If I were to attempt making my own 8 string lap steel...

David DeLoach · From: Tennessee, USA

I've been working up a ton of arrangements (hymns, old classic tunes, etc.) for 8 string steel. I play these for the homeless and elderly as part of what I do with music.

My challenge is my only 8 string steels are Stringmaster D8 & T8, which are a bit bulky to haul around to the places I play.

I'm out of work due to the world being shut down, and so buying a new steel right now would not go over well on the home front. I don't want to sell either of my Stringmasters (or other steels/gear) if possible.

SO, I wondering what the components would cost to build my own 8 string lap steel - and where I would acquire them? I'm not luthier, so if I were to make my own I'm sure it would not win any beauty contests, but I'm just needing something I can play.

Any input on how to make an 8 string, a list of components, where to get them, and any advice about the challenges of making an instrument that sounds decent would be greatly appreciated.

OR, any thoughts on the lower priced 8 string steels (Morrell, etc.) or pre-packaged kits to build your own?

Thanks!
David
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Nic Neufeld · From: Kansas City, Missouri

In my opinion if you want a decent budget 8 string...one that will likely cost less than components of a "build your own"...consider the SX 8 string. I replaced the pickup in mine (which is optional but I love it a lot more since) and otherwise its a great guitar. For a few songs/tunings I like it even better than my other guitars, which include a Clinesmith frypan, a Stringmaster T8, and a Magnatone D8.

They come with legs and a nice gigbag. The natural finish ones are cheaper for whatever reason than the sunburst, which I have...you can get the blonde/natural ones for about 150:
https://reverb.com/item/980393-sx-lap-8-ash-na-8-string-lap-steel-guitar-w-stand-and-bagM

Not saying to not build your own, I just think it'd be difficult to come in under a $150 budget building your own lap steel...possible I'm sure, but corners would have to be cut, for sure. The SX was something I bought as a practical I-can-take-this-anywhere kind of thing. It went with me to Honolulu last year in an overhead compartment!
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I hear the rolling surf calling
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David DeLoach · From: Tennessee, USA

Erik Alderink · From: Ann Arbor Michigan, USA

I agree, the SX is a great buy. Mine is all original and it gets played more than any other guitar I own, on stage in the studio or in the living room because itâ€™s light and I donâ€™t worry about it. It sounds just fine stock, especially for the purposes that you described.

Iâ€™m considering getting another, mainly because itâ€™s a cheap way to experiment with alternate tunings etc.[/quote]

Joe Elk · From: Ohio, USA

I have built 4 steels I recommend Lace Alumitone Pick Ups!!!!! They are truly quiet!
Joe Elk Central Ohio

Nic Neufeld · From: Kansas City, Missouri

I put the Lace Alumitone "Bass Bar" in. According to somebody at Lace (I emailed) its basically the same as the "Tone Bar" they market for steel guitars. Unfortunately they aren't cheap...I paid I think $80 which was under the usual selling price for the black 3.5" one. The 3.5" one will work for the string spread though it doesn't completely fill the cavity...4.0" would look better but they both would likely function identically, and the 4" one costs more usually.

The reason I replaced the stock pickup...which you may not mind...was string balance issues and 60 cycle hum. The Alumitone certainly resolved both of those.

As for the sound...comparing it to my Magnatone (twin pickup) and my Clinesmith (horseshoe), I would say that the Lace has a more hifi sound...a little thinner and more midscooped. This has pros and cons...for single note stuff on the higher strings, I like the fuller tone of my other guitars better. For chordal stuff with low bass notes, this one tends to sound more clear and full...the other ones, particularly the Magnatone, get a bit muddy/murky by comparison. So I quite like it in B11 with those big fat 9th chords...

But especially given being on strict budget, I'd consider trying it out as is and seeing if you can live with the stock pickup for a while. Mine may have been a lemon, and if you use a noise gate the 60 cycle hum may not be much of an issue either.
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Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me

David DeLoach · From: Tennessee, USA

Thanks! The SX-8 looks like a perfect affordable solution for me!

Really appreciate the input!
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https://www.MasterGuitarists.com/

Gene Tani · From: Pac NW

Can ask Mr. Allen about discounted models, also watch ebay, reverb, c'list

http://www.melbert.guitars/bargains.html
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- keyless Sonny Jenkins laps stay in tune forever!; Carter PSG
- The secret sauce: polyester sweatpants to buff your picks, cheapo Presonus channel strip for preamp/EQ/compress/limiter, Diet Mountain Dew

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