Lap steel guitar advice

[Alex UK]

Hello!

We're looking to buy a lap steel guitar for our friends birthday but have no clue what make or model to get for a beginner. Could anyone suggest a cheap and good sounding lap steel?

Much appreciated!

Alex

 

[Slowrider]

I would keep an eye on Fleabay for a used Emmons or such., even though a good one will still be pretty expensive. They do have bookoo cheapies. Watch out for quality.

 

[zorf]

Hi,
Laps steels are by nature cheap because they don't need a resonating chamber, exotic woods, a grippable neck, or any elaborate pickup switching systems.
They are basicly just a slab of wood with a pickup.
This is great news for you and your friend because you can pick up a cheapy
and they can see if a lap steel inspires them or not.
I have found that some instruments just call to you and others not. It doesn't
seem to matter sometimes how much you spent on them.
Your friend can upgrade later, and some of the playing technique even
translates if they want to play pedal steel later.
Laps are a great way to start, and are a cool instrument in their own right.
Even the vintage collectable ones are cheap compared to similar brand
and year standard guitars.
I use mine for classic 40's and 50's country stylings, hawaiin, exotica,
blues, funk, swing, metal, death jazz, avant gard soundscapes, whatever.
good luck.

 

[mikeh]

I picked up a Morrell for about $100 (including the bar). It is a decent low cost brand.

As zorf indicates, most lap steels are relatively inexpensive - because there really is not much to them. You don't have to worry if the neck is straight, no truss rods issues, etc. As long as it holds it's tuning - there is not much more to worry about.

 

[crazydoc]

Here's a cheap starter:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...teel-Guitar-with-Stand-and-Gig-Bag?sku=518801

 

[zorf]

Don't forget to pick up a couple of different bars or slides.
Even if your lap steel comes with one. You will want
to try several until you find one that fits your hand
and playing style.
Again, not expensive.
I followed the link posted above, and read the user
reviews. Ouch! Perhaps you could spend a little more, then.
I do like like that they included the legs as an option, though.

 

[stonepiano]

Here's a cheap starter:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...teel-Guitar-with-Stand-and-Gig-Bag?sku=518801

yeah, I bought this one... don't forget to buy a cable w/ a right angle connector though. the plug is right under where your right hand should be positioned. Other than that, this has been a good learning lap steel. I've tried it in open G (standard resonator tuning) and open E (what I use for bottleneck blues). Both sound fine.

 

[BigRay]

dont waste money on cheaply built stuff..

go with Chandler.

http://www.chandlerguitars.com/studio6.html

it is not expensive, but will last a lifetime. I still have mine.

I have been playing lap/pedal steel for a long time, and have run the gamut of brands. I use a 1973 rickenbacker now, but love my chandler. if your friend wants a good one, I will sell him mine. I love it, so as long as you promise to take good care of it, I will sell it to you. It has upgraded electronics, and is in mint condition. it is my first baby..

Teddy