New Lap Steel Day - a Bluestem

[Derek Barlas]

Just got this yesterday - a new Bluestem. I'm a long time guitar player (30 years) and I picked up an old Mason lap steel a while back, just to figure if I was interested enough to keep it up. Anyway, I totally love playing the lap steel so I decided it was time for something new as the old Mason has a lot of issues. Anyway, after looking around for a while, I contacted Randy and after some discussion, we settled on this model. His humbucking pickup design is really cool as I mainly use this instrument for recording.

I'm delighted with it so far. Its so much nicer to play than my old one.

[Don Sutley]

Wow, nice steel! I immediatly went to the builder's website and it's awesome as well: http://www.bluestemstrings.com/

Anybody who puts lap steel, banjo and electric violin plans and tips on their website is hip in my book.

-Don

[James Kerr]

A very nice little machine, well thought out and well executed.

James.

[Peter Jacobs]

Congratulations, Derek! I have a Bluestem that Randy custom built for me, and it plays and sounds great - same pickup as you have. Plus, he's a great guy. Enjoy it!

[James Mayer]

Are those custom pickups? If not, what is the make/model?

[Mark Bracewell]

Are those custom pickups? If not, what is the make/model?

I believe they are custom wound by the maker. If you're interested in building/modding a steel, you would do well to browse the Bluestemstrings site in depth. Really, really well thought out stuff IMHO.

[Josh Cho]

Very nice piece Derek.

The pickup config looks somewhat like the Z-coils found on G&L guitars (thanks to George and Leo!), which are purported to be a more ideal layout (from what I've heard over the years)

After visiting the bluestemstrings website, I was very impressed by all their componentry, right down to the Switchcraft output jacks. Very very cool stuff, thanks for sharing and please post sound/video if you can!