home made lap steel table (plus questions)

Joel Newman · Post by **Joel Newman** » 5 Oct 2005 7:48 am

Ok so here’s an option for a home made lap steel table, as I think I’m going to be more comfortable playing standing up and it will be easier to switch from regular guitar and back . . .cut out foam, (2 thick nesses half width for the insert), spray glued to a precut shelf covered with a crushed velvet kinda substance. the bottom has rubber matting glued as well. I found a little piece of styro foam that I cut to brace the neck up and give the guitar a little elevation. I made sure to make an insert for a bar and pick holder. The legs are a cheapo adjustable keyboard stand.
It wobbles slightly as I kinda like the guitar up higher, I’m a little nervous about that. In terms of expense, I think I could have made a cheaper stand, but the two pieces seem pretty light weight I can just bungi them together for easy transport. But I’m so proud of the girlfriend and myself for getting it done. (by the way, the best tool for cutting foam is an electric meat carving knife, . . the stuff you learn when you start to study steel guitar . . .). here are pics;

Questions for Mr. Rick Alexander . . . or any other non peddler who plays standing, and also plays standard guitar, and is trying to incorporate both into his or her own show. (whew! that’s a typewriter full . . .). How do you all switch between finger and flat picks in a flash? Do you use strap locks on the regular guit. so you can sling it down your back and not worry about it crashing to the ground? Any tips? As usual thanks a bunch for your interest and support . . .

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 5 Oct 2005 7:53 am

Joel, It looks as if the stand's arms (top and bottom) are not even (one side is longer than the other). Just take one from each side off and turn it around. Second, when you stand it up, the legs should be further apart (maybe 1 more notch) just to prevent an accident.
My $.02[This message was edited by Mike Neer on 05 October 2005 at 08:56 AM.]

Terry VunCannon · Post by **Terry VunCannon** » 5 Oct 2005 8:14 am

Joel, I play both sitting & standing all the time. If I am playing lap only, which I do with one band that I play with, I like to sit. With 2 other bands I play guitar & lap, so I stand. I have a tall keyboard X-stand and a MSA Freedom stand that I use. You can see some pictures of my rig on my Webshots site listed below.
I have decided to play with my fingers instead of finger picks so I can switch quickly from guitar to lap(with my A/B box). Some claim that you can't get the volume without finger picks, but look what players like Jeff Beck, Lindsey Buckingham, & Mark Knofler do with just their fingers.
As for your question about the guitar while playing lap, some times I just let it hang in front of me, other times I just slide it to my right hip. I feel comfortable either way.

------------------
'49 & '51 National Dynamics, Harmos Model One, Lazy River Weissenborn, Mesa Boogie DC-3, SRV Strat.
http://community.webshots.com/user/keefriff

[This message was edited by Terry VunCannon on 05 October 2005 at 09:15 AM.]

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 5 Oct 2005 9:48 am

On gigs I play a Stringmaster (with legs) and electric guitar using an A/B box. If there's time, I usually put the electric guitar on a stand if I'm playing steel. Sometimes I just leave the electric in front of me and play the steel. I use fingerpicks when playing steel, and a flatpick on electric guitar. It's a hassle taking off and putting on the fingerpicks when playing steel, but there's usually time to do it.

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 5 Oct 2005 2:33 pm

Questions for Mr. Rick Alexander . . .

Joel, a strap lock is essential. Check it often.
As far as picks go, I just slip 'em off and on as need be. It only takes 2 seconds. I often use just a thumb pick for guitar, and if it's a song that I play both steel & guitar I just leave all 3 picks on.

------------------

Rick Alexander
57 Stringmaster T8, Supro Supreme.
Guild X500, Strats & Teles, Taylor 710CE, Fender P Bass.
Music Man, Fender & Peavey Amps

[This message was edited by Rick Alexander on 05 October 2005 at 03:35 PM.]

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 5 Oct 2005 2:55 pm

I don't use strap locks. Instead I bought a new strap (needed it anyway) with stiff leather ends that keep the guitar on securely.

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 5 Oct 2005 2:58 pm

I don't use strap locks. Instead I bought a new strap (needed it anyway) with stiff leather ends that keep the guitar on securely.

I'd personally be more concerned about a nice lap steel falling from a stand. That would be tough to catch in mid-air!

Joel Newman · Post by **Joel Newman** » 5 Oct 2005 3:42 pm

Thank you for your replies gents! Yes Mike you were correct the legs were off I flipped em like you said. Unfortunately it still wobbles a little,(it's probably cuz it's the cheapest of cheap stands ever made), I'll experiment with the height tho.