Thread: My first build a Weissenborn I have Weissborn

Thanks for the info Jeff, As once I get my Acoustic Weissenborn built,
Lapsteel will be the next one.
Hoping to resaw my billets of fiddleback blackwood tomorrow, I will keep everyone informed and post photos.
Regards Bob

Originally Posted by jeffhigh

Adjusting scale length at the bridge is probably the worst way to do it for so many reasons.
Adjusting at the other end works better with an adjustable nut.
Its called a capo and they have them available for lap steel instruments. Google dobro capo
Will post some pics of my weissenborns when I get the chance

Anyone interested in Weissenborns check this link below.
Lap Steel Guitars - Custom made in California by Luthier Bill Asher

Originally Posted by jeffhigh

Adjusting scale length at the bridge is probably the worst way to do it for so many reasons.
Adjusting at the other end works better with an adjustable nut.
Its called a capo and they have them available for lap steel instruments. Google dobro capo
Will post some pics of my weissenborns when I get the chance

So what would be some of the problems with adjusting it at the bridge?

I don't see why i couldn't do it? I know its not necessarily needed as there is as you say capo's that would do the same thing. But i could and i think it would be interesting if i did?

tbkmagic, if you think it would work try it.
What do you have to lose.
Regards Bob.

Originally Posted by tbkmagic

So what would be some of the problems with adjusting it at the bridge?

I don't see why i couldn't do it? I know its not necessarily needed as there is as you say capo's that would do the same thing. But i could and i think it would be interesting if i did?

Originally Posted by tbkmagic

I have just been looking at your build thread here and then some pics of lappy's
and as the frets are only an indication i wonder weather you could make a bridge for adjustable scale length? i am a machinist and i reckon i can make it so i will have to see what info i can find.

Cheers Keegs.

two questions:

1. why do you want an adjustable scale length? As Jeff suggests use a capo.
2. as soon as you change scale length your fret positions change. Granted on a Weissy youre not actually fretting the strings but if the fret markers are going to be out why bother putting them on?
3. Most Weissys Ive seen have a glued on bridge. How are you going to cater for large backwards and forwards movements of your saddle without having a bolted on bridge?

Originally Posted by tbkmagic

So what would be some of the problems with adjusting it at the bridge?

I don't see why i couldn't do it? I know its not necessarily needed as there is as you say capo's that would do the same thing. But i could and i think it would be interesting if i did?

No reason you cant do it....its just wasting time doing it at the bridge when theres a much simpler way of achieving the same result.

Originally Posted by kiwigeo

No reason you cant do it....its just wasting time doing it at the bridge when theres a much simpler way of achieving the same result.

Yeh you and Jeff are both correct i'll give ya that, It was never a case of weather it was the best way to do it or if it was even a good way at all it just seemed to me like it could be done. And as a machinist i would enjoy the challenge of making the mechanism that could do it. Just thinking a bit outside the box. Its not always correct but it is sometimes fun to go there.

But cheers for the input and sorry bob now its back to you!

Any luck with the re-sawing today?
Weather help you any?

besides any of the other reasons given above
-you will have a kink in the string at each location of the bridge
-need to completely retune after moving probably need to detune before moving bridge back
-pickup position changes relative to bridge.
- slow to change using threaded arrangement
presuming this is an electric instrument you are considering
would not work at all on an acoustic

Originally Posted by jeffhigh

besides any of the other reasons given above
-you will have a kink in the string at each location of the bridge
-need to completely retune after moving probably need to detune before moving bridge back
-pickup position changes relative to bridge.
- slow to change using threaded arrangement
presuming this is an electric instrument you are considering
would not work at all on an acoustic

Yeh now thats some good points and i can only say i could fix one! i worked out a little spring system that would just be a flick to change position rather than the thread setup. But thats what the forum is for, so i don't waste my time on these things but can ask you more experienced builders.

Did you manage to get some pics of your weissenborns?

Attachment 118490

Attachment 118491
27" scale king billy (knotty) top. Qld Maple B&S about 1" deeper
25" scale tazzie Blackwood

The 27" looks real good the maple really stands out and the fretboard looks sweet but both very nice weissenborns.

Cool i dea with the bridge pins too. Curving them around like that

There ya go bob it's just gotta look like that!

Thanks for the comments.
With the maple one I bookmatched the fretboard from figured sapwood scraps from the back wood and laminated it to a base.
The blackwood looks a little dull cause it is not actually finished, just sealed with CA.
Gotta pull it appart someday and finish it

Yeh i thought it looked bookmatched just the way it sort of seems to point towards the middle of the board.

The blackwood looks nice still, natural i suppose.

Great builds by Jeff & some good advise tbkmagic from Jeff & Martin to your question, now its up to you to decide what you want to do with your build.
Now in answer to your question have I managed to resaw my billets yet.
well I managed to catch up on a back load of work yesterday so next week I will be taking a day off from other customers orders and spending a bit of time doing what I need to do resawing Etc.
Cheers Bob

Originally Posted by tbkmagic

Yeh i thought it looked bookmatched just the way it sort of seems to point towards the middle of the board.

The blackwood looks nice still, natural i suppose.