Sierra Lap Steel

[John Howard]

I'm looking for some feedback on the Sierra lap steel. I recently acquired a 1950 Fender Dual 8( from the forum, perfect transaction), which is a pure joy to play. I am a mediocre player, but play about 30-40 gigs/year, and would like a lap guitar to throw in for ease of transport etc. I've heard a few reviews on the Sierra, but not a lot. I love the old Ricky nasal sound, but am awfully happy with the Fender. The reviews on the Sierra I've read say that it is more of a pedal steel sound, which I can get from . . .my pedal steel. So, what is you all's experience with this guitar, beyond Ricky on steroids. If you own one, do play it a lot and what sort of music? Thanks all.

[Thomas Temple]

John,
If you haven't seen this it should answer at least some of your questions concerning the Sierra Lap Steel. Of course Dough could take a rubber band strung between two nails and make it sound fantastic. Anyway check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ8j6E3Ul5s

[Doug Beaumier]

Thanks Thomas, here are a couple more of my videos featuring the Sierra 8-string:

-----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY7UehpsaFQ

-----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtY5b6l7uNE

It's a very well made instrument, heavy, solid, lots of mid range and lows... a modern PSG-like tone IMO. That's probably due to the construction, the metal plate that runs through the body, the PSG humbucking pickup, etc.

[Ron Whitfield]

After seeing Rick Aiello's video using his Sierra equipped with an AlumiTone PU, which is famous for not coloring the sound but excentuating any steel's inherant qualities (or negatives), I was impressed with the non-pedal ( ) sound it had, very 'old school' and muscular. I liked it. Made me curious how other PUs would fare in it.

[Kekoa Blanchet]

Since you're looking for "ease of transport", don't forget that these are heavy guitars. I don't have a scale nearby, but as I recall mine is more than 20 pounds in the case. It's a 6-string model, and I don't know if they use the same body for the 8-string guitars, but it's possible that those would be heavier. And it'll be even more if your Sierra has legs (mine doesn't).

It's a beautiful, well made instrument, though. I love the sound, but mine has a DiMarzio pickup in it rather than the George L that's in the current production, so can't comment on your tone question.

[James Williamson]

If you're looking for ease of transport with great tone, I'd suggest checking out Todd Clinesmiths single necks. Mike Ne'er has loads of videos on here so you can get a good idea of the sound

James

[Dennis Burling]

I bought an eight string Sierra with legs and hard case for my son. It came with a Rick Aiello pickup that was replaced with the original George L. In my opinion the Sierra sounds wonderful. It does have a modern pedal steel sound. The guitar is heavy. I wouldn't want to play it on my lap, but with the three legs it's very stable. If I were to buy a lap steel for myself the Sierra would be right at the top along with a Clinesmith and a Pettingill.

[John Howard]

Well, I realize that I am trying to ask something to be what it's not. So I bought Rickenbacher. Thanks all for your input.