What features for a new lap Steel?

Dave Sky · From: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Hello All!
I am wanting to get a modest cost lap steel built ($500). We have several builders here on the forum. I want a 6 string and I tune to open E.

What features would you want?

string through or top mount.

Type of pickup

Other considerations?

If you bought from a forum builder, what do you like about your guitar?
Note: I am only interested in positive feedback about what you liked about your guitar and builder.

Thanks!

Tom Pettingill · From: California, USA (deceased)

Hi Dave ... lots of great talent on this forum.
A couple of my thoughts on your questions.

On features, a parallel 3/8" string spacing is high on the hit parade of features.
String through vs toploader ... lots of great examples of both types. I've found that a toploader can compete with string through if mounted well. Its all about getting good coupling between the strings and body.
As for type of pickup, again, lots of good choices. My personal preference leans toward P90's and P90 types. They do sweet articulate cleans or raw and gritty very well. In the end though, its more important to chose based on the sound you are looking for to fit the music you play.
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Josh Cho · From: New York, NY (orig. Honolulu, HI)

Dave Sky,

Hey there. I just wanted to weigh in on my experience with Georgeboards. I believe you'll get way more bang for your buck with George's guitars, although they are 8 strings mostly and you may have to go a little higher than $500.

George has helped me with issues I've had in the past not relating to his products necessarily and has been a wealth of info on everything from pickups, to other players, to getting my lap up on legs.

And without a doubt, the amount of quality put into his guitars is outstanding, to the point where the price paid becomes a mere detail compared to what you're getting.

You actually profit going into the future because you won't need another guitar to replace the cheap one you may have plunked down your cash for. Although it doesn't cure GAS Wink

I respect your desires for a 6 string in E, so sorry if I'm not exactly giving you what you want.

But I use my 8 string as a sixer a lot, esp. in my lessons, since many players/students have 6 rather than 8, so you can always take off the outer strings.

I believe you have way more tuning possibilities because of the 8, so it's almost like getting more than one guitar Smile

Lynn Oliver · From: Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.

String through.

Rick Aiello's fountain pickup.

Long (25") scale; locking tuners.

John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

I agree with Josh. 8 strings gives a lot of possibilities. My Deluxe 8 is now in a tuning that combines Low Bass G, with D tuning. And, of course, D Tuning is the same as E Tuning, just down a whole step. From low to high:
D< G< D< G< B< D< G< E. Strings 8 through 3 are standard Low Bass G Tuning. Strings 7 through 2, although still in the Key of G, have the exact same string to string relationship as E, or D Tuning. You can put anything you want on the 1st string. Even a much lower note. As for gettin' used to 8 strings? Not a problem! Just play any group of 6 that you want to.[/i]

John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

Lynn,
depending on the music, Jason Lollar's "Chicago Style" pups are also good, if ya wanna be a bit more aggressive.

Randy Reeves · From: LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA

from a build standpoint:
3/8 string spacing. I find spacing to be crucial and foremost.
I like string thru, but Tom makes a good point.
both control pots have to be located on the lower bout. that's where your fingers are so should the knobs.
the cord should connect on the away side of the lap steel, recessed, end jack, side edge jack are fine. on the top vertical is stupid.
pickups are very subjective. I use strong single coils, but I love my vintage horseshoe. P90s sound fantastic.
I personally like an angle break past the nut for the tuning head...this is probably subjective.
wood is a factor.
in the simplest terms:
maple = brighter/angular tone
mahogany = softer/rounder tone

I play six string and have reached the point of understanding why the good players here like eight strings. using my method, learn on a six and graduate to an eight?

Lynn Oliver · From: Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

"aggressive" wasn't meant as a knock, Rick. It's just a different, bluesier, R and R kinda sound. I've always liked my old Airlines string-thru National/Valco pup for blues and rock. I know your pups are the "bee's knees," but I also like that grindy Nat/Val sound for more "aggressive" music. Didn't mean to offend! It would help, I suppose, if we knew what style of music was gonna be played.
I have one of Jason's "Chicago-style for Strat" pups on my "Coodercaster," and it's a great sounding pickup.

Mark Mansueto · From: Michigan, USA

I really like the fat tone of the 22 1/2 scale for blues and rock. It's also a little easier for slants. Scale is subjective.
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Dave Sky · From: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Thanks everyone!
I need to save my money and go for an 8 string!
Thanks for letting me know to plan for the future.

I need to check out the scale length issue and pickups by searching the forum.

Again, thanks for sharing your experience!

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I just got this one from Loni Specter:

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