Inexpensive Roller Bridge for lap steel when adding benders???

[Doug Anderson]

I'm looking for an inexpensive roller bridge to add benders on a SX lap steel?

Are the 3D printed ones like the ones from George Boards going to sound as good as an all metal roller bridge?

Thanks, Doug

[Michael Kiese]

I'm looking for an inexpensive roller bridge to add benders on a SX lap steel?

Are the 3D printed ones like the ones from George Boards going to sound as good as an all metal roller bridge?

Thanks, Doug

Aloha Doug,

If you want to do it on the super cheap, you don't really even need a roller nut or bridge. Put some big bends nut sauce on the nut and bridge and call it a day.

Otherwise, I'd recommend that you buy a Certano Roller Bridge and Nut. The roller bridge is $138, and the roller nut is $71. So for a little over $200 you'd have an excellent nut and bridge combo. You don't have to keep them on your SX. When you upgrade your steel, you can just take 'em off the SX and put 'em on your new project steel.

https://certano.fr/produit/bridge-for-l ... og8-GN7Rix

I can't speak on GeorgeBoards' 3D printed roller nuts. But honestly, at $25 each, I don't see how there's any downside at all. It's so reasonably priced and affordable.

https://reverb.com/item/83027232-retrof ... ipping-usa

Whatever you choice you'll make, I'm sure it will sound good.

Heck, buy both and you tell us what you think. lol.

Straight Steel is such a simple instrument. It's literally just a nut, bridge, pickup, and a bar. 98% of the tone is in your hands and your ears, and knowing how to pick the right set of custom strings for your tuning.

Enjoy!

[Doug Anderson]

Thank you for your thoughts! I appreciate it!