I was learning to play a pedal steel 5 years ago but lost a leg to cancer. You need two good legs to work all the pedals, levers and volume pedal to effectively play a pedal steel. When I heard the Dusenberg I was amazed at the sounds but I thought it was a little pricey for a beginner. I know the best gear is expensive. Then I read this story and saw there was a way to try this sound without selling some of my other gear. I pulled out an old Peavey PowerSlide thats been in my closet for over 20 years. After texting with David Certano I ordered the Certano Benders and the Certano roller bridge that others have used on their PowerSlides. I expect to receive the parts in a few days! I'll post again when I get it all set up. It should be easy to do on the Powerslide.
Troy, this is a wonderful video. Helpful and inspirational! One small tip, if I may: Yes, you need the power drill to make the holes but I advise against using a power tool to put these small screws into the guitar. One could strip those holes in a heartbeat and there is also the risk of the tool popping out of the screw head and damaging your finish. It's best to use a short, well match Phillips (or whatever screw head your using) and do it carefully by hand. You'll have better control, will have a much better feel for how well the screw is ultimately seated and will avoid a potential disaster. I hope the Certano Bender serves you well and I think you've made a believer out of me as I see one in my near future! Use it in good health and thank you once again for this great video!
Bought a Recording King lap steel on eBay for £100 around the corner from me(has a P90 instead of humbucker). I was scared the Certano benders would be too big for that gap behind the bridge but now I can rest assured! Thanks v much, gonna pick these benders ASAP
Thank you, Troy, for sharing your project and experience. I just installed the Certano Bender on my new Recording King. Easy process. And a beautiful, well designed and crafted piece of hardware! Now onto getting locking tuners, swapping the pickup, then flanges and legs. I play standing and switch back and forth with my tele. My two cents... I use open E to keep things simple between the guitar and steel.
Looks good Troy. My one arrived here in UK a couple of days ago from David, fitted it immediately and sent pictures to David that he was going to show you. I had visions of needing to install as far back as possible but worked well against the bridge. Just playing around to get all set up right. I've only just started lap steel and I find your videos motivating to learn more. Sean
p.s. I've also found tuning a bit touchy, but it's a really great instrument for the money, even better now thanks to this. Be interesting to see if you change tuners
p.p.s. I think it was actually my pictures he put on Facebook and just to confirm I have it butted up right against the bridge to make sure it was straight. It took barely 30 mins to install. can't recommend this highly enough
I was just looking at this Recording King lap steel on Andertons website and did a search on TH-cam to hear a demo or two. Saw your video and it was sounding great, then I wondered if I could fit the levers on it, and in the first video you said you were going to install them. Super informative and great videos. I think I will grab one of these with the humbucker. A Duesenberg would be cool, but for £200 this will be great to experiment on!
Hi Troy..thanks so much for this video. i have converted a Recording King as well, though I had trouble tracking down one with the Humbucker here in Canada, so I got the P90 and then swapped out for a Humbucker/p90 stacked and love the sound. I also love the Certano Benders and found the install pretty easy. I did find the mahogany a little soft (I was surprised but a pro wood-worker told me that some mahogany can be spongy) and the bracket was pulling up with the tension. (I'm doing a semi-tone on the 3rd string, and a full tone on the second) However, a little epoxy on the screws fixed the issue and all is good. Thanks again. Tim Harrison (primarily songwriter and guitarist, but dabbler in many other instruments).
The clear ring and sound of the E tone is awesome. Yes, the humbucker helps, but those strings and that setup sound great to me. Jealous of your tone / sound Troy! Thanks for the video.
I loved the “it takes me 10 times longer then a normal person” part. I always think how come this project is taking me so long? Now I know it’s because I’m not a normal person 😂 It would be fun to watch you make a lap steel from a 4x4. I hope you go on to upgrade the pickup and pots.
Thank you for posting this Troy. I've wanted a lap steel with the benders, but just couldn't justify the Deusenberg's cost. This is a great option. Also, thank you for all of the other content you create (especially the Open D stuff) - very appreciative.
dunno if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times you can watch all the new movies and series on instaflixxer. Been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks :)
Relatively easy conversion and it sounds so sweet - congrats on a job well done! I have a SX Swamp Ash Lap and I'm going to give it a close look over to see if the Certano will fit. Those brass/bronze inserts that house the pin are called T-bushings and are sometimes impregnated with silicone when manufactured for metal on metal self-lubrication. Just received my first order for strings and Zookies from Strings by Mail last week and I agree - they are indeed real great folks to deal with.
more to those brass/bronze inserts , do the strings pass underneath them or ride on them ? Looks to me like the strings do ride on the bushings as the levers are depressed , I may be wrong though hard to see ; I thought I read elsewhere there is zero friction from the bridge to the end roll pin where the ball end resides ? Great video !
Hi Troy. I sent off for a set of these during lockdown and they arrived within 2 weeks. I fitted them to a budget lap steel but there wasn’t enough clearance aft of the bridge so I fitted a heavy brass bracket and screwed it to the heel of the lap steel and then fitted the levers on to it. The levers work a treat. Great video.
So... There was plenty of real estate aft of the bridge on my budget SX lap to attach and have placed my order for the bender. Hoping Certano has plenty on the shelf waiting to ship as I'm sure this video has sparked interest. Thanks Troy, for this and all your other first rate instructional material.
@@jimthecraftyguitarist878 Hi Jim. You won’t believe this! I took the benders off last night as I have ordered a Recording King lap steel and I’m hoping to fit them to it. I was really impressed with the review Troy gave and I have been looking for a lap steel with a humbucker.Sorry about that.
So nice Troy. I have a Recording King and have not had a lot of success with C6. I'm really thinking about doing this and going to Open D. It's not so much of a change from Dobro GBDGBD. Thanks for a great "How To"
Troy great vid,long time guitar player here ,many expensive guitars and amps ,but as I 'm old now always wanted to play steel but couldn't afford it now there is an alternative thanks again,you should get paid by Certano and Recording King because you've convinced me this is the way to go !
Thicker string may loose some sustain.Wow I always had it backwards.Thanks again Troy I learned something 2021...Gods hands continued blessing you sir. You sound rockin good
Hi there, Troy! Great video once again, thanks for that. Just one thing: If you pause the video at 25:11' you can see that low string is not well "seated" on the bridge. I usually push it down a bit with my fingers, to make it conform to the break angle. It cuts down the tuning hassle. Hope my self taught english is good enough to make my point clear. Cheers from south Brazil, keep up the good work!
I'm concerned that the 3rd wound string will bite into the bridge and also might cause a "ZZZZZ" when you pull and relax the string. 'Course you could always replace it in the future. This problem happened back in the '50's on Fender 1000 and 400 pedal steel guitars. IE: Many players complained about it. Finally Leo Fender changed the bridge to have rollers on it. He even sent out retrofit bridges free. Also, the late Speedy West (one of the great steel players) went around the US; handing out these roller bridges (and roller nuts) to players; that had bought the earlier guitars. Since I had bought one, it was great with the retrofit bridge and nut. It also stopped breaking strings as the result of pulling over a metal piece. For what it's worth.
Thanks for the Video here, I have a1957 Supro, i found in a pawn shop for $100 , I tune to a C6,, to get that Hank Williams sound, I love your Duane Allman, shirt, I have one just like it, LOL, Duane was the Best, Cousin Figel
Using a VIX bit, for drilling hinge holes, will get your holes perfectly centered with the bender body. just choose the correct drill size for the screw.
Based on this video, I have just bought one from David in France. He was very responsive when I emailed him, and I am looking forward to it arriving. My Recording King is tuned to C6 and so I am not sure whether to fit the device to strings two and three. I can’t quite ‘hear’ what will happen to E and G when bent. Will find out!
I just bought a lap steel that has benders on the B and D string (2nd and 4th string). I thought that was a bit odd since you usually see B-G benders... we will see how it goes I may have to put a new bender on it
Hi Troy, love your channel. Many roller bridges including the Certano do not have the option to intonate. Does that concern you? I am considering putting the Certano benders on an SX lap steel and wonder if I should keep the stock bridge or go with the roller bridge. Welcome your thoughts. Thanks.
Hey Troy! Nice upgrade! Are the strings you used the same as the one's you sell in your D'Addario Nickel Steel custom string set for open D? I love that set of strings!
Thank you very much for the video! It's great! I have the same Recording King Lap Steel but with P90 pickup. I guess there's no difference related the installation, is there? Thanks in advance
It would be nice if Certano offered a template for positioning the benders before drilling the holes. You could line the template up with the strings and mark the holes for predrilling.
Hi Troy! Congrats for all your videos! They're very well explained, I'm shure we all appreciate & thanks for that. Just got a Certano Benders for my old 8 string Morrell Lap usually tuned in E6 (B E B E G# B C# E) but I could change the tuning, so, I have a few questions I hope you have time to answer as soon as possible: 1. in wich strings would you recommend place the benders for E6 tuning? 2. Is any other better tuning for using the benders on 8 string lap? Warm Regards!
Great sound ! , I'm doing this to my recording king . Question -a very trite question) , what type of thumb pick are u wearing ? I like the xtra bit of plastic thickness on the bottom . If you get a chance - lemme know - thx !
Avi!!!! I’m a huge fan!! I have your solo album and used to be obsessed with Uberjam. To answer your question, I would recommend his Rollerbridge. It will help with friction on the bridge, and make the height and break angle right.
@@LessonsWithTroy Oh sweet and thanks! I just stumbled on your channel and love your videos. You sound fantastic. I'm just entering lap steel territory, and want to get something but expanding with a bender seems very cool. Thanks again.
Thanks for making this video! One question: After playing for a while in the intonation very stable? Without roller bridges I wonder if the strings would hang up with friction over time?
Personally, I can't imagine doing this without a roller at the bridge. Especially at this sharp angle. I have finally installed 'roller nuts' on all of my Stratocasters to eliminate binding at the nut when using a tremolo. What a world of difference! I finally have Strats that stay in tune. I digress... I love Troy's videos and have learned a great deal. I am sure that there is a simple rolling bridge available to address this concern. Nice playing and great tone too, Troy!
Did you notice that the bend range screws needed to be -re-adjusted when you first installed ...after being set? Just got mine back from the install and the range is all wonky now. And I forgot to get the Metric wrenches back from the installer.
How did you tune the 2nd & 3rd string, what's the concept? I assume you tune to F# and A, but what are the goals when you adjust that rear and middle screw on the bender? I understand it adjusts how high the bender bars are but I'm wondering if the range of adjustment is to shift F# to ?? and A to ?? Is this just an "ear" thing? Or do they stretch the string from A (or F#) to [what?]
I know this is an old video, I have a 22.5 I built and am struggling finding the string size and tuning I want. I like the open D, but tuned up to open E because in open D some of the strings were real floppy. I saw you mentioned .018 for #2 and .026w for #3 and .060w for #6, what are you using for 1, 4 and 5? I appreciate your help. I would like to go back to open D. I just installed a set of Peters benders. About 160 dollars. Good quality. Easy to install, just intimidating to drill into your lapsteel.
I never seem to tire coming back to watching your videos. Troy, do you have band where perform regularly? Would Love to watch youtube videos of your band.
Overall, how would you rate this when compared to the Duesenberg Multibender? It seems a much simpler design and easier to adjust the levers without the need for those propitiatory double threaded bolt things. Would value your thoughts.
Troy thanks for the video, great! I bought one as a result. I usually play in high G, low Or G6 running. Will the benders be ok for these tunings? In G tuning a whole step on the third string will give . Any idea what the 2nd string should be set for? Anything I should think about in string gages? Appreciate any guidance you can give me. 😊
hey Troy: super good sound, what is the string gauge for all your strings in the open D tuning, I been playing open G and some in open E, never played the open D before, I like the sound of it, thanks
Big inspiration! Thx for the vid! I want to do this same modification. Benders on my recording king steel. Would you recommend the certanos over the duesenberg bridge? On the duesenberg you can switch the levers but the certanos seem to take up less space...
i'm having a hard time getting this to work on my 6 string SX. Are the strings supposed to go UNDER the brass washer? Because when I installed mine, the strings aren't touched by the stainless steel part of the benders. The strings line up with the washers. Granted, this SX has a funky bridge totally different from your RK.
Could you please do a video on open E tuning with benders? I’m trying to find the perfect tuning for all occasions to get that pedal steel sound no matter what song. Any suggestions??
further to that query , it's my observation that the string path is around the brass bushing is that right , contact after the bridge going back towards the Certano it rides on or contacts the brass bushing before wrapping around to the hitch pins , I've never seen a video show that or anyone mention that , that's just my curiosity , thanks .
What do you think about a steel plate behind the bridge - flat to the guitar surface, that allows the bender device to be mounted a couple inches farther back? Also, how could the bender work with C6 tuning - looking for a minor triad. Would it be ok to put it in open E? It would align to E blues on regular guitar.
Hey Troy! Thank you for all your videos and your lesson series on your website, really helpful stuff. I was wondering what the distance is between the base plate of your bridge to the back edge of your guitar is. I wondering if the Certano will fit on my SX 8 string
Excellent video Troy, very helpful. I purchased the Certano Bender for my Recording King and your step-by-step instructions made it simple. I am curious, is there a reason why you chose the 2nd and 3rd string? Great videos.
I think I’m gonna try this, should I buy the bridge as well from certano? He sells both the bridge and benders together , wondering if the bridge fits on the recording king too..?
I found that on a similar sized instrument I can only install the benders exactly as you did, right up against the bridge. What that did is shift my picking hand forward so I no longer pluck above the pickup and can't palm mute properly (right at the bridge). What was your experience?
Why didn't you put Certano's Roller Bridge in place of the the stock one? There's a lot of friction on the string grinding against steel with every bend.
I recently got the same Recording King lap steel and it came with a .036” sixth string. Did you have to make an adjustment at the nut to fit the .060” sixth string?
I use open E and it works great. It’s the same as open D just tuned up a whole step. I find it easier to find the chords in open E being a guitar player. Certano actually recommends open E tuning on his site. I want to experiment with some other tunings with the benders but haven’t been able to find much info on it. Troy did a video on c6 with the benders but I wasn’t crazy about the way the benders sounded with c6 as you couldn’t really get the cool pedal steel bends like in open E/D so I felt it kind of defeated the purpose of them to some degree.
Between the dusenberger and the certano, if you could only have one, which would you choose? This is the situation I’m in. I think I would prefer to have the option of bending strings both ways. What do you think? Great videos!
Hi Troy, it's han excellent video, I live in México and have a few questions if you don't mind because I just buy a Lap Steel on Amazon, the brand is SX and made in US, it's similar to yours with a Humbucker: Where I can buy the Certano Bender ? It works witt any intonation as : D, G, E or C6 ? I think that mine originally comes on C. Like to know too if the Bender comes with the Base Steel Plate that see it on your guitar because mine it has only the original Bridge. And for last it's necessary to change the Strings ? Because I don't know the Strings gauges on my guitar. I Thanks a Lot if you can help me !!!.🙂
Alas , the string gages depend upon your tuning . Indeed , if you are approaching totally new to these is very frustrating if you haven't decided on a favorite tuning yet . Until you do , you will probably want to acquire multiple sets in different prepackaged combinations . Specialized suppliers do have sets for different tunings . The number of Steel Guitar tuning is near infinite . But a consideration for a total beginner , is the ready availability of instructional materials and online lessons and demonstrations . Most lessons will be in C6 or Open D , and all the lessons for Dobro in G ( GBDGBD) can also directly be used with Lap Steel . D , G , and E gages will substantially overlap , C6 strings are substantially thinner . A suggestion for starting out is to arbitrarily pick one of those 3 tunings , and stick with it to learn the basics of picking , bar techniques , and muting . Once you feel moderately comfortable with the basic skills , then try other tunings .
Hi Troy - any problems with string wear or creaking on the rigid bridge? Trying to determine if a roller bridge replacement would be necessary on my Chandler. Thanks!
My first thought was the same. But the more I thought about it, I believe it is better to attach the bender on the wood back of the bridge. IE: There is not enough room to install the bender on the bridge. Also installing it on the wood brings out better aesthetics, I believe. And the more I looked at it, I think it looks like a manufacturer did it. Like The "Bigsby" bender on standard guitars.
@@LessonsWithTroy I have wondered why the 3rd string is wound? I don't have a recording king but have a rogue from Musicians friend. Did you use a regular set of strings for the others and what were they from.enjoying the series. thanx
What in your opinion is the best overall tuning for the best sound,i have been playing with open G and now working on learning C6.You give great lessons and i value your opinion
I guess it depends on the style. I’m in an Open D phase now, but I’ve went through a C6 Hawaiian phase, Open G Dobro bluegrass phase, and now I’m in an Open D with the Benders phase.
@@LessonsWithTroy i’m building a steel and i wanted to do a C6 hawaiian/western swing thing, do you think C6 would work with the palm benders so that i can get that western swing sound and also the pedal steel sound? or do the palm benders really only work in open d?
@@carterc9171 I followed the same path starting on C6. I had a lot of luck with open G with the benders for a steel sound -- with C6, the benders make chording easier (see Troy's latest video) but your options for getting those big steel-ish licks are a little limited -- or maybe more fairly, getting those licks is less intuitive. GBDF#AD is another option. It's currently my favorite with benders and might do what you're looking for. But you can safely try benders with C6!
I was learning to play a pedal steel 5 years ago but lost a leg to cancer. You need two good legs to work all the pedals, levers and volume pedal to effectively play a pedal steel. When I heard the Dusenberg I was amazed at the sounds but I thought it was a little pricey for a beginner. I know the best gear is expensive. Then I read this story and saw there was a way to try this sound without selling some of my other gear. I pulled out an old Peavey PowerSlide thats been in my closet for over 20 years. After texting with David Certano I ordered the Certano Benders and the Certano roller bridge that others have used on their PowerSlides. I expect to receive the parts in a few days! I'll post again when I get it all set up. It should be easy to do on the Powerslide.
Finally! A bender I can tell my Mom about!
underrated comment lol
Thanks, I'm here all week...@@drewsleyy3836
Troy, this is a wonderful video. Helpful and inspirational! One small tip, if I may: Yes, you need the power drill to make the holes but I advise against using a power tool to put these small screws into the guitar. One could strip those holes in a heartbeat and there is also the risk of the tool popping out of the screw head and damaging your finish. It's best to use a short, well match Phillips (or whatever screw head your using) and do it carefully by hand. You'll have better control, will have a much better feel for how well the screw is ultimately seated and will avoid a potential disaster. I hope the Certano Bender serves you well and I think you've made a believer out of me as I see one in my near future! Use it in good health and thank you once again for this great video!
Thanks for the tips!
Would the benders work on a square neck resonator?
Amazing benders. Authentic pedal sound.
Bought a Recording King lap steel on eBay for £100 around the corner from me(has a P90 instead of humbucker). I was scared the Certano benders would be too big for that gap behind the bridge but now I can rest assured! Thanks v much, gonna pick these benders ASAP
Strings By Mail is based out of Grand Rapids MI and as a Michigan boy he's my go to for strings!
Thank you, Troy, for sharing your project and experience. I just installed the Certano Bender on my new Recording King. Easy process. And a beautiful, well designed and crafted piece of hardware! Now onto getting locking tuners, swapping the pickup, then flanges and legs. I play standing and switch back and forth with my tele. My two cents... I use open E to keep things simple between the guitar and steel.
Did you find a good set of locking tuners that fit this thing without drilling?
Thanks Troy. We appreciate the knowledge that you are sharing.
Looks good Troy. My one arrived here in UK a couple of days ago from David, fitted it immediately and sent pictures to David that he was going to show you. I had visions of needing to install as far back as possible but worked well against the bridge. Just playing around to get all set up right. I've only just started lap steel and I find your videos motivating to learn more. Sean
p.s. I've also found tuning a bit touchy, but it's a really great instrument for the money, even better now thanks to this. Be interesting to see if you change tuners
p.p.s. I think it was actually my pictures he put on Facebook and just to confirm I have it butted up right against the bridge to make sure it was straight. It took barely 30 mins to install. can't recommend this highly enough
Awesome!!! Thanks Sean!
I was just looking at this Recording King lap steel on Andertons website and did a search on TH-cam to hear a demo or two. Saw your video and it was sounding great, then I wondered if I could fit the levers on it, and in the first video you said you were going to install them.
Super informative and great videos. I think I will grab one of these with the humbucker. A Duesenberg would be cool, but for £200 this will be great to experiment on!
Hi Troy..thanks so much for this video. i have converted a Recording King as well, though I had trouble tracking down one with the Humbucker here in Canada, so I got the P90 and then swapped out for a Humbucker/p90 stacked and love the sound. I also love the Certano Benders and found the install pretty easy. I did find the mahogany a little soft (I was surprised but a pro wood-worker told me that some mahogany can be spongy) and the bracket was pulling up with the tension. (I'm doing a semi-tone on the 3rd string, and a full tone on the second) However, a little epoxy on the screws fixed the issue and all is good. Thanks again. Tim Harrison (primarily songwriter and guitarist, but dabbler in many other instruments).
Unbelievably impressive sound and tone. Nice.
The clear ring and sound of the E tone is awesome. Yes, the humbucker helps, but those strings and that setup sound great to me. Jealous of your tone / sound Troy! Thanks for the video.
Thanks David!!!
I loved the “it takes me 10 times longer then a normal person” part. I always think how come this project is taking me so long? Now I know it’s because I’m not a normal person 😂
It would be fun to watch you make a lap steel from a 4x4. I hope you go on to upgrade the pickup and pots.
LOL
Thank you for posting this Troy. I've wanted a lap steel with the benders, but just couldn't justify the Deusenberg's cost. This is a great option. Also, thank you for all of the other content you create (especially the Open D stuff) - very appreciative.
dunno if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are stoned like me during the covid times you can watch all the new movies and series on instaflixxer. Been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks :)
@Wade Jeremy Yup, I've been using InstaFlixxer for since november myself :)
Relatively easy conversion and it sounds so sweet - congrats on a job well done! I have a SX Swamp Ash Lap and I'm going to give it a close look over to see if the Certano will fit.
Those brass/bronze inserts that house the pin are called T-bushings and are sometimes impregnated with silicone when manufactured for metal on metal self-lubrication.
Just received my first order for strings and Zookies from Strings by Mail last week and I agree - they are indeed real great folks to deal with.
more to those brass/bronze inserts , do the strings pass underneath them or ride on them ? Looks to me like the strings do ride on the bushings as the levers are depressed , I may be wrong though hard to see ; I thought I read elsewhere there is zero friction from the bridge to the end roll pin where the ball end resides ? Great video !
Hi Troy. I sent off for a set of these during lockdown and they arrived within 2 weeks. I fitted them to a budget lap steel but there wasn’t enough clearance aft of the bridge so I fitted a heavy brass bracket and screwed it to the heel of the lap steel and then fitted the levers on to it. The levers work a treat. Great video.
So...
There was plenty of real estate aft of the bridge on my budget SX lap to attach and have placed my order for the bender. Hoping Certano has plenty on the shelf waiting to ship as I'm sure this video has sparked interest. Thanks Troy, for this and all your other first rate instructional material.
@@alanbeck5518 pics?
@@jimthecraftyguitarist878 Hi Jim. You won’t believe this! I took the benders off last night as I have ordered a Recording King lap steel and I’m hoping to fit them to it. I was really impressed with the review Troy gave and I have been looking for a lap steel with a humbucker.Sorry about that.
So nice Troy. I have a Recording King and have not had a lot of success with C6. I'm really thinking about doing this and going to Open D. It's not so much of a change from Dobro GBDGBD. Thanks for a great "How To"
Keep at the C6th! You’ll eventually get it and still be able to do open G or D also
Troy great vid,long time guitar player here ,many expensive guitars and amps ,but as I 'm old now always wanted to play steel but couldn't afford it now there is an alternative thanks again,you should get paid by Certano and Recording King because you've convinced me this is the way to go !
Thicker string may loose some sustain.Wow I always had it backwards.Thanks again Troy I learned something 2021...Gods hands continued blessing you sir.
You sound rockin good
Hi there, Troy! Great video once again, thanks for that.
Just one thing:
If you pause the video at 25:11' you can see that low string is not well "seated" on the bridge.
I usually push it down a bit with my fingers, to make it conform to the break angle. It cuts down the tuning hassle.
Hope my self taught english is good enough to make my point clear.
Cheers from south Brazil, keep up the good work!
All the fun of a Duesenberg without a second mortgage. Adding rollers and a capo system would be really cool.
I'm concerned that the 3rd wound string will bite into the bridge and also might cause a "ZZZZZ" when you pull and relax the string. 'Course you could always replace it in the future. This problem happened back in the '50's on Fender 1000 and 400 pedal steel guitars.
IE: Many players complained about it. Finally Leo Fender changed the bridge to have rollers on it. He even sent out retrofit bridges free. Also, the late Speedy West (one of the great steel players) went around the US; handing out these roller bridges (and roller nuts) to players; that had bought the earlier guitars.
Since I had bought one, it was great with the retrofit bridge and nut. It also stopped breaking strings as the result of pulling over a metal piece.
For what it's worth.
Phenomenal! Somewhere along the way I'm going to do exactly this! Great stuff Troy!
Thanks for the Video here, I have a1957 Supro, i found in a pawn shop for $100 , I tune to a C6,, to get that Hank Williams sound, I love your Duane Allman, shirt, I have one just like it, LOL, Duane was the Best, Cousin Figel
Using a VIX bit, for drilling hinge holes, will get your holes perfectly centered with the bender body.
just choose the correct drill size for the screw.
This video is so helpful, thanks! Can you tell me the gauges you use for all six strings?
Troy, sounds wicked good. I love it.
Great video Troy. Just what I wanted to know. Thank you Kindly.
Based on this video, I have just bought one from David in France. He was very responsive when I emailed him, and I am looking forward to it arriving. My Recording King is tuned to C6 and so I am not sure whether to fit the device to strings two and three. I can’t quite ‘hear’ what will happen to E and G when bent. Will find out!
Nice .. I have to put that on my new lapsteel .. I have a different style on my gretsch but the Certano looks user friendly .. thanx for the video
Great explanation and demonstration. This makes me want to buy Certano benders... and i don't even own a lap steel! 🤣
Thanks, Troy!!! that,s exactly the answer to all my doubts!!! not so simple, but I guess I could do it!!
I just bought a lap steel that has benders on the B and D string (2nd and 4th string). I thought that was a bit odd since you usually see B-G benders... we will see how it goes I may have to put a new bender on it
Does the leftover (peeling) clear plastic covering over the pick up give it that distinctive "Nashville" sound" ha ha!
On the mounting screws...you want to finish the tightening with a hand screw driver.
Hi Troy, love your channel. Many roller bridges including the Certano do not have the option to intonate. Does that concern you? I am considering putting the Certano benders on an SX lap steel and wonder if I should keep the stock bridge or go with the roller bridge. Welcome your thoughts. Thanks.
Thank You, I am going to follow in your footsteps.
Hey Troy! Nice upgrade! Are the strings you used the same as the one's you sell in your D'Addario Nickel Steel custom string set for open D? I love that set of strings!
Thank you very much for the video! It's great! I have the same Recording King Lap Steel but with P90 pickup. I guess there's no difference related the installation, is there? Thanks in advance
Love that guitar beautiful sound especially with the benders sounds like a pedal steel guitar what tuning are you tuned to
It would be nice if Certano offered a template for positioning the benders before drilling the holes. You could line the template up with the strings and mark the holes for predrilling.
Hi Troy! Congrats for all your videos! They're very well explained, I'm shure we all appreciate & thanks for that. Just got a Certano Benders for my old 8 string Morrell Lap usually tuned in E6 (B E B E G# B C# E) but I could change the tuning, so, I have a few questions I hope you have time to answer as soon as possible: 1. in wich strings would you recommend place the benders for E6 tuning? 2. Is any other better tuning for using the benders on 8 string lap? Warm Regards!
Great sound ! , I'm doing this to my recording king . Question -a very trite question) , what type of thumb pick are u wearing ?
I like the xtra bit of plastic thickness on the bottom . If you get a chance - lemme know - thx !
Good idée and ...that beast keep the feeling with her
Great vid. Is there an issue with string wear and breaking with the stock bridge, or is a roller bridge recommended?
Avi!!!! I’m a huge fan!! I have your solo album and used to be obsessed with Uberjam. To answer your question, I would recommend his Rollerbridge. It will help with friction on the bridge, and make the height and break angle right.
@@LessonsWithTroy Oh sweet and thanks! I just stumbled on your channel and love your videos. You sound fantastic. I'm just entering lap steel territory, and want to get something but expanding with a bender seems very cool. Thanks again.
@@avibortnick Shoot me an email: Troy@LessonsWithTroy.com - I'd love to chat with you and help ya out either via Email or even Zoom if you're down.
Are you bending a full step on the 2 and 3?
Thanks for making this video! One question: After playing for a while in the intonation very stable? Without roller bridges I wonder if the strings would hang up with friction over time?
Personally, I can't imagine doing this without a roller at the bridge. Especially at this sharp angle. I have finally installed 'roller nuts' on all of my Stratocasters to eliminate binding at the nut when using a tremolo. What a world of difference! I finally have Strats that stay in tune. I digress... I love Troy's videos and have learned a great deal. I am sure that there is a simple rolling bridge available to address this concern. Nice playing and great tone too, Troy!
How do these benders affect your ability to palm mute? And thanks Troy, sounds great.
I use more pick blocking with the benders
Did you notice that the bend range screws needed to be -re-adjusted when you first installed ...after being set? Just got mine back from the install and the range is all wonky now. And I forgot to get the Metric wrenches back from the installer.
How did you tune the 2nd & 3rd string, what's the concept? I assume you tune to F# and A, but what are the goals when you adjust that rear and middle screw on the bender? I understand it adjusts how high the bender bars are but I'm wondering if the range of adjustment is to shift F# to ?? and A to ?? Is this just an "ear" thing? Or do they stretch the string from A (or F#) to [what?]
The "metal peg" is also called a dowel pin.
I know this is an old video, I have a 22.5 I built and am struggling finding the string size and tuning I want. I like the open D, but tuned up to open E because in open D some of the strings were real floppy. I saw you mentioned .018 for #2 and .026w for #3 and .060w for #6, what are you using for 1, 4 and 5? I appreciate your help. I would like to go back to open D. I just installed a set of Peters benders. About 160 dollars. Good quality. Easy to install, just intimidating to drill into your lapsteel.
Troy, have you seen the benders by Peters? $159.00 on Ebay. Look well made here in the states. I'm going to get a set.
I never seem to tire coming back to watching your videos.
Troy, do you have band where perform regularly? Would Love to watch youtube videos of your band.
What about a roller bridge?,I had a Duesenberg set up and kept breaking strings till i found a cure.
I wish they made a roller bridge that was flat.
@@LessonsWithTroy I am working on milling a roller Tun-o-matic bridge base to make it flat.
Let use know and post photo
Overall, how would you rate this when compared to the Duesenberg Multibender? It seems a much simpler design and easier to adjust the levers without the need for those propitiatory double threaded bolt things. Would value your thoughts.
Troy thanks for the video, great! I bought one as a result. I usually play in high G, low Or G6 running. Will the benders be ok for these tunings? In G tuning a whole step on the third string will give . Any idea what the 2nd string should be set for? Anything I should think about in string gages? Appreciate any guidance you can give me. 😊
What effects unit is that in your rack there?
Man those benders are giving you that pedal steel feel for sure
hey Troy: super good sound, what is the string gauge for all your strings in the open D tuning, I been playing open G and some in open E, never played the open D before, I like the sound of it, thanks
Excellent video, thanks!
Big inspiration! Thx for the vid! I want to do this same modification. Benders on my recording king steel. Would you recommend the certanos over the duesenberg bridge? On the duesenberg you can switch the levers but the certanos seem to take up less space...
Check out the SX lap steel too
Hi Troy- Do you think these would fit seamlessly on your airline? I've got one like it and was considering the addition. Thanks man
i'm having a hard time getting this to work on my 6 string SX. Are the strings supposed to go UNDER the brass washer? Because when I installed mine, the strings aren't touched by the stainless steel part of the benders. The strings line up with the washers. Granted, this SX has a funky bridge totally different from your RK.
Question ! .. a lap steel with a Telecaster type bridge should use the bender for the telecaster? Right? ( Haze lap steel)...
Could you please do a video on open E tuning with benders? I’m trying to find the perfect tuning for all occasions to get that pedal steel sound no matter what song. Any suggestions??
E tuning is just like Open D just up two frets
The little metal pegs are the "hitch pins".
further to that query , it's my observation that the string path is around the brass bushing is that right , contact after the bridge going back towards the Certano it rides on or contacts the brass bushing before wrapping around to the hitch pins , I've never seen a video show that or anyone mention that , that's just my curiosity , thanks .
What do you think about a steel plate behind the bridge - flat to the guitar surface, that allows the bender device to be mounted a couple inches farther back? Also, how could the bender work with C6 tuning - looking for a minor triad. Would it be ok to put it in open E? It would align to E blues on regular guitar.
Those are awesome
Is there anyway to get a third bender as well? If not I guess I will have to try something different
Hey Troy! Thank you for all your videos and your lesson series on your website, really helpful stuff. I was wondering what the distance is between the base plate of your bridge to the back edge of your guitar is. I wondering if the Certano will fit on my SX 8 string
Excellent video Troy, very helpful. I purchased the Certano Bender for my Recording King and your step-by-step instructions made it simple. I am curious, is there a reason why you chose the 2nd and 3rd string? Great videos.
With a good volume pedal I bet you could get a passable pedal steel vibe.
I think I’m gonna try this, should I buy the bridge as well from certano? He sells both the bridge and benders together , wondering if the bridge fits on the recording king too..?
That would be a cool upgrade.
I'm surprised the strings don't snap at the bridge after a few uses...
I found that on a similar sized instrument I can only install the benders exactly as you did, right up against the bridge. What that did is shift my picking hand forward so I no longer pluck above the pickup and can't palm mute properly (right at the bridge). What was your experience?
I don't see any intonation adjustment on that bridge. How does that work our?
$224 is just a wee bit pricey, but it is a cool gadget for sure!
I'll throw in that it includes all tax and shipping.
Why didn't you put Certano's Roller Bridge in place of the the stock one? There's a lot of friction on the string grinding against steel with every bend.
The bender is higher than the steel guitar. Where can you find these at? Can't seem to find any local nowhere..
I recently got the same Recording King lap steel and it came with a .036” sixth string. Did you have to make an adjustment at the nut to fit the .060” sixth string?
cool i'm gonna make one!.....what scale length is this lappy?
This is exactly what I was looking to do. Get a cheap lap steel and put a bender on it. Troy, how does this compare to the Duesenberg?
I’m getting ready to record a video about the $189 SX lap steel with the p90 pickup. I recommend it over the Recording King
Do you notice intonation problems not having adjustable saddles?
Is that the original pickup that came with the Recording King lap steel ? How do you get such sweet tone ? Effects, Amp ?
It’s the original pickup. My Kemper is most of the tone
@@LessonsWithTroy ogjjffk
Hi Troy. With the Certano benders are you limited to open D tuning or is it possible to use open E or G? Thanks.
I use open E and it works great. It’s the same as open D just tuned up a whole step. I find it easier to find the chords in open E being a guitar player. Certano actually recommends open E tuning on his site. I want to experiment with some other tunings with the benders but haven’t been able to find much info on it. Troy did a video on c6 with the benders but I wasn’t crazy about the way the benders sounded with c6 as you couldn’t really get the cool pedal steel bends like in open E/D so I felt it kind of defeated the purpose of them to some degree.
Between the dusenberger and the certano, if you could only have one, which would you choose? This is the situation I’m in. I think I would prefer to have the option of bending strings both ways. What do you think? Great videos!
Which model of Certano did you use? There are several on the site for lap steel.
Hi Troy, it's han excellent video, I live in México and have a few questions if you don't mind because I just buy a Lap Steel on Amazon, the brand is SX and made in US, it's similar to yours with a Humbucker: Where I can buy the Certano Bender ?
It works witt any intonation as : D, G, E or C6 ? I think that mine originally comes on C.
Like to know too if the Bender comes with the Base Steel Plate that see it on your guitar because mine it has only the original Bridge.
And for last it's necessary to change the Strings ? Because I don't know the Strings gauges on my guitar.
I Thanks a Lot if you can help me !!!.🙂
Alas , the string gages depend upon your tuning .
Indeed , if you are approaching totally new to these is very frustrating if you haven't decided on a favorite tuning yet . Until you do , you will probably want to acquire multiple sets in different prepackaged combinations .
Specialized suppliers do have sets for different tunings .
The number of Steel Guitar tuning is near infinite . But a consideration for a total beginner , is the ready availability of instructional materials and online lessons and demonstrations .
Most lessons will be in C6 or Open D , and all the lessons for Dobro in G ( GBDGBD) can also directly be used with Lap Steel .
D , G , and E gages will substantially overlap , C6 strings are substantially thinner .
A suggestion for starting out is to arbitrarily pick one of those 3 tunings , and stick with it to learn the basics of picking , bar techniques , and muting . Once you feel moderately comfortable with the basic skills , then try other tunings .
Just got my new strings on after installing the bender. Do you have both bender arms at the same height?
Hi Troy - any problems with string wear or creaking on the rigid bridge? Trying to determine if a roller bridge replacement would be necessary on my Chandler. Thanks!
What note does the F# and A strings bend up to? Half step or full step? Also could you post the string sizea for all six strings for D tuning
Thanks.
Do you think the added tension of Open E will cause any issues?
do you use any different sized strings for the 1,4,5,6 stings?
great sound. Pity you couldn't use the screw holes that holds the bridge down then you wouldn't need to drill two more into the body.
My first thought was the same. But the more I thought about it, I believe it is better to attach the bender on the wood back of the bridge. IE: There is not enough room to install the bender on the bridge.
Also installing it on the wood brings out better aesthetics, I believe. And the more I looked at it, I think it looks like a manufacturer did it. Like The "Bigsby" bender on standard guitars.
@@MrPatdeeee I Understand what you are saying , and I suppose attached to the wood you will get better contact and possibly will sound better.
What tuning are you using …?? are you using open E tuning..?
🎶🙏🏻🎶
Love it
Troy what two strings would the benders pull on a lap steel tuned to open e
It looks like you’re using two different types of strings: the high carbon and the nickel wound. Do you combine the two?
I guess so. You don’t want a solid third string. It needs to be wrapped.
@@LessonsWithTroy thank you!
@@LessonsWithTroy I have wondered why the 3rd string is wound? I don't have a recording king but have a rogue from Musicians friend. Did you use a regular set of strings for the others and what were they from.enjoying the series. thanx
What in your opinion is the best overall tuning for the best sound,i have been playing with open G and now working on learning C6.You give great lessons and i value your opinion
I guess it depends on the style. I’m in an Open D phase now, but I’ve went through a C6 Hawaiian phase, Open G Dobro bluegrass phase, and now I’m in an Open D with the Benders phase.
@@LessonsWithTroy i’m building a steel and i wanted to do a C6 hawaiian/western swing thing, do you think C6 would work with the palm benders so that i can get that western swing sound and also the pedal steel sound? or do the palm benders really only work in open d?
@@carterc9171 I followed the same path starting on C6. I had a lot of luck with open G with the benders for a steel sound -- with C6, the benders make chording easier (see Troy's latest video) but your options for getting those big steel-ish licks are a little limited -- or maybe more fairly, getting those licks is less intuitive.
GBDF#AD is another option. It's currently my favorite with benders and might do what you're looking for.
But you can safely try benders with C6!
@@CatJumpJohn I have just bought one to fit to my C6 steel. To which strings did you fit the bender, John?
How do you apply right hand dampening with the benders in place? Thanks.
I use pick blocking instead of palm blocking
@@LessonsWithTroy Depending on the lap steel, you use a hybrid approach to mute strings? does your left hand mute strings as well? thanks.