Poorness Studios on September 12, 2019 at 12:14am

Hey James. One thing to keep in mind is that there really aren't any rules for CBGs. Most lap steels are 23" scales with 6 strings, but so what? If you want you're to have a 24" scale or a 22" scale or 5 strings or 7 strings... go for it. There's no reason you can't do it.

I know you are still learning and ultimately you were asking about a measuring calculation, but just saying... there's nothing wrong with following the rules, but at the same time, many builders are constantly thinking outside the [cigar] box. You'll learn more from your mistakes than your successes so don't be afraid to try something new. :)

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on September 12, 2019 at 2:20am

The only rules I'm for sure following are the string and scale/fretting rules. I'm trying to avoid making really nice firewood.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on September 12, 2019 at 4:59am

@ Poorness

Want an example of rule-breaking? These are ideas not yet executed, but are in my bag of tricks:
1. Fret markers of colored weed-wacker line, set like frets (in slots) but flush with the surface, or the solid copper ground wire out of Romex for fret markers.

2. A luggage handle.

3. A cup holder.

4. A magnetically mounted ashtray.

As well as the building process being a big part of the payoff for me, some of it is also about the punchline...