rto Posted January 30, 2008 Report Posted January 30, 2008 Hey, i was looking at building a Lap Steel as my first project after seeing the tutorial on the projectguitar site and was just curious if anyone here built one before and if they could post pics. I searched the forum but didn't find any threads about them, so i guess just post pics if you got em.. Quote
Hector Posted January 30, 2008 Report Posted January 30, 2008 there are many threads about lap steel guitars here on the forum. use the search and voila I built one, fun thing to build. I think I`ve seen more than 5 lap steel guitars threads here. good luck. Quote
GregP Posted January 30, 2008 Report Posted January 30, 2008 I built one and it was a very easy but very satisfying project. I'll see if I can find the thread for you. I'm surprise "lap steel" didn't turn one up in the search! Stupid broken search... Quote
GregP Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Actually, it seems literally broken right now! :/ I can't seem able to perform any sort of search whatsoever. Anyhow, here's a pic of the finished product... the weird extra metal near the bridge is an Epiphone EZ-Bender... and neither of those tone bars are in usage right now since an actual bullet bar or shubb bar works better than a "guitar steel" which is more suited to Dobro playing. Quote
zyonsdream Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 I have an old Fender Lap Steel that I've always wanted to clone. This thread made me want to do it. I have some zebra wood scrap that would be perfect for such a build! Quote
Quarter Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Lap steels are a fun build and a kick to play. Here is one I'm finishing up ... mahogany, maple, Mammoth ivory inlay . . A couple other recently finished . Quote
zyonsdream Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Is there any cash to me made off of doing these? Seriously how long can it really take to pop one out. Although yours really look cool! I really like that last one! Quote
Jon Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Well, money can be made from anything given you have the proper marketing. Quote
Quarter Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Is there any cash to me made off of doing these? Seriously how long can it really take to pop one out. Although yours really look cool! I really like that last one! Thanks The lap steel market is not huge, though does seem to be gaining ground. While its certainly possible to "pop" one out, the level of detail will suffer and your competition falls to the cheap import market segment. For profitability, you are still better off building traditional guitars though. Quote
zyonsdream Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 have you ever made one with a standard scale lengh? What scale do you usually use? Quote
Quarter Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Most of what I build is 25" scale. Quote
zyonsdream Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 That seems bigger than my Fender but I'd have to check it. Quote
Quarter Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Nice Fender Champ 25" is considered a longer scale, the most common vintage scale was 22.5", but there were long scale vintage instruments too. Quote
zyonsdream Posted January 31, 2008 Report Posted January 31, 2008 Thanks for the info! I might tackle one of these this week. I've been thinking about it for a long time and your pictures have inspired me! Quote
Quarter Posted February 1, 2008 Report Posted February 1, 2008 Cool ... looking forward to seeing it when done Quote
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