Please QA my shortlist of lap steels (first timer)

Thomas Fitton · From: Swansea, UK

Hi,
I'm about to get my first lap steel and was hoping I could get some thoughts and advice on my shortlist.
I'll be playing rock/blues/americana/folk type stuff probably using open d and g and closely related tunings.
I'm in the UK and in my price range I've narrowed it down to:
SX lapsteel around £130 – I'm not keen on the intergrated cover/control plate assembly but the fitted case is a plus. I'd expect to upgrade pup and possibly electrics.
Basic Morrell also around £130 – this would be from thomann in germany and i don't think they're US made like those sold by elderly. I'd expect to upgrade machine heads, comes with kent armstrong pup though but no tone control. http://www.thomann.de/gb/morrell_mls_mbclap_steel.htm
And finally the Harley Benson slider http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_slider.htm around £170 – this is thomann's own brand, made in germany by EBM. i can't find anything via google on ebm but the hardware and electrics seem a step up from the other two options. Humbucker too which is a plus as I'll be using the same amp settings as for my les paul. Also includes a tone bar which will save me £20ish.
Also available are the cheap asian artisan types but I don't think it's worthwhile going for one of these cheapie types.

Edward Meisse · From: Santa Rosa, California, USA

I only know about two of the guitars you mentioned. From my experience I would say that the Artisan is actually better than the Morrell. But I happened to glance at a Morrell in a music store last month. And it looks like they've improved since I last played one. When you're talking this price range, you are eventually going to want to upgrade anyway. Even in the old days the Morrells played and sounded ok to me. So artisan or morrell would have my blessing for now. But like I said, you're going to want more guitar in the long run no matter which of these you get.
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Amor vincit omnia

RD Bennett · From: Central IL, USA

I too only have experience with the Morrell and the SX. I would strongly suggest the SX over the Morrell, largely on build quality grounds.

However, for what the SX costs in pounds over dollars, and especially given that you can get that Harley Benton axe for only a little more, I would suggest that you rule out the SX as well. I paid about half what you would end up paying for the SX and still sent it back due to an excessive number of defects. (Numerous finish defects, the warped-neck issue that a lot of guys seem to have, and add to it that the pickup was just way too noisy for my tastes.)

The Harley Benton looks like it will be a much better instrument than either of your other two choices, all things considered. The Hot Rails style humbucker is a nice choice. I wish they'd sell 'em over here (at the usual more favorable Stateside price, of course).

One last option to consider is contacting Bob Allen of Allen Melbert steels. Price is of course up to Bob and your own needs, but my own experience tells me that he may be able to build you a custom six string with a humbucker on board for just a bit more than the Harley Benton.

Stephen Abruzzo · From: Philly, PA

From your list I would go with the Harley Benton. That being said, the new Peavey Powerslide is right in your price range. Read the reviews of it off the "Steel Without Pedals" section.
There is also a CLEARWATER lap slide that I believe is sold in Europe. Check that out. That is similar to the Chandler RH-2 here in the States

Edward Meisse · From: Santa Rosa, California, USA

In case you're interested, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND a Chandler RH-2. You definitely can't do better for that price. If the Clearwater is a comparable guitar to the Chandler and it's in your price range, there is no need to hesitate.
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Amor vincit omnia

Stephen Abruzzo · From: Philly, PA

Here's a link to the Clearwater lap steel:
Link to Clearwater lap steel on channeladvisor.com.

It has the same Weiss shape as the Chandler lap steel. The Chandler has one P90, the Clearwater has two P90's.

If you Google "Clearwater lap steel", you'll get a couple of Demos of YouTube to hear how they sound.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

i'm w: Stephen, i'd say that bang for $ that clearwater takes it
it's available in the uk on ebay for 1
i've sold a few here & the guys that got'em are satisfied
i'd pass on the harley benton Thomas

Roman Sonnleitner · From: Vienna, Austria

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Ah, the problems buying sight unseen via the internet. I doubt many people in the US have experience with all the instruments you mention.

The ABM steel looks very nice, with only one tiny quibble - the input jack on the top of the guitar. You will end up using a right angle cord or otherwise working around the placement of the input jack. I have no idea how it sounds.

If the Clearwater is as similar to the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior as it appears to be, it could be a great choice. I'd have to try one to see if that's really true. It's another instrument that probably could use some sonic upgrading (new pickups).

The SX is a great value, but sounds a bit thin and bright with the provided pickup. If you don't mind changing the pickup, you'd have a great instrument (plus a very nice case).

You didn't mention your budget, nor whether you've checked out eBay for vintage instruments. You might be lucky, but then again, maybe not.
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