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Author
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Topic: Info on "cat-can" resonator type lapsteel?
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Peter
Member From: Cape Town, South Africa
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posted 11 December 2002 04:30 AM
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Does anybody know how to construct a "cat-can" resonator type lapsteel? I have built normal lapsteels before, so that is not a problem. I just dont know where to start with the cat-can section.
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Peter den Hartogh-Fender Artist S10-Remington U12-Hilton Volume Pedal-Gibson BR4 lapsteel-Guya "Stringmaster" Copy-MusicMan112RP-Peavy Rage158- - My Animation College in South Africa
[This message was edited by Peter on 11 December 2002 at 06:16 AM.]
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HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 11 December 2002 04:46 AM
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To start, you'll need a can of cat food. They pop up from time to time on ebay or or you can check Bobbe Seymore's Steel Guitar Nashville. I've heard that some folks have used tuna fish cans that are more readily available, although the sound is on the tinny side.  |
Andy Volk
Member From: Boston, MA
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posted 11 December 2002 08:17 AM
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Peter,
Write to Junior Martin at Martin Accordions. He once dissected a Marrs Cat Can Steel to see how it was built and has since built one himself. He's the guy to talk to. Clarence "Junior" Martin
Master Craftsman, Martin Accordions
2143 West Willow St. Extension
Scott, Louisiana 70583 |
Mark van Allen
Member From: loganville, Ga. USA
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posted 12 December 2002 10:39 AM
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I've owned several of those great Duane Marrs inventions- what a cool idea! It's basically a well made lap steel, with a cavity under the bridge area that holds an empty cat food can, bottom facing up! The bridge area has a rectangular slot cut through exposing the (bottom) of the can, and the bridge itself is simply a piece of (I guess aluminum) bar stock, milled flat on the side that faces down and rests on the can. The string pressure keeps the bar in contact with the can and voila. Simple, effective, and with the right amp settings, surprisingly realistic. |
Jesse Pearson
Member From: San Diego , CA
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posted 12 December 2002 12:00 PM
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Hey Mark, I'd love to see some pictures of of the bridge and a full view of the lap steel, sounds pretty wild! |
Mike D
Member From: Phx, Az
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posted 12 December 2002 02:20 PM
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Pat Webster has made a similar steel using an aluminum popcorn bowl. http://www.geocities.com/lapsteel.geo/ |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 12 December 2002 05:37 PM
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Hmmm,....since my feeble attempt at humor went over as well as a banjo, perhaps this will make up for it...... 
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HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 12 December 2002 05:42 PM
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Yes, Mark is right. The bridge is aluminum, flat on one side. You can see in the photo, the mark on the can from the flat side of the bridge. Not shown is the cover which is a piece of sheet metal with several holes drilled into it.If all is forgiven, I'll come home now... |
Jesse Pearson
Member From: San Diego , CA
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posted 12 December 2002 06:52 PM
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Many thanks Howard, looks pretty trippy!
I'd really like to hear one of these lap steels someday. |
Peter
Member From: Cape Town, South Africa
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posted 12 December 2002 08:46 PM
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Thank you for all your trouble,Howard, I take my "hat" off for you!
Now I understand why the bridge does not push through the bottom of the can. It just sits on the edges! The holes in the sheet metal are needed to let the sound out, I presume. Howard, just another question: If I wanted to make this a dual purpose guitar, I mean, a dobro simulator AND a lapsteel, how can I make a device which somehow disconnects the can and reconnects the bridge to the guitar body? I was thinking of a lever which maybe slides or pushes an inertia-block underneath the bridge (from the bottom up) and this block is somehow connected to the body. Any suggestions are welcome.
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Peter den Hartogh-Fender Artist S10-Remington U12-Hilton Volume Pedal-Gibson BR4 lapsteel-Guya "Stringmaster" Copy-MusicMan112RP-Peavy Rage158- - My Animation College in South Africa |
Mike D
Member From: Phx, Az
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posted 13 December 2002 06:41 AM
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Peter, the sound doesn't need to be let out, since it's an electric guitar. The tone change (compared to regular steel) is simply because the bridge rests on the can. I have two 'Resolectric' guitars that I built. One has a pickup on the cone, the other is essentially a Telecaster with a cone (no cone pick-up) It only has the stock Tele pickup. I played this guitar a fair amount before adding the cone and the tonal difference is tremedous compared to a hardtail bridge mounting. It doesn't sound 'resophonic' so much as woody with a growly low end and somewhat less sustain.
Your idea about a 'dampener' is interesting. |
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