raising strings for slide help

justb
New Member

Posts: 1

raising strings for slide help Dec 9, 2023 2:24:21 GMT -5

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Post by justb on Dec 9, 2023 2:24:21 GMT -5

Hello all,

I'm a lefty S6 player that had an accident with nerve damage to my fretting hand and can't really play anymore. I was thinking of selling my guitars and buying a lapsteel or Weissenborn but wanted to play around first as I've never played one. Any recommendations on how to raise my strings? I've seen the Grover Perfect Nut but doesn't seem to come lefty and I can't find anything else. Plus I was worried about string spacing with the wider neck even if I did find something? The only idea I've come up with is just shoving shaped and notched pieces of wood under the strings at the top and bottom of the neck? Just wondered if anyone out there had done this or knows a better way? I don't want to remove the stock nut or do any mod as I'll be selling it if I take to slide.

Thanks in advance.

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Derick
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Posts: 7,594

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

raising strings for slide help Dec 10, 2023 18:51:41 GMT -5

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Post by Derick on Dec 10, 2023 18:51:41 GMT -5

Welcome to the cabin justb,

Sorry to hear about your problem with your freting hand.
Unfortunately you seem to have covered every point that I can think of.
Really hope that you don't have to give up playing the guitar, have you ever thought of trying to play a right hand guitar, it may seem very hard at first, but it's surprising how quick you may be able to play right-handed.
Sorry I can't be of any more help, but good luck on whatever you decide to do.

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TonyKgull
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Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

raising strings for slide help Dec 22, 2023 4:41:45 GMT -5

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Post by TonyKgull on Dec 22, 2023 4:41:45 GMT -5

Sorry for the late response, I don't get on here much anymore.

I can only offer this much; I tried a lap/slide myself for a bit. Was very weird. Felt like learning guitar over again, but with a head start cuz of regular guitar experience. But I think that's half the fun, the rediscovering and learning something new.

Regarding the string spacing, I think that's normal on lap/slide guitars and for a reason. Because of the way it sits, it's actually easier and/or better for playing with the wider spacing. It's not like playing a regular guitar so I wouldn't worry about that part. It's kind of apples and oranges, but maybe not quite that far apart if that makes sense.

That's all I can offer other than if a lap/slide guitar is all you can handle with your injury going forward, then go for it. Better than never being able to play again at all right?

Good luck with whatever you choose and here's hoping your hand maybe heals up and some day you can go back to the guitar playing you know and love.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

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Post by justb on Dec 9, 2023 2:24:21 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Dec 10, 2023 18:51:41 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Dec 22, 2023 4:41:45 GMT -5

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