Starter Lap Steel - New vs. Used?

Ian-Shaw · Post by **Ian-Shaw** » 26 Jan 2000 9:30 pm

Inspired by the playing of Kelly Joe Phelps (among others - but bascially am into blues / rock stuff) I've been getting into lap style playing. Put together an acoustic with an extenstion nut which works fine. I'm interested in trying out an actual lap steel guitar. I notice lots of used ones going for around $200-$250 - various makes from National to Supro to Dickerson to etc.

Also - notice new steels like Melobar and Blue Star are in this price range. Any opinions on which is the better route to go?

Thanks
Ian

Ed Naylor · Post by **Ed Naylor** » 27 Jan 2000 5:47 am

The problem with old guitars is the fact they are impossible to find replacement parts for. Also the new guitars have better pick-ups. I sell lots of kits to those who want to have their own style and features. I also have a $99 beginner guitar for those who are not sure they really want a steel. There are so many possibilities and if you will call I will try to help you decide. Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works 1-800-749-3363

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 27 Jan 2000 11:23 am

There are many good lap steels being made right now; the Melobar lap steels are a great value in my opinion.
Ed can certainly help you out; check out my web site for more.

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Brad's Page of Steel:
www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Jason Lollar · Post by **Jason Lollar** » 27 Jan 2000 1:50 pm

Melobars are a real good deal, Ed is right about the parts, watch out for Fender Deluxe pickups, the bobbins warp and short out the coil, replacements are around 100 dollars. You can see if the bobbin is warping if you look where the strings run through the pickup.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 27 Jan 2000 4:02 pm

Welcome to the Forum, Ian, this is a great place to connect with those million questions we all have! You can probably find a good used lap to try out at a lot of places- of course some are better than others, as is the case with the many new models- Gretsch has some cool retro laps out, kind of expensive. I run into a lot of folks on the road wanting to get started on steel, and I got hooked up as a dealer for Melobar because I think they make some of the best new laps at great prices. I also have several really nice used 6 and 8 string laps for sale, email me or check out my little site at http://Steelsales.safeshopper.com
I'm on the road 'till the middle of February, but I'll get back to you from somewhere.. good luck!

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Mark van Allen-"Blueground Undergrass" Mullen D-10, Fender Triple 8, Dobro

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Mark van Allen on 27 January 2000 at 04:05 PM.]</p></FONT>

Jeff Peterson · Post by **Jeff Peterson** » 27 Jan 2000 7:23 pm

Melobar's are probably the best choice, 'cause most of them have Lawrence pickups and a comfortable scale length. If you are looking for a real authentic sound like the old laps had, get to Bill(through Ted Smith) or directly and have him make you one of his low-impedance pickups like his dobro pickups are. These things will make your lap steel sound so sweet. They're inexpensive enough, and you'll have a guitar that's a keeper...not a beginner model.

Dave Boothroyd · Post by **Dave Boothroyd** » 28 Jan 2000 12:42 am

Just a thought:- I always prefer a second hand guitar on the basis that a new one doesn't know any songs.
Many a time I have bought a different guitar to find that it extended my repertoire.
So if you buy a new one, you would have to get somebody good to play it first to teach it what to do. Otherwise it would be no better than you are already.
Or maybe I'm just crazy!

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Cheers!

Andy Alford · Post by **Andy Alford** » 28 Jan 2000 9:51 am

I have a collection of Lap Steels that are super.It is made up of the cream in Steels.I have new ones and older ones.They all have their own sound.Study Brad's web site and go in the direction that is right for you.There are some great steels being built today.Chandler builds some great sounding guitars.They have there own Chandler Pickup that is made by them.There guitars are not copy cats of stringmaster or anyone with a pickup bought and slapped on.The body shape of the Chandler is really different from the current builders.The Chandler is really grand and boy does it twang.

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 5 Feb 2000 5:34 pm

When it comes to guitars, buy new... you won't be buying someone else's problem. And I too can say that Melobars are wonderful. Fine craftsmanship. Ted says each one he makes is like a part of the family. I just bought his newest son http://www.webpak.net/~dfullmer/lapsteel.jpg
Dan