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Topic: Starting Over |
Jeffrey Campbell
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 1:27 pm |
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Looking for advice,
Awhile back I had a cheap Morrell that I got frustrated with. I gave it away to a friend who leads a Hawaiian band.
I’ve got the itch to play lap steel again. Is it possible to purchase a functional instrument in the $300 to $500 range? |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 1:47 pm
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| how many strings you want? |
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Jeffrey Campbell
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 2:20 pm
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| Six |
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David Knutson
From:
Cowichan Valley, Canada
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 2:28 pm
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You may want to check out Melbert steel guitars. Great reputation and well priced.
_________________
David K |
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Jeffrey Campbell
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 2:58 pm
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| Thanks David! |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 3:52 pm
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| Sent you an email. |
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Mike Auman
From:
North Texas, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 5:15 pm
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+1 on Melbert, and they sometimes have used or discounted models, call and ask about that. If not, the basic 6-string model is under $500.
_________________
Long-time guitar player, now wrestling with lap steel. |
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Chris Harwood
From:
Kentucky, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2023 6:34 pm
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Unless you don't mind an import..some older Valco..(Supro, National etc) easily fall in that price range.
Otherwise the SX, and Gretsch seem to find beginner/intermediate buyers ...among others. |
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Jeffrey Campbell
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2023 2:42 am
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| Bill Hatcher wrote: |
| Sent you an email. |
Thanks! |
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John Clay
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2023 7:16 am
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I was pleasantly surprised with how well it turned out when I bought a Georgeboards conversion kit for a cheapo Rogue. I am not really handy with tools, but I was able to do the entire conversion - adding the bridges, nut and a fretboard scaled to a 22.5 inch scale. After that, I raised the pickup to the correct height for each string, and added lubricant to the tuners. I also added a proper set of strings for the C6 tuning. The end result – at least to me-is an entirely acceptable beginner’s instrument. No buzz, better volume, good intonation all the way up the fretboard. The signal from the pickup at the proper height is adequate although, of course, I would get richer tone with a better pick up.
This turned out so well that I bought another rogue for $70 that I am going to upgrade with another kit.
If I stay with the lap steel guitar, I will probably eventually hunt for a well-priced older lap steel with a good pick up. But if you already have a cheapo import lap steel and an afternoon of free time to put into upgrading it, I think this is a good option for a beginning player. |
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Nic Neufeld
From:
Kansas City, Missouri
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Posted 21 Sep 2023 10:58 am
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You mention getting frustrated with the Morrell...anything in particular frustrate you with the instrument or was it just getting frustrated learning it? You've got a pretty broad range available with 6 strings (lots of new and vintage offerings for not too much money). The only thing that I'd personally avoid is what I had with my first instrument, also a Morrell. I think it had a scale of 20"...which was so short that it sounded a bit too plinky for me...I'd prefer something in 22"-25" scale. But that's personal preference.
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me |
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Brad Richard
From:
Chisago City, Minnesota
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Posted 21 Sep 2023 1:08 pm
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| I've got a Recording King RG-32 which I like alot. I did change out the pickup. I think it plays and sounds great. |
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Jeffrey Campbell
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2023 3:56 pm
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| John Clay wrote: |
I was pleasantly surprised with how well it turned out when I bought a Georgeboards conversion kit for a cheapo Rogue. I am not really handy with tools, but I was able to do the entire conversion - adding the bridges, nut and a fretboard scaled to a 22.5 inch scale. After that, I raised the pickup to the correct height for each string, and added lubricant to the tuners. I also added a proper set of strings for the C6 tuning. The end result – at least to me-is an entirely acceptable beginner’s instrument. No buzz, better volume, good intonation all the way up the fretboard. The signal from the pickup at the proper height is adequate although, of course, I would get richer tone with a better pick up.
This turned out so well that I bought another rogue for $70 that I am going to upgrade with another kit.
If I stay with the lap steel guitar, I will probably eventually hunt for a well-priced older lap steel with a good pick up. But if you already have a cheapo import lap steel and an afternoon of free time to put into upgrading it, I think this is a good option for a beginning player. |
I like the idea! |
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Jeffrey Campbell
From:
Texas, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2023 3:57 pm
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| Nic Neufeld wrote: |
| You mention getting frustrated with the Morrell...anything in particular frustrate you with the instrument or was it just getting frustrated learning it? You've got a pretty broad range available with 6 strings (lots of new and vintage offerings for not too much money). The only thing that I'd personally avoid is what I had with my first instrument, also a Morrell. I think it had a scale of 20"...which was so short that it sounded a bit too plinky for me...I'd prefer something in 22"-25" scale. But that's personal preference. |
I think it was the short scale, it felt cramped. |
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George Piburn
From:
The Land of Enchantment New Mexico
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Posted 22 Sep 2023 6:07 am Need a great low cost lap steel ?
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Since a GeorgeBoards™ RetroFit Kit was recommended,
I thought I would let folks know I've got a few of what i am calling "Americanized Import" for sale. This is not some big advertisement, I'm just selling off an idea at a loss to get some coins back for other new projects.
As John Clay said a better pickup and correct strings is a must do for a best result.
This is what I've already done for you, I purchased a 1/2 dozen of these little imports.
1st , our planks are real Poplar wood, Super good sunburst finish, cooler looking than typically solid Rogue colors.
I worked with Forum Member Rob of Cavalier Pickups to make a "StringMaster 6"
he is an expert on vintage Fender pickups, and created a drop in replacement PuP that is way more powerful - clean - desirable sonic part.
I installed the RetroFit™ Kit with my professional Fixture jig so the intonation is to my standards.
I upgraded the tuners to closed back heavy duty - basically non branded Grovers.
We are D'Addarrio string OEM dealers and installed New Correct Strings too.
Also we installed new WD full sized Pots and a 5% Drop Cap and added TeleStyle Knobs.
These instruments are no longer a little cheepo, it is a full blown playable instrument that tunes out nicely.
I would stand these up against any of the off the shelf imports as an entry level lap steel.
$299.99 + 25 shipping USA (Below my cost to make)
22.5 scale correct string spacings and V depths
includes a GeorgeBoards Branded Gig Bag and slider bar too - Both C6 and Open E-D-G versions.
_________________
GeorgeBoards S8 Non Pedal Steel Guitar Instruments
Maker of One of a Kind Works of Art that play music too.
Instructional DVDs
YouTube Channel |
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Greg Forsyth
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 22 Sep 2023 12:10 pm
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| Beautifully done George, and at an excellent price. It looks like you've improved the nut and bridge also. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 22 Sep 2023 12:16 pm
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You can get an incredible 1940's/50's Epiphone Electro in that price range - an excellent guitar that will increase in value!
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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