Precision is key to building high quality guitars and lap steels alike. With accurate measuring tools such as calipers, rulers and using everyone’s favorite high school subject geometry, building playable instruments is possible. Not to get into the nitty gritty, but without accurate scale lengths or realistic dimensions, the sound and play-ability of the steels would be impossible.
Calipers are a key tool for measuring to a thousandth of an inch to properly lay out fret marker, and also is a key way to ensure holes are drilled at the proper size so all parts fit perfectly. Analog and digital calipers are available from all the likely sources. Personally, the analog calipers are the go to choice. It’s always a bummer when you reach for your calipers and the battery is dead.
Shannon Guitars 