The Steel Guitar Forum

I have a student wanting to learn to play like Don Helms. What is a good beginner lap steel (6 or 8 strings)? Thanks in advance for advice.

I'm not sure what the best lap steel would be for starters, certainly whatever he/she can afford, check the 'for sale' section of this forum, usually something there. 8 strings are useful, but you can play a lot with just 6 strings.
To play Don Helms style 6 strings is all you need, get this book, follow the tuning and tabs and away you go.
http://www.steelguitarshopper.com/produ ... -Book.html

From what I've seen it would be pretty hard to beat the sx lap 1 or lap 2 models for $100 or so. I don't know much about what's available in an 8 string though.

For me buying a cheap model to get started just didn't work. I got at least three different student/import models and nothing happened. I'd play for a few days and loose interest. Then I found a deal on a 1974 Dual 6 (Stringmaster yes Stringmaster) and it all just clicked. The playability, the sound, the build quality. When I got a good steel I wanted to play and play and play.

I would recommend one of these lap steels for a beginner. They have a standard size scale length and sound decent enough.

Rondo SX (check their website for other models as well)
Rogue Jersey Lightning

The cheapest eight string sold is the Morrell, but some have complained that the pickup doesn't cover all eight strings. Otherwise I'd recommend the Allen Melbert Pro 8 or the GoldTone LS-8.

+1 for Brad's suggestion on the Jersey Lightning or Rondo SX for a 6 string to learn on.

I had lucked into a Fender Deluxe 8 at an incredible price but when I was trying to figure out what tuning to learn in I found so much great material for C6 on 6 strings that I bought the Jersey Lightning to get me started.

After much research it came down to the Rondo or the Lightning but then I saw this video by Doug and I ordered the Lightning.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GO2Tf8KLJ1 ... O2Tf8KLJ14

Of course, as William mentioned, the Jersey Lightning can't match the Stringmaster tone of my Fender. But Then again I can't play that well so I guess it all evens out.


Happy Trails
Dale

would like to add to Brad's message that the Melbert Pro 8 may be the least expensive 8 string lap steel out there, but there is nothing 'cheap' about it, just ask anyone who owns one. It is amazingly good value for money, don't know how Bob can produce such a fine instrument at that price.

Personally,I'm partial to the Fender sound for non pedal.But whatever you go with,I recommend an 8 string rather than 6.As you progress,you'll be glad you have the two strings.When we fly to gigs,I just take a Fender Deluxe 8 tuned to A6th and get all I need with just that.

One thing for sure---nobody owns 'the right answer' and every worthwhile question is open to discussion but if I'm mining for this sort of advice and Mr. Rivers chimes in, I know I've struck some gold.