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Topic: What is a good beginner lap steel? |
robert kramer
From:
Nashville TN
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Posted 18 Aug 2013 10:39 am |
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| I have a student wanting to learn to play like Don Helms. What is a good beginner lap steel (6 or 8 strings)? Thanks in advance for advice. |
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Matthew Warman
From:
here and now
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Jim Williams
From:
Meridian, Mississippi, USA - Home of Peavey!
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Posted 22 Aug 2013 9:14 pm
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From what I've seen it would be pretty hard to beat the sx lap 1 or lap 2 models for $100 or so. I don't know much about what's available in an 8 string though.
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GFI SM10 3/4, 1937 Gibson EH-150, 2 - Rondo SX Lap Steels and a Guyatone 6 String C6. Peavey 400 and a Roland 40 Amps. Behringer Reverb Pedal. |
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William Hoff
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 23 Aug 2013 2:24 am
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| For me buying a cheap model to get started just didn't work. I got at least three different student/import models and nothing happened. I'd play for a few days and loose interest. Then I found a deal on a 1974 Dual 6 (Stringmaster yes Stringmaster) and it all just clicked. The playability, the sound, the build quality. When I got a good steel I wanted to play and play and play. |
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Brad Bechtel
From:
San Francisco, CA
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Posted 23 Aug 2013 6:27 am
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I would recommend one of these lap steels for a beginner. They have a standard size scale length and sound decent enough.
Rondo SX (check their website for other models as well)
Rogue Jersey Lightning
The cheapest eight string sold is the Morrell, but some have complained that the pickup doesn't cover all eight strings. Otherwise I'd recommend the Allen Melbert Pro 8 or the GoldTone LS-8.
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Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars |
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Dale R Stiles
From:
Bradenton, FL
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Posted 23 Aug 2013 8:25 am
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+1 for Brad's suggestion on the Jersey Lightning or Rondo SX for a 6 string to learn on.
I had lucked into a Fender Deluxe 8 at an incredible price but when I was trying to figure out what tuning to learn in I found so much great material for C6 on 6 strings that I bought the Jersey Lightning to get me started.
After much research it came down to the Rondo or the Lightning but then I saw this video by Doug and I ordered the Lightning.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GO2Tf8KLJ14&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DGO2Tf8KLJ14
Of course, as William mentioned, the Jersey Lightning can't match the Stringmaster tone of my Fender. But Then again I can't play that well so I guess it all evens out.
Happy Trails
Dale
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1965 Blonde Fender Deluxe 8, Rogue Jersey Lightning, Roland Cube, Polytone Mini/Teeny Brute |
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Matthew Warman
From:
here and now
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Posted 25 Aug 2013 7:45 am
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would like to add to Brad's message that the Melbert Pro 8 may be the least expensive 8 string lap steel out there, but there is nothing 'cheap' about it, just ask anyone who owns one. It is amazingly good value for money, don't know how Bob can produce such a fine instrument at that price.
Last edited by Matthew Warman on 25 Aug 2013 7:53 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Eddie Rivers
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 26 Aug 2013 9:30 am
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| Personally,I'm partial to the Fender sound for non pedal.But whatever you go with,I recommend an 8 string rather than 6.As you progress,you'll be glad you have the two strings.When we fly to gigs,I just take a Fender Deluxe 8 tuned to A6th and get all I need with just that. |
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 26 Aug 2013 9:39 am
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| One thing for sure---nobody owns 'the right answer' and every worthwhile question is open to discussion but if I'm mining for this sort of advice and Mr. Rivers chimes in, I know I've struck some gold. |
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