New acoustic lap steel or Weissenborn

Lap steels, resonators, multi-neck consoles and acoustic steel guitars

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Michael Hampel
Posts: 20
Joined: 27 Jun 2018 7:29 am
Location: Chelan, Washington, USA

New acoustic lap steel or Weissenborn

Post by Michael Hampel »

Hello,

I’m pretty new here, and new to the steel world. Mostly a regular guitar player with a little banjo and harmonica too. And I make guitars. My friend Jonathan (member) let me try his Weissenborn copy (what a sound) and I knew I had to make one or two, so here’s the results. I usually make at least two instruments at a time, only finished this one so far, the second one is close.

All regional woods, execpt for the Koa bridge, head veneer and end graft inlay, and the ebony bridge pins. Black Walnut top/back & sides, Maple fretboard and rosette, Sitka Spruce bracing. 25” scale length, Kluson tuners, and a K&K pure mini under bridge pickup. I used bone for the nut and saddle.

I didn’t like the design, on the plans I used, of the where the head meets the upper end of the neck, so I came up with this, it’s still a work in progress until I figure out a better way. I wanted a little more beef up there then the plans indicated, maybe overkill..

Like I said, I’m new to this world, so I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I think it sounds good and I am having a great time playing it! Can’t wait to make another, and to learn how to play it!


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Bill Groner
Posts: 1234
Joined: 30 Dec 2016 8:42 am
Location: QUAKERTOWN, PA

Post by Bill Groner »

Well Mike if you play anything like you build......WOW! Beautiful work my friend! That is one sweet looking guitar. I think the "Beef" at the neck/head looks just fine. KUDOS
Last edited by Bill Groner on 30 Aug 2018 1:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40
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Larry Carlson
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Joined: 7 Oct 2014 10:55 am
Location: My Computer

Post by Larry Carlson »

My goodness that is absolutely gorgeous.
WOW doesn't even begin to cover it......
I have stuff.
I try to make music with it.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
But I keep on trying.
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Andy Volk
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Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Boston, MA
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Post by Andy Volk »

Beautiful! The way you used the grain pattern gives it a sense of movement and flow.
Steel Guitar Books! Website: www.volkmediabooks.com
Michael Hampel
Posts: 20
Joined: 27 Jun 2018 7:29 am
Location: Chelan, Washington, USA

Post by Michael Hampel »

Thanks for the kind words.
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Jonathan Scherer
Posts: 70
Joined: 10 May 2014 9:04 pm
Location: Stehekin, Washington

Post by Jonathan Scherer »

Good deal Michael!

Looking forward to seeing it live and playing it!

Great choice of woods, the quilted maple fretboard is fabulous and would be easy/fun to stare at.
1948 National Dynamic, 1953 Oahu Tonemaster,cheap Aiersi Weissenborn, Hambro custom square neck reso, Carvin X-60A, Fender Acoustasonic 30
and 10, Roland Cube Street
Michael Hampel
Posts: 20
Joined: 27 Jun 2018 7:29 am
Location: Chelan, Washington, USA

Post by Michael Hampel »

Thanks Buddy, can’t wait for you to try it!
Paddy Burgin
Posts: 55
Joined: 24 Mar 2007 7:33 am
Location: New Zealand

Post by Paddy Burgin »

It's beautiful An instrument to be proud of.

Paddy Burgin.
Burgin Guitars.
www.burginguitars.co.nz
Paul Honeycutt
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Joined: 28 Mar 2005 1:01 am
Location: Colorado, USA

Post by Paul Honeycutt »

That is beautiful! I like how you beefed up the headstock.
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Lee Baucum
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Joined: 11 Apr 1999 12:01 am
Location: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier

Post by Lee Baucum »

That's a gorgeous instrument!

Are you allowed to use the word "Weissenborn", even when followed by the word "copy"?

Click Here

I don't know if it is still an issue or not.
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Joe Elk
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Joined: 4 Nov 2013 8:41 am
Location: Ohio, USA

Post by Joe Elk »

Fantastic steel
Joe O Elk Central Ohio
Michael Hampel
Posts: 20
Joined: 27 Jun 2018 7:29 am
Location: Chelan, Washington, USA

Post by Michael Hampel »

Thanks for the kind words.

Lee, I have no idea what the rules are as far as calling an instrument an Weissenborn, TM and all that. As I have said, I’m new to the steel world, any enlightenment on this subject would be appreciated.

Thanks again,

M
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Mike A Holland
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Joined: 26 Sep 2017 8:14 am
Location: United Kingdom

Post by Mike A Holland »

It is just a beautiful looking musical instrument! If it sounds as good as it looks you will be very happy!
Michael Hampel
Posts: 20
Joined: 27 Jun 2018 7:29 am
Location: Chelan, Washington, USA

Post by Michael Hampel »

Just saw the link Lee posted, thanks.

I assumed Weissenborn was generic name for a Hawaiian Hollowneck Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar. Don’t want no trouble, I’ll go with ‘Hawaiian ‘ or ‘ Acoustic Lap’...
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