Unique copedent design for guitarist adapting to psg

[Dave Grafe]

Thinking maybe I should start with a lap steel, though I'm concerned about not being able to play slants in tune. That's what got me thinking about pedals.

Different instruments entirely requiring different hand techniques and mental frameworks. Same with a dobro, might as well be a trombone for what they have in common, other than strings and a bar. You're well on track with your S10 PSG plan.

[Cam West]

Paul Franklin, who I played bass with years ago, said C6 is way easier. The logic for ease of resale was, have Ron build an E9 3 pedal 2 knee all pull and then change it to c6 when I get it. And swap back to E9 if I want to sell. That makes sense to me.

[Tim Toberer]

I've got a video on my YouTube channel about how to make one half-stop mechanism work on multiple levers, and it could apply to pedals, although for foot-driven changes, I'd probably go to a stouter spring
https://youtu.be/dU97wLjQoCk

That is really clever! I want to add half stops to a couple raises. It is funny cause in my mind and on paper it will work, but I know adding them will probably cause more problems than it will be worth. LOL

[Dave Grafe]

Paul Franklin, who I played bass with years ago, said C6 is way easier. The logic for ease of resale was, have Ron build an E9 3 pedal 2 knee all pull and then change it to c6 when I get it. And swap back to E9 if I want to sell. That makes sense to me.

The mechanics of E9 and C6 necks and pedals are entirely different, and while Paul may have shared that experience with you I doubt that it is a common sentiment among all steel players. I depends entirely on what music you want to play so make your choices accordingly and have Ron build the guitar you want to play. Understand that the Emmons and Franklin C6 copedants use more pedals and fewer levers than their E9 necks.

[Bill McCloskey]

“ C6 is way easier. The logic for ease of resale was, have Ron build an E9 3 pedal 2 knee all pull and then change it to c6 when I get it.”

Then you might want to consider having a 12 string lap steel made and put Reece Anderson’s 12 String Extended C6 tuning on it. C6 is easier in some ways but harder in other ways. Easier in that it is built on a chord so hard to hit a wrong note. But more difficult in the sense of single string work where you have to work much harder with your left hand. On E9th, I can do not only a scale on a single fret, I can do a complete set of diatonic chords on one fret. On C6, that would be impossible. E9th is a “lick machine” to quote Paul Franklin. 6th, not so much.

If you’ve played with Paul, you can reach him through the forum. He is a member. Ask him directly what he thinks.

[Cam West]

Thank you all for your input. Perhaps I should get a lap steel, try different tuning and see how I adapt before going psg

[Donny Hinson]

I'm an old multi-instrumentalist with some physical issues just designing a layout for Ron Anderson to build me a guitar. I've arrived at a copedent I believe will allow me to most easily adapt my guitar and theory knowledge. It's contrary in some ways to what most players use, though the logic, I believe, directly applies to guitarists whose interest is chordal fluidity.

So then, if you were "adapting" to violin instead of pedal steel, would you add two strings and frets so you could better implement your guitar theory to the violin?

Probably not! (Said with tongue-in-cheek humor. )

I'm a PSG hacker, with just a little musical knowledge, but I see pedal steel as a unique instrument. It's not about chords and scales, it's about that unique way of sliding from one note or chord to another. It's about the sound! Once you realize that, you'll understand that getting every imaginable chord or being to play an entire scale without moving the bar isn't the main idea. In fact, it's really the antithesis of the instrument.

[K Maul]

Thinking maybe I should start with a lap steel, though I'm concerned about not being able to play slants in tune. That's what got me thinking about pedals.

Your concern here is a main reason why pedals were invented. Having said that…listen to Jerry Byrd with no pedals at all. Lloyd Green makes extensive use of accurate slants WITH pedals.
Justice steels are excellent and I encourage you to go that route.