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Topic: Travel Size Lap Steel Ideas? |
Russell Hollander
From:
Illinois, USA
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Posted 11 Aug 2015 6:28 am |
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| Hi everyone. I am new here and to Lap. Just switched to it from guitar to save my thumbs and having a ball. I have a nice old 1957 Gibson BR6 that I am enjoying but would like a suggestion for a small and easier to travel with Lap. Something smaller, durable and light weight. My current is near 30 inches and would love to get that down and lighter. I wound't mind a smaller scale as I think it would challenge me to be a better player. I travel alot and something that fits in a backpack (may stick out) or suitcase would be great. Greatly appreciate your suggestions. Thanks! |
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David Mason
From:
Cambridge, MD, USA
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Larry Carlson
From:
My Computer
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Posted 11 Aug 2015 6:57 am
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Well, the shortest scale length I know of is 21"
I just started out about 6 months ago and I bought a Rogue lap steel for $79.
I know, I know, everyone hates Rogues. Just call me a rebel.
I made a steel nut and bridge for it and installed an Epiphone humbucker and it really sounds fairly good for what it is.
I can't think of a shorter lap steel than this one at the moment.
It came with a soft case and it would fit in to one of my suitcase. Not so sure about a back pack.
Like I said I am just starting out and I am sure others in here will have some much better ideas.
_________________
I have stuff.
I try to make music with it.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
But I keep on trying. |
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Greg Moynihan
From:
Bremerton, Washington, USA
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Posted 11 Aug 2015 1:05 pm
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The Magnatone Melodier is a neat design, I've been thinking about looking for one myself:
http://rvrb.io/1950-s-melodien-la-5vz
I do not have a bespoke travel instrument myself, but my I noodle on my regular lap steel on my daily ferry commute. I also bring it on most vacations, it's definitely re-lit my passion for music. |
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Marty Broussard
From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 11 Aug 2015 2:38 pm
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You could contact Sonny Jenkins and ask him about my custom practice boards he's building. Might be what you want. Good luck
MB
_________________
RETIRED
"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin |
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Dennis Waltman
From:
Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 11 Aug 2015 6:27 pm
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| I have a Melobar Rattler that is built quite nicely with an alimunum nut and saddle and came with a soft case. Could double as a club in case of attack and still stay in tune. Great traveller. |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 12 Aug 2015 12:21 am
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How many strings are you after.
I once wanted the same and I ended up using a Martin travel guitar but there are a few choices when using a travel guitar. Look for something similar as no amp is required as its acoustic. So more like a guitar that's small. You could also look at getting a Parlour guitar or a kids jr. Guitar if you are happy with just 6 strings it fits the bill.
For me there are no options for 12 strings and honestly I would never go back.
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 12 Aug 2015 12:22 am
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Then just pick up a nut raiser. They're cheap.
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Sonny Jenkins
From:
Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx
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Posted 12 Aug 2015 8:32 am
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Hey Guys,,,,thanks for the recommendations!!!
Yes Russell,,,,I have a 24 1/4" scale (that's a full standard scale) built into a mere 26"!!
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=286815
contact me by email and we'll talk about this one,,,or whatever you might want |
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Sonny Jenkins
From:
Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx
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Posted 12 Aug 2015 10:28 am
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Blurry pics of Marty's practice boards,,,unstrung. These are 17 1/2" long,,,16" scale. Oak and Walnut. (rubber bands around keys to hold fingers in position temporarily)
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Marty Broussard
From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
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Posted 12 Aug 2015 7:35 pm
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Really anxious to get those from Sonny. They'll fit into my backpack and not be too loud to disturb others on the bus or in a room.....hoping to utilize dead time on the road for practicing bar techniques, picking patterns, etc.....Thanks to Sonny for being open minded and flexible.
_________________
RETIRED
"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 13 Aug 2015 3:32 am
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Those look really ideal. How much for a 12 stringer
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Russell Hollander
From:
Illinois, USA
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Posted 13 Aug 2015 9:22 am
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[img]
Thanks everyone. I got itchy and impulsive. Went ahead and picked up this 1950's Teisco with a guitar I had to trade. 27"long, super lightweight but only a 22" scale. Plays great and challenges me to work on my intonation. I removed the volume chickenhead so I can dampen better. I am sure this won't be the last I buy!!! but this works great for now. Thanks very much. Russ[/img] |
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Jack Aldrich
From:
Washington, USA
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Posted 13 Aug 2015 10:34 am
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I travel with my Bill Asher Alan Akaka Special in a Fender Strat gig bag. It fits in the overhead just fine. I've also travelled with my 25" Fender D8 Stringmaster and my Canopus D8; both fit in a Boeing or Airbus overhead, although I've had to argue with gate people to get them on.
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Jack Aldrich
Carter & ShoBud D10's
D8 & T8 Stringmaster
Rickenbacher B6
3 Resonator guitars
Asher Alan Akaka Special SN 6
Canopus D8 |
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