Fender FS52 lap steel: who has tried one?

[Griz]

I'll also check over at the Steel Guitar Forums, just wanted the impressions of TGP'ers.

Well made? Sound good?

TIA for input.

[Lammy]

I think that the general consensus is that its better off finding a vintage steel as you can get them so cheap nowadays.

[Quarter]

Yea, not a lot of love for the FS52. The pickup is not a real boxcar, but rather a faux boxcar hiding a cheap single coil.
Even a pickup swap does not help a lot as its mounted too close to the bridge so you still end uip with a thin and brittle tone.
And then there is the shiny fretboard can be an issue when playing under lights.

[Griz]

Good points. Thanks for sharing your views.