Tom Bradshaw Restorations

I have been restoring lap and pedal steel guitars since the late 1980s. I've probably restored a hundred instruments during that time and repaired about that same number. I should have taken pictures of all of them, as well as kept records of all my customers. Maybe this posting will prompt some of those past customers to contact me and tell me what I did for them.

My earlier restoration work involved simply returning steels to a like-new condition. When repaired or completely restored, they would not look much different from their appearance when originally built, although my customers always said they played better. Needless to say, I have always taken pride in my workmanship. I spare no effort in making every guitar perform as best as possible. I retain the guitars' original components unless they are too used or abused. I then find identical replacement parts or make the parts as close to their original appearance as possible.

After many years, I began making changes in some of the restored guitars. I had learned a few things and discovered that I could improve on some of the original designs. I began manufacturing new parts that were close to the original, but better configured, and permitted more versatility in their applications. I have designed undercarriage parts including changer pull-rod bellcranks, knee lever clamps and pedal bellcranks. All fit 5/16' square stainless steel cross shafts (see accompanying pictures). With my knee lever clamps, I make the folding knee levers that fit them. I found nylon bearings that will accept the square cross shafts, providing friction-free rotation and never need lubricating. For customers' guitars, unless they want these newly manufactured parts, I typically use the hardware originally designed for their guitar.

I have also had fretboards manufactured, for MSA, Sho-Bud, and Dekley brands of steel guitars. They are sold separately ($30/each); I use them in my restorations.

If you have had an opportunity to see one of my restored guitars up close, I hope you agree that they are superior in quality and performance than when originally manufactured.

To all who buy one of my restored steels, I offer a money-back guarantee if not satisfied. But then, I offer that on everything I sell. Oh yes, no one has ever returned one of my restored steels that they bought from me.

© 2010 Tom Bradshaw/PSGP. All Rights Reserved.
PSGP • P.O. Box 931 • Concord, CA 94522
tbradshaw@california.com

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