Shapes of lap steels

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 6 Oct 2015 4:09 pm

Ok just because all a lapsteel has to have is a tuning head, a neck with fret markers, a pickup and a bridge, do they have to be just boring, straight parallel planks of wood?
I wish the whole genre of lapsteels looked more like guitars, since they ARE actually guitars.
Yes the aluminum fry pan is a classic and the vintage ones from the 40's - 60's have a cool retro factor (probably only to other players) but seriously, I'm getting tired of the homemade cigar box types, even saw one made out of a shovel.
I wish our beloved instruments had a little more classy look to them.
I really love the Archer, Lap King, etc.
Oh well, just venting I guess, they all sound good but it's nice to see someone playing a guitar that actually looks like a guitar!

George Piburn · Post by **George Piburn** » 6 Oct 2015 5:48 pm

Hopefully this photo will help ease your mind, this is about as non-parallel shapely as I can get them.

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 6 Oct 2015 6:04 pm

Yeah that's what I'm talking about George!

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 6 Oct 2015 7:30 pm

ðŸ˜Š

Terry VunCannon · Post by **Terry VunCannon** » 6 Oct 2015 7:50 pm

A classic shape...

Terry VunCannon · Post by **Terry VunCannon** » 6 Oct 2015 7:55 pm

...or this.

John Rosett · Post by **John Rosett** » 6 Oct 2015 8:57 pm

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 7 Oct 2015 2:10 am

Wow! My faith is restored! Those are some beauties.

Keith Glendinning · Post by **Keith Glendinning** » 7 Oct 2015 3:21 am

Tony,
You've seen what the professional builders can make. Now here are a couple I've made for myself. The bodies were made from a piece of scaffold board and the other bits are just from stuff I had available.

Tommy Adams · Post by **Tommy Adams** » 7 Oct 2015 6:16 am

I totally agree that they can and should have a better shape to them.

Will this one count?

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 7 Oct 2015 7:02 am

Wow they just keep getting more and more good looking. There's no question building s lap steel lends itself to more artistic expression that certainly a pedal steel and to a lesser extent a regular guitar does, so it's nice to see these beauties.
I suppose I started this thread when I showed up at a jam with an old lap steel I've since sold and no matter what I played, "I" perceived it was seen as more of a novelty guitar rather than a legitimate instrument and I found myself wishing I had something better looking

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 7 Oct 2015 7:05 am

How about my PAN - AMERICAN, including my Boss!

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 7 Oct 2015 7:11 am

How about this one:

Aaron Jennings · Post by **Aaron Jennings** » 7 Oct 2015 7:23 am

There's a local builder in Missoula, Montana - Rukavina Guitars. I really appreciate the unique designs he applies to lap steels. Just a touch of asymmetry.

Here's a custom piece he recently finished that I had the pleasure of seeing in person:

and here is a run of production steels he is currently working on, including a new 'retro' design:

Tom Pettingill · Post by **Tom Pettingill** » 7 Oct 2015 7:47 am

When you want that sweet Fender tone in a bit different shape.

.

Peter Jacobs · Post by **Peter Jacobs** » 7 Oct 2015 8:37 am

I've shown this one before: the StrapSteel, made for stand-up playing:

It's asymmetrical to keep the weight closer to the player's body.

Robert Allen · Post by **Robert Allen** » 7 Oct 2015 8:55 am

Tony Palmer wrote: do they have to be just boring, straight parallel planks of wood?

Maybe because many people only want to pay for a 2x4.

Sonny Jenkins · Post by **Sonny Jenkins** » 7 Oct 2015 9:41 am

Whoaaa Tom,,,another masterpiece!!!!!

Sam White · Post by **Sam White** » 7 Oct 2015 4:13 pm

Hi Tony what about My lap steel I bought from a guy up in Canada for $400.00 and it is one that Mark Dinbury Built. I love this lap steel it is tuned C-6 and it dsounds eal good. I play it now as I sold my Pedal Steel but plan on getting another pedal Steel in about a year. So what i do when i play out on tuesday every week i use my Dobro and i play the Dyna lap Steel at home.I also play the Dobro and I'm going to work the Lap Steel in a little later in Church. Hope you are doing fine as I have a pace maker and defibulator in me had A hernia operation two moths ago and Cadarac Sergery on my left eye atwo weeks ago and then they are going to raise my dropping eye lids. I'm doing fine and I keep busy around the 3/4Acre property and I have 6 R.I. Red Chickens and a large 25 by 45 Garden and a straberry garden. Take care.
Sam White

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 7 Oct 2015 7:09 pm

check out johnie kings zking steels.
beautiful lapsteel art!

Jim Pitman · Post by **Jim Pitman** » 10 Oct 2015 5:01 am

I've posted this before. Seems appropriate again. One I built. It's natural maple over stained maple. It's hollow under the neck and sound board.

Alan Simon · Post by **Alan Simon** » 11 Oct 2015 8:23 am

Here's my Rukavina 8. Doesn't get anymore off the wall than this. Great guitar, by the way.
I guess you haven't seen any of Johnie Kings creations. Good stuff.

Bob Simons · Post by **Bob Simons** » 11 Oct 2015 5:41 pm

My MSA Superslide. Prettiest lap steel I've ever seen! Best lap steel I've ever played!

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Larry G. Allen · Post by **Larry G. Allen** » 12 Oct 2015 9:53 am

How about these Tony ? The only limitation on the shape is comfort and playability.

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