Looking to purchase a lap steel guitar

[iAmCam90]

I have been inspired after watching David Gilmour play his lap steel guitars. I am interested in picking one up. What should I look for? Whats the best companies out there? I would prefer to purchase one new. I would like to keep it under $800, but a little more may be worth it. What websites could I purchase one off? Also who makes the best stand for them?

[bazooka47]

I love lap steels and own 5, mostly old ones. The 'modern' one I have is a Harmos Americana.

My suggestion: Go sign up at the Steel Guitar Forum. There are plenty of lap players over there, and there is a classifieds section.

As far as the "best" stand- my Harmos came with a stand, but if I was looking for a great lap steel stand, I might consider one of these:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=168110&highlight=

[Deathmonkey]

There's a member here whose name I can't recall who makes the most beautiful lap steels I've ever seen. I don't know what his prices are, and I'm sure they're not cheap, but I'd say it's worth looking into. I seem to recall some of his models with palm levers as well, to emulate more of a pedal steel thing, if that interests you. Hopefully someone will remember who it is

[RL in Fla]

"Quarter " (Tom Pettingill). ^^

(post 39) -> http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...=760350&page=3

[sixty2strat]

they always have a cheapo on CL, new pots n pup and your set. for legs i have DIY. have a supro with changed tuners, pups and missing bridge cover so it was not "collectiable" went to home depo and bought pipe and flanges in the pulmbing dept...so it has 3 legs, remember to use a shime to angle them to larger base for better support.

[stingrey1978]

2nd Tom Pettingill!

[sleepingtiger]

I got one of these http://folk-instruments.musiciansfri...Bag?sku=513453
Seems to be well made & now the black ones are $79 shipped. Hard to lose...

Tony

[stevieboy]

http://www.asherguitars.com/lap_steel_electro_h_jr.php

[Quarter]

Originally Posted by iAmCam90

I have been inspired after watching David Gilmour play his lap steel guitars. I am interested in picking one up. What should I look for? ...

Gilmour was one of the reasons that I got into lap steel too, the guy just has too much fun. Here is a Gilmour clip doing a cool version of Shine On You Crazy Diamond http://www.pinkfloyd.co.uk/dg/index.html
In that clip he is using an early P90 equipped EH150 and not one of his console Jedsons.

As far as what to look for in a good steel, for playability, I'd say a couple of the top things are get something with at least a 22.5" scale and the wider "modern" string spacing at the nut. I personally prefer a little longer scale for the added sustain, tone, and harmonics that a longer scale has to offer. The trade off is bar slants are a little harder when playing down by the nut.
Another option that many like is 2 pickups for added versatility. A pair of HB, 90's, or a mix like we did on Rey's steel are just a few ways to go.
My whole approach when designing and building my steels is to first remember that it is a guitar at heart. As is it is in the regular electric guitar world, quality components, woods, construction, and setup are an important part of the formula to building a great instrument.
As far as what brand to get, obviously I'm biased, but a few of the builders that I would own, Cruztone, Lap King, Clinesmith, Maricopa, and the USA Ashers are a few.

If I can answer any other questions, please feel free to PM or email me and I'd be happy to discuss a custom steel for you.

Originally Posted by Deathmonkey

There's a member here whose name I can't recall who makes the most beautiful lap steels I've ever seen. I don't know what his prices are, and I'm sure they're not cheap, but I'd say it's worth looking into. I seem to recall some of his models with palm levers as well, to emulate more of a pedal steel thing, if that interests you. Hopefully someone will remember who it is

Thanks Deathmonkey, a lot of love goes into each instrument I build . Here is that steel with the Duesenberg palm levers, its a variant of the steel Rey posted.

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Originally Posted by stingrey1978

2nd Tom Pettingill!

Hey Rey, glad your still enjoying your steel, she has a great voice