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SteelMaster™ FAQs and Installation Instructions

Updated: May 17



  • Where can I buy a SteelMaster™?



  • Do I have to drill any holes in my guitar? 

    No, simply remove the top two screws in your JM style vibrato and install the SteelMaster™.


  • Here are a couple of short videos demonstrating how to install the SteelMaster™️

  • How do I tune the Bent Note?


  • Can I still use the vibrato after installing the SteelMaster™?

    Yes, indeed. This is one of the coolest features. We hope you do.


  • Can I still play behind the bridge like Nels Cline?

    If you can play like Nels Cline, I want to hear you play and yes the strings still ring behind the bridge.


  • How do I change to an alternate length paddle lever or adjust the tightness of the lever arm (paddle) that is attached to the bender lever?

    You must first loosen the set screw on the bender lever and then loosen/tighten the 6-32 screw on top of the bender. Retighten the 6-32 screw after retightening the set screw. The Installation Instruction Video Part 2 covers this process in detail.

    Please note we have made an improvements to the device and one of those is moving the set screw for the paddle screw to the end of the bender lever. You can see that new set screw location by viewing the Installation Instruction Video Part 2 above.


  • Does the SteelMaster™ work with any/all JM vibratos?  

    We know it plays well with every JM Offset style vibrato that we have encountered. If you have concerns, send us a picture of your JM style vibrato and let’s talk. 


  • We are an OEM guitar builder and want to buy a quantity of the SteelMaster™, can I get a volume discount? 

    Yes, reach out to Wade via the contact info on this website.


  • Can I add more bender levers to the SteelMaster™?

    Yes, you can stack up to 6 of them if you want. (*4 max recommended if mounted to a JM vibrato.) Below is a link to a video explaining a setup with 3 SteelMaster™ bender levers on a standard E tuned guitar. The A palm lever bends a whole tone, the G lever bends a half tone and the B lever bends a whole tone. When you play a Big E chord shape or a small F chord shape and all three levers are pressed you go from the I to the IV chord. This is similar to pressing the A and B pedals on a pedal steel.


  • Can I use the SteelMaster™ on guitars with alternate tunings?

    Yes, Open D sounds great. We expect you will find tons of alternate tuning possibilities and we look forward to hearing the music you make. Please note that string gauges may need to be adjusted as you tune to alternate tunings and alternate CoBendEnts.

  • Can I add The SteelMaster™ to any another style of guitar?  

    Yes, let your imagination run wild. You can add it to any solidbody guitar with a flat top as long as you don’t mind drilling holes. We also offer another version that mounts to your B5 or B7 vibrato. 




 
 
 
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