Ngd--souped Up Turbo Lap Steel

piebaldpython*** · August 16th, 2009, 09:52 PM

Look at what's comin' to my house on Friday.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=165014

Custom made lap steel by Tom Pettingill. This is his initial model of his Frying Pan Special. The pups are hand wound jobs and as different as night and day. The neck pup (Lizard) is creamy and smooth. The bridge is called the Hellabucker and for good reason. Here's a link to the pups...scroll down the page to listen to clips of the Lizard and Hellabucker:

http://www.bg-pups.com/hb.html

Of course I don't play metal, but Tom said the Hella-B is a fabulous pup for bluesy slide stuff and that it splits really well.

This ought to be lots of fun.

**oldguy** · August 17th, 2009, 02:30 AM

It's beautiful!

What a great example of gorgeous woods and hardware, truly a work of art.
Congratulations, pie, you got a real winner.

**mrmudcat** · August 17th, 2009, 04:35 AM

Oh ive been waiting......................

**wingsdad** · August 17th, 2009, 07:55 AM

That's so hot, you'll be playin' it so much you're gonna need to invest in...

One of These

**bigG** · August 17th, 2009, 07:59 AM

Outstanding, pbp!

**Jimi75** · August 17th, 2009, 08:23 AM

I can't help, but that instrument's wood looks so beautiful....it reminds me of something to eat....just like honey, cake, swirl, mmmhhh, just gorgeous.

:

**oldguy** · August 17th, 2009, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by wingsdad

That's so hot, you'll be playin' it so much you're gonna need to invest in...

One of These

Hahahahaha! I was expecting an amph or slide bar.... hahahahaha!

piebaldpython*** · August 17th, 2009, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by wingsdad

That's so hot, you'll be playin' it so much you're gonna need to invest in...One of These[/URL]

Yeah, no doubt I probably should. With as much padding as I have back there, one wouldn't think so

...

peachhead*** · August 17th, 2009, 08:19 PM

That's pretty sharp. Can't wait to hear some clips!

**luvmyshiner** · August 17th, 2009, 08:33 PM

Pie she is a beaut! Gonna be able to post any clips for us?

piebaldpython*** · August 17th, 2009, 09:27 PM

Clips ain't happening as I don't have the equipment to do so plus my computer is ANCIENT.......as in Neanderthal. She's 10-11 years old, 128mb of memory and runs on Windows 98.

But if I get a NEW computer, then maybe some clips.

**tot_Ou_tard** · August 18th, 2009, 05:51 AM

Dang that looks sweet.

How hard are they to play?

**Katastrophe** · August 18th, 2009, 07:07 AM

That's one gorgeous steel, Piebaldpython!

She's gonna scream. It's amazing that the builder found flame maple that thick!

It's just awesome.

:

piebaldpython*** · August 18th, 2009, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by tot_Ou_tard

How hard are they to play?

Well, there are some things you have to get used to....namely, that the git is on your lap (like a Dobro) and you are holding a slide or bar in your left hand. You just have to experiment with how much pressure to use on the slide/bar when putting them to the strings. Practice yields familiarity which yields confidence in your technique. Picking hand wise, you just have to get used to picking on a horizontal plane instead of vertical.

He hand selects his woods from a couple different lumber yards near him. The guy really is amazing with what he can do. Here's a link to some of his other creations:
http://s302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/tompettingill/

His stuff really makes you drool.

**Childbride** · August 18th, 2009, 05:04 PM

Pie, she's beautiful. and i know you've been dying for her. congrats.

**evenkeel** · August 18th, 2009, 07:29 PM

WOW!!! That is a stunning instrument. Congrats!!!

**tot_Ou_tard** · August 19th, 2009, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by piebaldpython

Well, there are some things you have to get used to....namely, that the git is on your lap (like a Dobro) and you are holding a slide or bar in your left hand. You just have to experiment with how much pressure to use on the slide/bar when putting them to the strings. Practice yields familiarity which yields confidence in your technique. Picking hand wise, you just have to get used to picking on a horizontal plane instead of vertical.

I assume that you use open tunings. Are you going to use those metal fingerpicks?

piebaldpython*** · August 19th, 2009, 06:44 AM

I'll keep this one in Open E with an occasional foray into Open A (Open Low G tuned up a whole step to A). My other lap I'll put into Open High G (Dobro tuning).

That being said, you can play a lap in standard tuning too as the first 3 strings (e, b and g) are a full minor chord and your (b, g and d) strings are a major chord. So, it can be done depending on the makeup of the other guitars in your group.

I will try bare fingers with a thumbpick first and then possible go to plastic fingerpicks if I can't generate equivalent volume. The metal gives a bit of a harsh sound and feel that I'm not real fond of. There are other fingerpicks out there that I may experiment with too.

**wingsdad** · August 19th, 2009, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by piebaldpython

...
I will try bare fingers with a thumbpick first and then possible go to plastic fingerpicks if I can't generate equivalent volume. The metal gives a bit of a harsh sound and feel that I'm not real fond of. There are other fingerpicks out there that I may experiment with too.

In my feeble (as in: less-than-dedicated) attempts to master dobro & lap, I prefer plastic thumb & fingerpicks because they're easier control picking dynamics (volume & tonal 'edge') -- indeed, less 'harsh' -- but also, I figure they're easier on the life of the string. Seems to me that metal-to-metal invites faster wear & stress. Especially with the dobro, which requires fairly aggressive attack to make the bridge transfer stronger vibrations to the cone to make it sing.

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