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Topic: Need suggestions of puchasing single neck lap steel <$750 |
Larry Lenhart
From:
Ponca City, Oklahoma
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 7:16 am |
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I am torn with the idea of purchasing a new or used lap steel....the only thing i really want it for is to tune it to Don Helms E13th to do Hank Williams type of stuff. I love that sound and have the book. I already own a D10 GFI to take care of my pedal desires.
I realize the value of buying vintage, but also the price involved and possible problems. If I bought new, are there names you would suggest...I would like to keep the price in the $750 price max. Thanks for any suggestions...btw I will be in Dallas for the steel show and plan to look around there !  Its my 65th bd and family has agreed to help me with the purchase |
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Thomas Temple
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 7:32 am Melbert
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Larry,
First off welcome to the "golden" years, I turned 65 just about a year ago and took up the Lap Steel as a hobby. Not very good player (yet) but I am really getting a bang out of it. As for a guitar just plug Melbert into search and you'll see that they are very well thought of. Best part is that you can pick the wood, finish, pickup, tuners etc. So it is more or less "made to order" for you. Priced right at $500 slightly less for 6 string model. Biggest problem is that it takes about 10 weeks to get it, but IMHO well worth the wait. Also not sure if it is still available but there was a George Board in the fore sale section here on the forum that was "half price". Good luck and once again welcome.
Tom |
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Brian Hunter
From:
Indianapolis
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 7:47 am
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Thomas and I are both very satisfied Melbert owners. I want another.
_________________
Brian |
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Hal Braun
From:
Eustis, Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 8:29 am
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You can find a Fender Deluxe 8 for that price.. and it will have "that" sound.. (if you want to play E13.. you will probably want 8 strings..)
Play it on your lap.. or on legs.. never goes out of style and.. you will always be able to recoup your investment if you decide it is not for you..
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Stephen Cowell
From:
Round Rock, Texas, USA
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 10:13 am
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| Hal Braun wrote: |
| You can find a Fender Deluxe 8 for that price.. and it will have "that" sound.. |
If you find a Deluxe 8, legs&case for <$1000 snap it up... they're worth more, rusted and funky (see the 1200$ one from Hawaii living permanently on eBay). I had to drive hundreds of miles and rain Benjamins on an old couple to obtain my '69. Fender S8's are just scarce. Make sure that legs and case come with it... watching eBay will clue you in (legs can be $300, case same).
Here's one thing to think about... the same people, using the same tools and materials, made instruments that go for many tens of thousands of dollars now. The same aged Alnico pole pieces, the same chrome Kluson tuners, the same nitro Duco auto finishes... how else can you brag to friends 'I bought a '57 Fender guitar in great shape for $1200!'.
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Steve
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J. Wilson
From:
Manitoba, Canada
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 11:04 am
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I have an Allen Melbert and a handful of vintage lap steels. They all sound beautiful. Bob Allen makes a bang up steel for price that just can't be beat.
But it sounds like you know what you want to use it for and what sound you are after -- from that standpoint I would go after a vintage instrument that will give you that sound exactly.
_________________
If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On. -Shakespeare
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1941 Ric B6 / 1948 National Dynamic / 1951 Bronson Supro / Custom teak wood Allen Melbert / Tut Taylor Dobro / Gold Tone Dojo / Martin D15S / Eastman P10 |
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Blake Hawkins
From:
Florida
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 11:18 am
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Larry, I play that tuning and have vintage guitars,
so here's my opinion.
The songs in Don's book can all be played on 6 strings. However, you should get an 8 string guitar
to give you some extra versatility.
There are two Gibson Console Grandes plus several
lap steels in my collection.
I mostly play one of the Gibsons. Either the 1949 or the 1956 model.
I don't recommend the vintage guitars because of the
maintenance required. Tuners break, pickups need rewinding, magnets get weak. Parts may be hard to get.
If I ever buy another steel, it will be a brand new
quality model with 8 strings.
With a new steel, everything works, you can concentrate on your playing and enjoy a fine instrument.
Just my experience and opinion.
Blake |
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Hal Braun
From:
Eustis, Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 2:15 pm
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| Stephen Cowell wrote: |
| Hal Braun wrote: |
| You can find a Fender Deluxe 8 for that price.. and it will have "that" sound.. |
If you find a Deluxe 8, legs&case for <$1000 snap it up... they're worth more, rusted and funky (see the 1200$ one from Hawaii living permanently on eBay). I had to drive hundreds of miles and rain Benjamins on an old couple to obtain my '69. Fender S8's are just scarce. Make sure that legs and case come with it... watching eBay will clue you in (legs can be $300, case same).
Here's one thing to think about... the same people, using the same tools and materials, made instruments that go for many tens of thousands of dollars now. The same aged Alnico pole pieces, the same chrome Kluson tuners, the same nitro Duco auto finishes... how else can you brag to friends 'I bought a '57 Fender guitar in great shape for $1200!'.
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Steve
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from our very own Steel Guitars for Sale section, some are 6 and some are 8.. they are out there, patience is the key:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=221972&highlight=fender
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=219156&highlight=fender
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=216200&highlight=fender
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=211949&highlight=fender
PS. I do agree with Blake that new guitars just work, have readily available replacement parts, etc. but my thinking was based on the original poster saying he wanted to play E13 and do Hank Williams kind of stuff.. must of the newer lap steels (including my Williams D- have a great sound that in fact he may like, but if he is hearing that "older" tone in his head, he might not be happy.. thus the Fender recommendation.
Cheers! |
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Stephen Cowell
From:
Round Rock, Texas, USA
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 4:57 pm
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| Hal Braun wrote: |
PS. I do agree with Blake that new guitars just work, have readily available replacement parts, etc. but my thinking was based on the original poster saying he wanted to play E13 and do Hank Williams kind of stuff.. must of the newer lap steels (including my Williams D- have a great sound that in fact he may like, but if he is hearing that "older" tone in his head, he might not be happy.. thus the Fender recommendation.
Cheers! |
Nothing sounds like the SM/Dlx humbucker setup... although I just went back and played my '58 Champ for a while, if you can get away from the hum it's a nice guitar, it feels and plays like its big brothers.
Having that blend pot to play with makes all the difference; I put blend pots on my Stratocasters too.
AFA the OP: the Gold Tone 8 looks nice in your price range. Since this is a gift I can see the reasoning behind buying new. |
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 7:41 pm
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| A Magnatone like my '50s 8 str. Troubadour or the later '60s era (GA79/80?) versions will give you the Helms stuff in spades, and more, with many hundreds of that $750 to use elsewhere. These basic vintage steels usually are workhorses that don't easily fail like other vintage can. |
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Bill Brunt
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 7 Mar 2012 8:44 pm Lots Goodies Here
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I got my '47 Rickenbacker from these folks. Have it delivered to your home, or nearby store. Returns accepted.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Vintage.gc?src=lap+steel
6, 8, even some 10 strings (one is an E-Harp) all in your range. |
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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John Allison
From:
Austin, Texas, USA
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Posted 8 Mar 2012 6:07 am
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Larry, a customer of mine has one of my steels that he's looking to sell for around that price It's a satin black 8-string , bag, legs and all. It has a bump on a corner that shows a small patch of white primer. Other than that it's in pretty perfect shape. I've got a white satin one that's the same model, but without the legs that could be had for that price, but the black one is the best bargain, by far.
He'll be at the Dallas Show tomorrow and Saturday and he'll have the black one there. If you want more details of a contact number, I can put you in touch with him. Or just look for Jim Flynn's table...it'll probably be there.
_________________
John Allison
Allison Stringed Instruments
Austin, Texas
www.allisonguitars.com |
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Bill Brunt
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 8 Mar 2012 2:46 pm Re: Lots Goodies Here
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["Ron Whitfield"][This might be the best deal out of the bunch quote]
You bet, If I hadn't just bought the Rickenbacker, that one would be on its way to my house now.
But, if another showed up right now, my wife would surely leave me.
...hmmmm her closet might just be big enough to squeeze a small recording studio in.
Nah. that would be all I would be squeezing  |
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Ron Whitfield
From:
Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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Posted 8 Mar 2012 4:33 pm Re: Lots Goodies Here
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| Bill Brunt wrote: |
| But, if another showed up right now, my wife would surely leave me. |
That makes room for plenty more right there, win win! Or buy that one for her...
If it were only that simple, eh?
Best of luck in your venture, Bill. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 8 Mar 2012 4:46 pm
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larry..unless you're already to the point of picking and choosing expensive collectible steels, i see quite a few old lapsteels (national, kay and others) for 3-400/or much less, at pawn shops here in sacramento quite recently.
if we'd only known....i used to see these for $40 all the time in the 70's and 80's. |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Larry Lenhart
From:
Ponca City, Oklahoma
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Posted 14 Mar 2012 5:53 pm
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| Well, my search is over...I ordered a Melbert today...can hardly wait to get...I appreciate all the input from you guys on here...the steel guitar community is the best ! I have heard nothing but positive comments about these steels and am excited about it The hardest part but will be the wait, but it will be worth it. |
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Thomas Temple
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 14 Mar 2012 6:17 pm Congrats
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Larry,
First off great choice, I'm sure you'll be a happy camper. And you did hit the nail on the head the hardest part is the wait, but again well worth it. I just ordered my third!! Best of luck and keep us posted.
Tom |
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Rusty Smith
From:
Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 14 Mar 2012 7:42 pm
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| Larry Lenhart wrote: |
| Well, my search is over...I ordered a Melbert today...can hardly wait to get...I appreciate all the input from you guys on here...the steel guitar community is the best ! I have heard nothing but positive comments about these steels and am excited about it The hardest part but will be the wait, but it will be worth it. |
Congratulations. I have a Melbert, Lion Kobayashi model. I think you will really enjoy yours and have many hours of smiles. <G>
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Rusty Smith
Mount Horeb WI |
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Thomas Temple
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 15 Mar 2012 10:13 am ???
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Larry,
What exactly is a Lion Kobayashi model Melbert? I have two Melberts one symmetrical cut one not both 6 strings and having a third 8 string build but am curious.
Tom |
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Rusty Smith
From:
Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 15 Mar 2012 5:55 pm Re: ???
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| Thomas Temple wrote: |
What exactly is a Lion Kobayashi model Melbert?
Tom |
I don't have any pictures handy. It's like the 3rd one down on the link below, but without legs.
http://www.musonmt.com/4.html
_________________
Rusty Smith
Mount Horeb WI |
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Robert Allen
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 17 Mar 2012 7:09 am Lion Kobayashi Model
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Several signature model lap steels were made for Kiyoshi "Lion" Kobayashi for sale in Japan and USA. The only difference between the USA and Japan model was the wording on the signature label. All were made with the old style asymmetrical Melbert shape, mahogany wood, and a Wallace TT-8 pickup. The early lap steels had a nylon nut and narrow pickup. Recent lap steels have the metal nut and full size TT-8 pickup. "Lion" Kobayashi is the exclusive dealer for Melbert Steels sold in Japan. The USA signature model is no longer made. Everything USA has gone to the symmetrical shape. Photo of "Lion" Kobayashi with students with Melbert steels
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Brian Hunter
From:
Indianapolis
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Posted 17 Mar 2012 5:56 pm
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Wow Bob! That's great!
_________________
Brian |
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