New Lap Steel Player

[John Lindsey]

Howdy! I've been jonesing for a steel guitar for quite some time, and you might say this one just sort of fell in my lap.



A member of a GreTscH forum I belong to had it posted for sale, and I just couldn't resist. It's a 6-string GreTscH lap steel dating to the late 60s/early 70s. The whole body is covered in mother-of-toilet-seat, and it's got a a built-in 1/4" cable in place of a jack. I don't know much about vintage lap steels, but I feel like this might be something GreTscH farmed out to another manufacturer and rebranded as their own.

Either way, I'm very excited about my new purchase. It should be here in a few days. In the meantime I went ahead and ordered a few sets of C6 strings and a bar. I'm really looking forward to diving into some Don Helms type stuff. One day (when money allows) I hope to get my hands on a pedal steel, but this is more than adequate for now.

[Tonu Timm]

You got a really right way of looking at things;)

[Tom Pettingill]

Welcome to the forums John! You will have some fun for sure

You are correct, that steel was made by Valco. Back in they day they made instruments for many different companys, like National, Airline, Oahu, Supro, and others. Here is a good link to learn more http://www.valcopages.com/

[Ron Whitfield]

I hope to get my hands on a pedal steel, but this is more than adequate for now.

You're already ahead of the game by NOT having a pedal monster.
In the words of the greatest steeler... "don't need no pedals".
Enjoy what you have, John.

[John Lindsey]

Thanks for the warm welcome, fellas!

You are correct, that steel was made by Valco. Back in they day they made instruments for many different companys, like National, Airline, Oahu, Supro, and others. Here is a good link to learn more http://www.valcopages.com/

Thanks for this wealth of information! Like I said, I know very little about vintage lap steels, but I do know that Valco pickups are held in pretty high regard by a good amount of folks, so this is exciting news. I'll look for markings on the instrument when it arrives so I can date it using your link as a guide.

You're already ahead of the game by NOT having a pedal monster.
In the words of the greatest steeler... "don't need no pedals".
Enjoy what you have, John.

You'd better believe I'm going to enjoy it. I got myself a few Cindy Cashdollar videos, and I've been scouring the web for other instructional materials. I'm super excited to start learning lap steel.

[James Kerr]

Welcome John, its a great place here so don't be shy of asking questions, there is plenty of Instruction stuff on YouTube provided by members right here on the Forum.
I hope you enjoy your new Guitar when it arrives.

James.

[John Lindsey]

My steel guitar arrived today. I looked up the serial number...this bear was manufactured in 1950! A little Internet detective work reveals this to be the 6150 Electromatic Student model.



She rings like a bell! I think I might be in love.

[Thomas Temple]

John,

First off welcome to the forum. I know you'll find a wealth of information as well as encouragement. Also I see that you have gotten some instructional matter but I would like to highly recommend Doug Beaumier's two books 25 songs for lap steel and 25 more songs for lap steel. Both will have you playing all sorts of great steel songs and sounding like you have been playing for quite awhile rather than a short time. Atr least they helped me when I first got started and still do.
Tom

[Tom Pettingill]

... She rings like a bell! I think I might be in love.

Those string through Valco pickups are a lot of fun If you ever find yourself in the need for parts, rewinding, or a new one for a special project, Jason Lollar makes a great reproduction.

[Mack Quinney]

John,
Welcome! I started with Cindy Cashdollar HomeSpun material and a six string. Now I'm up to 4 lap steels, and 5 pedal steels. So I will apologise in advance for what's soon to be your new addiction!

Living in Texas I get to see Cindy play now and then. She is outstanding.

I purchased both of Doug Beaumier's book a few weeks ago. These books are well layed out, and if you know anything about reading music, the notes and chords will provide you a great reference to how it all works. Great books and lots to work on and keep you busy!

Have fun!

Mack

[Andy Volk]

Enjoy, John. There's a wealth of info here daily and the archives are a gold mine. Most every question has been asked at some time or another. Glad to have you here.

[Brad Bechtel]

Welcome, John!

I owned one of these for a while. They sound great, and the bodies are very light. I had the built in cord replaced with a standard guitar jack.

I hope you get a lot of good music out of yours!

[Jon Sawyer]

I have the model B from that catalog page, model # 6154, made in 1949
It's currently in the shop, got new wiring, replaced some tuning pegs, etc. I'll post a picture once I get it back.

[Stephen Rethmeier]

John, I had been interested in lap slide guitar for a while and I finally picked up an old Regal resonator from Bill Asher in LA about 18 months ago. It's a round neck, but because of problems with the neck, it was set up for lap. He was selling it for a friend on ebay, and since he was local to me, I offered to pick it up vs pay shipping. He gave me a quick lesson on how to play and off I went. Well, now I have that guitar, an Oahu, a Model 59 Rickenbacker, a double 8 Gibson console (just bought), and a Carter single 10 pedal steel. I got the pedal steel about 6 months ago and have been taking lessons. I heard someone say playing pedal steel is like flying a helicopter, and I would add--with a nest of hornets in the cockpit. Anyway, welcome to the addiction.

[John Lindsey]

Thanks for the welcomes, everybody! I'm loving my new steel guitar.

I tried to order one of Herb Remington's books, but he never replied to my email. Does anybody know the best way to contact him?