MIMF

I make some 6 string lap steels and want to try an 8. Lots of different string spacings on these creatures. If you have one, would appreciate knowing the outside string spacing at the nut and bridge. Some converge at the nut and some are parallel. If you have an opinion on that, let me know too. Thanks in advance.--Bob

I made this one several years ago. I made the string spacing 3/8" like my dobro (at the bridge), so the total is 2 5/8" (21/8) both at the bridge and the nut. Unfortunately I've never learned to play it, as the mental confusion of going from 6 to 8 strings was even worse than going from 4 to 5 strings on bass (which I was able to accomplish.)

Peter-Thanks! I think I'll be in about the same predicament with 8 strings, but it looks worth a try. Enjoy your music.--Bob

Better late than never? I found this PDF in my files (I'm building lap steels now), but it was a bitch finding this link for it as the site has been D/C'd.

http://web.archive.org/web/201604060921 ... gChart.pdf

It was a great site - here's what's archived of it.

http://web.archive.org/web/201603281931 ... index.html

And explanation:

https://www.banjohangout.org/blog/8180

I'll check my notes as well. We used the Hipshot trilogy tailpiece which was a brilliant addition for changing keys on the fly however I think they are only available for 6 string.