Lapsteel

Artsutanov

Since a few months back, and totally out of the blue, I’ve had the desire to get a Lapsteel.

I’ve never attempted to play any kind of stringed instrument, but there’s something about the sound, look and playing position that has piqued my interest over a standard guitar, bass etc. 

I used to be a Hip Hop/Scratch DJ and nowadays I’m tinkering with various hand percussion instruments, so in particular the position of playing Lapsteel already appeals. 

Does anyone have any thoughts/tips on learning Lapsteel for absolute beginners? Thoughts on budget for a decent instrument to learn with and grow into? I don’t want to buy the cheapest Lapsteel if it’s going to ‘sound’ shit. Obviously I’m going to sound shit trying to play it but I’d still like a well regarded instrument at a relatively decent price.

Cheers!

stickyfiddle

I just bought a Gretsch one after wanting one for YEARS. 

That seems to be the low-ish end one that is decent enough to start and relatively easily modded for palm benders if you want them. 

I haven’t open it yet but will report back when I’ve had a go!

Keefy

I got a lap steel a couple of years ago and found the learning curve to be quite steep. You need to get used to holding the tone bar correctly, and damping unused strings with both hands. If you already play slide in one or more open tunings, that will be a big help - I wasn’t, but it’s really helped me to do that too.

What really got me to improve was having to play it on a couple of gigs with a local singer-songwriter-guitarist!

I should mention that mine (a Duesenberg) came with palm levers fitted, which added an extra layer of complexity! Not to mention operating a volume pedal...

maharg101

I got a nice lap steel from Mark at Butser Mountain Music.

 http://www.butsermountainmusic.co.uk/what-we-make.php

Make sure to get a decent tonebar. My preference is a Shubb SP2

Winny_Pooh

Go for it, the good thing is even a cheap lap steel works pretty well as you have no fretwork or setup problems by design.

Depending on tuning you might want fatter strings. Something like 13s for DADGAD or 12s for Open E as the string length is really short.

I like the bar with the angled top for playing melodies over open strings.

Eg
https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Lap-Steel-Guitar-by-Gear4music-Gold/30HW?origin=product-ads&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22258054978&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kjLS_AwevxR2SpRiBRbxSslH6_&gclid=CjwKCAjwyMnNBhBNEiwA-Kcguz-QjAptELNR6Ar7vHVGqo0_13vX3CUyT6_jHsScdjR_8J9pTkufqRoCEFsQAvD_BwE

stickyfiddle

Mine has arrived! It’s fab. 

Strings? Its a 22.5” scale so I’m thinking minimum 13s, and maybe flats? 

Artsutanov

Cheers People! 

I have to admit to not knowing anything about palm benders, strings, scales etc, but all your input is appreciated and gives me plenty to consider. 

Stuckfast

A lap steel is basically a plank with a pickup on it, so I see no reason why a cheap one shouldn't be usable. As others have said, it's probably more important not to skimp on the tone bar and fingerpicks. Don't fall into the temptation of learning to play without picks just because it's easier to start with. And don't worry about benders and so on, there's a lot you can do with a basic lap steel especially once you get into bar slants.

Artsutanov

Thanks.

Yes, I’ll just get one of those cheap ones from Gear4music or similar.

And something I didn’t actually mention, Is that I’m not looking to learn/play it to a passable standard per se, rather I want to incorporate the sounds into ambient soundscapes/textures. That’s not to say i won’t enjoy trying to learn a few things but that’s not the main aim. 

Keefy

Stuckfast said:

A lap steel is basically a plank with a pickup on it, so I see no reason why a cheap one shouldn't be usable. As others have said, it's probably more important not to skimp on the tone bar and fingerpicks. Don't fall into the temptation of learning to play without picks just because it's easier to start with. And don't worry about benders and so on, there's a lot you can do with a basic lap steel especially once you get into bar slants.

Well I’ve failed on this one! I use pick and fingers in the same way as I play guitar. Don’t judge me…

Jimbro66

The only thing to watch with the really cheap lap steels is the tuners often aren't great and the single pickup can be weak. It's worth paying a little more to avoid those potential issues.

I used to play 6-string and 8-string Fender lap steels in bands (I still play lap Dobro). I had a Recording King lap steel as a relatively cheap backup that I could keep in an alternative tuning. The Recording King was pretty decent for the price. I sold it to a tFB member.

There are a number of lap steel tunings but, for your intended purpose, I'd suggest you start off in open E. That will be close to what you are used to on a regular guitar so will make it easier for you to find your way around. You will be able to play ambient stuff (without hitting bum notes) and also bluesy stuff if that appeals.

It's worth looking at a few YouTube videos to get guidance on basic technique. Troy Brenningmeyer (Lessons With Troy) is pretty good at guiding newbies. Definitely time well spent if you want to avoid sounding like a wailing cat!

Some initial guidance:

Jimbro66

Duplicate post   

Jimbro66

Jimbro66 said:

BTW @Artsutanov, parts 4 and 5 of the Supro Presents series might be particularly relevant to your ambient music use.

Keefy said:

Stuckfast said:

A lap steel is basically a plank with a pickup on it, so I see no reason why a cheap one shouldn't be usable. As others have said, it's probably more important not to skimp on the tone bar and fingerpicks. Don't fall into the temptation of learning to play without picks just because it's easier to start with. And don't worry about benders and so on, there's a lot you can do with a basic lap steel especially once you get into bar slants.

Well I’ve failed on this one! I use pick and fingers in the same way as I play guitar. Don’t judge me…

There you go @Keefy, great sound, no fingerpicks, no levers.

https://youtu.be/IppUSZWQ8Wg?si=B_P4niraE-Oi4zra

Artsutanov

@Jimbro66 ;Thanks for your suggestions and links.

paulnb57

@Artsutanov ;

pmd as I have a nice Lap to sell

Artsutanov

Thanks! PM’d

Keefy

Jimbro66 said:

Jimbro66 said:

BTW @Artsutanov, parts 4 and 5 of the Supro Presents series might be particularly relevant to your ambient music use.

Keefy said:

Stuckfast said:

A lap steel is basically a plank with a pickup on it, so I see no reason why a cheap one shouldn't be usable. As others have said, it's probably more important not to skimp on the tone bar and fingerpicks. Don't fall into the temptation of learning to play without picks just because it's easier to start with. And don't worry about benders and so on, there's a lot you can do with a basic lap steel especially once you get into bar slants.

Well I’ve failed on this one! I use pick and fingers in the same way as I play guitar. Don’t judge me…

There you go @Keefy, great sound, no fingerpicks, no levers.

https://youtu.be/IppUSZWQ8Wg?si=B_P4niraE-Oi4zra

Slanting the bar is yet another level of skille to acquire!

EDIT: Not to mention behind-the-bar bends...

Artsutanov

I wanted to thank @paulnb57 for selling me the beautiful lap steel that he showed above.

I feel incredibly grateful that he contacted me and offered the instrument at such a great price.

Now I need to put in the time and practice to justify owning this lovely lap steel.

Cheers Buddy!