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Post new topic New to lap steel. Need help choosing.
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Should I...
Get the Gretsch.
0%
 0%  [ 0 ]
Update the Epi to a new pickup.
25%
 25%  [ 1 ]
Keep the Epi stock
75%
 75%  [ 3 ]
Total Votes : 4

Author Topic:  New to lap steel. Need help choosing.
Todd McMakin

 

From:
Texas, USA
Post  Posted 25 Mar 2023 7:18 pm    
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I play guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass guitar. I'm a singer-songwriter and mostly write/play/record music similar to John Prine or Guy Clark, maybe with a bit of Lightfoot or Buffett influence. I'm always looking for new sounds and landed on the lap steel.

Recently I purchased a used but like new Epiphone Electar. It's a lot of fun to play! I am very much still learning, but it's interesting and sounds pretty good. But, being the person I am, I immediately started seeing what else is out there. So here are my question...


As I said, I have a stock Epiphone Electar inspired By model. Locally, there is a new Gretsch Electronic G5700 in red. It's new. I could return the Epi and get the Gretsch if it's significantly better? Or, I could order a different one online? I guess I'm asking, how dies the Epi rank in comparison to the Gretsch? Some have complained the strings are too low on the Gretsch.

Lastly, the pickup on the Epi is some kind of rail bass pickup. I have seen some have replaced these. Would that require routing out the cavity? Is there a best type of pickup for it if I decided to upgrade?
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Douglas Schuch


From:
Valencia, Philippines
Post  Posted 25 Mar 2023 10:51 pm    
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I'm sure there are others with much more experience with the various lap steels available, but here's my take. I don't think the new Epiphones or Gretschs are considered very premium instruments, so I would say keep what you have for now, and start saving for something better.

The big question, then, is do you go for a vintage steel, or something new? A recent thread along similar lines got many comments suggesting anything vintage with a Valco String-Through pickup. These pickups are very popular with not just lap steelers, but also guitarists in part due to Ry Cooder using one on his Coodercaster, but there are still plenty around at under $500. Some Rickenbackers can still be had a reasonable prices and would also be on the vintage wish list for me. Perhaps others can provide more information why, for example, the steel body Ricky's are not as sought after as the Pandas (bakelite), particularly since the Pandas are known to have tuning issues. If you want a budget vintage steel, the Gibson BR-9's can be had often very cheap, and they have the Gibson p90 pickups that have always had a strong following. IMO they are ugly - but I own one. Sounds great!

Of course, the risk with buying vintage is, despite the seller claiming it's as pure and perfect as an angel's bottom, you are still taking a roll of the dice that all is in excellent working order. Sometimes sellers lie. Sometimes they just don't know what it SHOULD sound like.

On the new side, at about $1k, there is the Asher Electro-Hawaiian Junior - basically like their high end Electro-Hawaiians, but made in Korea. These are 25" scales, which might seem odd after playing the shorter scale Epiphone. Above that in price, there are the Clinesmith instruments - but I don't think he is offering a 6-string model at the moment. The Lap King Rodeo model has found favor with a number of pro players - but it's price is up there, over $2K.

For what it's worth, I just bought a used Peavey Powerslide - I wanted something with a 25" scale without sinking a lot of money. Reviews of the pickup seemed very positive. These can be had for $300 including shipping if you wait and watch. So yep, I've added another ugly lap steel to my collection! Haha! Solid lap steels do not have to be expensive.
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Bringing steel guitar to the bukid of Negros Oriental!
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Jack Hanson


From:
San Luis Valley, USA
Post  Posted 26 Mar 2023 5:29 am    
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Neither the imported Epi or the imported Gretsch impress me all that much. Unless you absolutely, positively, have your heart and mind set on a brand-new instrument, I would recommend obtaining a vintage 6-string manufactured by one of the classic domestic American builders.

If you're reasonably handy with a soldering iron and common hand tools, you would be better off obtaining a classic Fender, Gibson, Magnatone, Ric, Valco, etc. that needs a little work and whipping it back into shape. For roughly the same amount of $$$, you'll have an excellent instrument that will surpass any of the modern Asian imports. For investment purposes, there's no comparison.
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Allan Revich


From:
Victoria, BC
Post  Posted 26 Mar 2023 7:57 am    
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Keep the Epi stock. It will do just fine as a learn-on lap steel.

In the $500 or less range, look for a used Gibson BR9 or any Valco made instrument with the string-through pickup. For a bit more money watch for a metal bodied Rickenbacker or Rickenbacher ACE.
_________________
Current Tunings:
6 String | G – G B D G B D
7 String | G6 – e G B D G B D (re-entrant)

https://papadafoe.com/lap-steel-tuning-database
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Todd McMakin

 

From:
Texas, USA
Post  Posted 26 Mar 2023 8:39 pm    
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Thanks for the great info! I may just hold on to the Epi for now until I have more experience and know what to look for.
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Mike A Holland


From:
United Kingdom
Post  Posted 27 Mar 2023 7:59 am    
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The little Epiphone is quite a nice little guitar, and I like it a lot. But the pickup on my model was very poor, and I replaced it almost immediately with a faux CC style pick up. I am not sure what the newer models are like but it is my view that this guitar will be improved immensely with any reasonable quality single coil pick up. I have a YouTube channel with quite a lot of videos with the Epiphone guitar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvU5wHMAGQQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-QIJHM6JAw&list=PLm2BnBTSmc9F6cHh-pmzKEIc99pWEaWSn
I am voting to change the pickup!
Mike
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Todd McMakin

 

From:
Texas, USA
Post  Posted 27 Mar 2023 8:03 am    
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Thanks Mike! I appreciate your response. I have watched quite a few of your videos. Can you tell me how hard it was to change out the pickup? Did it require routing out the slot with the pickup in it? Also,do you remember what pickup you used?

Todd
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Mike A Holland


From:
United Kingdom
Post  Posted 28 Mar 2023 10:21 am    
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Hi Todd, The pickup was changed by a local pickup maker who lived close by me. He put the CC style pickup in because that is what he made. I believe he had to modify the pick up hole to fit his pickup. Unfortunately the pickup maker past away shortly after he fitted this pickup to the Epiphone.
The pickup is not a special pickup. It is just a single coil blade style pickup. I am sure any good quality single coil pickup will improve the sound of this instrument! Mike
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