The Steel Guitar Forum

Howdy! Starting in the spring I'd like to build a nice lap steel for myself. I have no plans on building more than one but I want it to be really unique. I don't anticipate too much trouble with the body, bridge and electronics but I'd like to ask for advice about the neck. I'd like it to be a 6 string lap along the lines of the Lap King Bel Aire. You know the '56 chevy look in a guitar! Any advice on how to approach the neck design would be appreciated.

For a design like that, neck through construction would probably be the most efficient use of wood.
Though, you could cut the whole thing from a solid single piece too.

Good luck with the build, its a lot of fun

I second what Tom says. Like the Lap Kings the steels Tom builds are worth checking out, to get an idea on proper construction.One piece construction is okay but properly glued build ups are structurally stronger esp. in the neck area. Just my two bits from a year of building lap models.And 30 years of carpentry LOL

Tom and Gary thanks for the replies. Gary I've never seen your guitars but I've looked at Tom's many times and they are beautiful works of art! If I can take my time and get the neck right I should be able to get one that feels good to me. I've a buddy who has a wood shop and has built a few guitars and I'll try to enlist his help when the time is right. I'm not reaching for the stars but I just want to be able to say I built the one I play. One of my hobbies is jewelry design and I'm used to taking my time and doing it right.
Thanks again