Questions from a newbie that wants to learn lap steel

[Thomas Temple]

Mark, That deal on Craig's list sounds like a no brainer and I'm sure you'd be able to get you money back later on if you want to go for a better instrument. 2nd as for a stand I and many others here have just gone to a thrift store and bought a walker and with the adjustable legs it usually can be adjusted to a height that will suit you. The bar is another matter but I think either a Shubb SP2 or SP3 would work well as they have a "ridge" that helps get a better grip on them. As for an amp there ae many small 5 to 10 watt amps available, just go to a local music store and ask them to help you pick out one. Then just go for it, remember the most important thing is to have fun. Keep us posted on your "journey".
Best of luck
Tom

[Ray Langley]

Buy something.... anything, and start playing. No matter what you start out with, you will eventually get one or more instruments. Nobody owns just one.

I sense a little bit of fear with getting started. Don't worry many of us experienced that. You started this thread a month and a half ago. Like Nike says, "Just Do It".

[Ray Montee]

ANYTHING.........

the mind of man can see and believe.........

CAN BE achieved.

If nothing else, it would be great mental therapy for you.

[Jim Williams]

You can't go too wrong with that sx, but you can get a new one for $119 + shipping and it has adjustable legs. Either way the sx has proper string spacing, good scale length and they play well and sound good for the money. I have four lap steels but the sx is my main player. If you buy the used one, sx sells a stand for $45. I would probably buy the used one though, like a prior poster said...jump in and get going.

[Deirdre Higgins]

Mark, If you have trouble holding the bar, perhaps it could be retrofitted by a machinist with rings above it to slide your finger into. like a ring soldered to the bar somehow. Just an idea.