Advice for first lapsteel

Caspar Noetzli · Post by **Caspar Noetzli** » 25 Oct 2005 12:19 pm

After 20 years of guitar playing I would like to start to play the lapsteel guitar. Since we play Western-Swing and Rock'a'Billy in our band, I would like to buy an instrument, that would be fine for that kind of music.

On e-bay I found this guitar: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7360788727&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Would this be a fine instrument to start with?

Thank you for your advice.

Caspar

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 25 Oct 2005 12:33 pm

Casper that would be an awesome guitar to start with in my opinion. The tone of that guitar would compliment your choice of music beautifully, not to mention ownin a classic instrument. Here's another one to look at. Click Here Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

Jason Dumont · Post by **Jason Dumont** » 25 Oct 2005 4:17 pm

Heck yes that would be a good one to start with! I'm with Andy, for the kind of music you mentioned it would be ideal. I admit, I do prefer blondes like the one Andy pointed out.

Rick Garrett · Post by **Rick Garrett** » 26 Oct 2005 2:17 am

Check out the MSA Super Slide. You can find tons of pics on their webpage. I play the 12 string SS and I also have a 10 string Rickenbacker (1949 Model) and I enjoy them both but more often than not I'll grab the SS. Something about the tone and sustain of that little guitar that I really like. Good luck and I hope you find a great horn!

Rick

Caspar Noetzli · Post by **Caspar Noetzli** » 26 Oct 2005 3:06 am

Thank you for the advice. The pickups of he guitar andy pointed out and the one that I found on ebay seem to be quite different. Would they sound similar?

Thanks again

Caspar

Larry Phleger · Post by **Larry Phleger** » 26 Oct 2005 5:58 am

I'm with Rick. IMHO, I think you will eventually want more than 6 strings, especially with the type or music you are playin.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 26 Oct 2005 7:06 am

With a 12 sting Super Slide you could actualy have two or even three tunings all residing on the same neck.
Nothing but rave reviews on them.

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 26 Oct 2005 7:30 am

12 strings and multiple tunings on one neck sounds like an awfully confusing place to start for a beginner. I wouldn't recommend anything more than 8 strings for starters,- many great players has stuck to 6 strings throughout their career without sounding especially limited in their playing....

For someone coming from 20 years of guitar playing, and for the music he wants to play, I'd say get an 8-string and tune it to E13. The number of strings won't be too confusing, and the "E" positions are easy to recognize for a guitarist, plus the string spacing won't be too narrow to get used to.

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

[This message was edited by Steinar Gregertsen on 26 October 2005 at 08:40 AM.]

Kevin Bullat · Post by **Kevin Bullat** » 26 Oct 2005 10:20 am

Definately get an 8 string. I bought about 3, 6-strings before my Fender T8.

There are just far more grips with 8 strings.

My band also plays rockabilly, western-swing, with a side dish of authentic Hawaiian (western-hula-billy (?)).

My favorite tuning for such music is C6th and E7th.

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 26 Oct 2005 10:23 am

I would also agree that 8 strings are MORE than enough to start out on, and also to remain with for a good while
Learning 6 stings would even be a good place to start
....There is a lot to be said for 12 string tunings, but I really don't think that there are that many lap players that have a clue as to the full potential of the 12 string tuning ....Reece Anderson would be one person that know's his way around a 12 string ....Just my opinion .... Jim[This message was edited by James Quackenbush on 26 October 2005 at 11:25 AM.]

Caspar Noetzli · Post by **Caspar Noetzli** » 26 Oct 2005 11:21 am

What a great forum! Thank you all for your thoughts and advice.