The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello;

I'm pretty much a newbie on the 8 string steel. I've had a PSG for a while, and am learning it some, but thinking about going to the 8 string with legs.

Who are the new makers of these? Who has them for sale? I'm thinking I would like to play one sitting down, as in the PSG, but maybe not. I assume the legs telescope enough so that they could be used either way?

I might be interested in a used one, but either way, I'm thinking of a "starter" model, if there is such a thing in the "steel W/O pedals category.

Thanks.......

this guy makes pro models at starter prices....do a search in the Forum and you will see the glowing praise and beautiful work he has done...

http://www.musonmt.com/4.html for examples of console steels

Bob Allen at Melbert Steels will work with you to custom make your steel into exactly what you want....at no extra cost.
"We do not stock any lap steel guitars. Each lap steel guitar is hand made after you place your order and is customized for the individual musician. The basic designs can not be changed but you will have your choice of available wood, the color of the stain, choice of pickup and various other options, some with no increase in price and others at added cost."

Another vote for a Melbert, the biggest problem is that it takes about 8 to 10 weeks or so to get one and they do not come up very often used but hey you never know. As for the console aspect he does do them but it is at increased cost.

Whichever steel you decide to get, Mark Roeder makes great stands that will be made to accommodate just about any design.

Simply the best stands available. You can use a 3 leg or 4 leg setup.

http://www.deluxe34.com/

I will third the Melberts and also mention that when Mike mentioned these stands the last time, I became intrigued. Will be buying one soon.

John,
John Allison is making some in Austin, TX. I don't own one but stopped by his shop and played one awhile back.

http://allisonguitars.com/steel.html

Bob Allen will add legs to any steel....and sometimes he has some in his "discounted" category that are already in process....I got mine, perfectly fine, just one he had had around for a while, much cheaper and faster....ask about what he has...

Here's another "new" mfg you can take a look at...
http://www.georgeboards.com/

GeorgeBoards makes lap steels and consoles (legs available on some models). I don't own one, but they have always struck me to be of fine quality and reasonably priced. Plus George Piburn will sometimes offer blems or demos for sale at reduced prices.

There's a console on his web site now at a reduced price...
http://www.georgeboards.com/2007-consol ... soles.html

He also has one in the For Sale section...
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... highlight=

JOHN WELCOME TO THE FORUM. I'M A HAPPY MELBERT 8 COUNSOLE OWNER AS WELL. TAKE A MOMENT AND DO THE FOLLOWING. GO TO GOOGLE TYPE IN "MELBERT LAP STEEL" AND THE FIRST THING THAT WILL POP UP IS "BOB ALLEN, MELBERT STEEL" CLICK ON THAT AND HIS HOME PAGE WILL COME UP AND HE HAS A PICTURE OF MY MELBERT 8. SCROLL DOWN AND YOU HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT BOB ALLEN. YES HIS INSTERMENTS ARE ALL HAND MADE TO YOUR SPECKS. YES THEY TAKE A LITTLE TIME TO MAKE, BUT YOU REMEMBER THE OLD ADD THAT SAYS "THE QUALITY GOES IN BEFORE THE NAME GOES ON"
I WOULD SAY MELBERT LAP STEELS QUALIFY UNDER THAT SAME STATEMENT. ALSO IF YOU DO DECIDE TO PURCHASE ONE OF HIS INSTERMENTS, HE IS JUST OVER THE HILL FROM YOU IN TENN.A NICE RIDE THROUGH THE SMOKIES, AND HE WILL PROBABLY GIVE YOU A TURE OF HIS OPERATION. I CANNOT REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I SAW ONE OF HIS INSTERMENTS COME UP ON THE FORUM.

I realize you did mention a starter model (this wouldn't be one....) and don't know what your budget is but Tom Baker at Sierra Steel Guitars makes a beautiful 8 string lap steel with telescoping legs. Really nice tone and craftsmanship.

http://www.sierrasteels.com/products/la ... itars.html

And Hal Stackhouse on this forum usually has some in stock you can order so you don't need to wait if you are impatient like me.

Jeff Garden wrote:I realize you did mention a starter model (this wouldn't be one....) and don't know what your budget is but Tom Baker at Sierra Steel Guitars makes a beautiful 8 string lap steel with telescoping legs. Really nice tone and craftsmanship.

http://www.sierrasteels.com/products/la ... itars.html

Thanks for the replies.

I can see one of these in my future!

I have another question about set up and such, but will post another e-mail for it.

Some great looking instruments out there!

John

George Piburn alias " Georgeboards " make some fine 8 stingers
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=224314

Have you decided which scale length you want yet ?