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New acoustic lap steel or Weissenborn

Posted: 29 Aug 2018 3:19 pm
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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Posted: 29 Aug 2018 3:50 pm
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

Posted: 29 Aug 2018 5:44 pm
by Larry Carlson
My goodness that is absolutely gorgeous.
WOW doesn't even begin to cover it......

Posted: 30 Aug 2018 1:19 am
by Andy Volk
Beautiful! The way you used the grain pattern gives it a sense of movement and flow.

Posted: 30 Aug 2018 5:50 am
by Michael Hampel
Thanks for the kind words.

Posted: 30 Aug 2018 6:11 am
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.

Posted: 30 Aug 2018 6:16 am
by Michael Hampel
Thanks Buddy, can’t wait for you to try it!

Posted: 3 Oct 2018 11:48 pm
by Paddy Burgin
It's beautiful An instrument to be proud of.

Paddy Burgin.
Burgin Guitars.
www.burginguitars.co.nz

Posted: 5 Oct 2018 8:08 pm
by Paul Honeycutt
That is beautiful! I like how you beefed up the headstock.

Posted: 6 Oct 2018 4:48 pm
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.

Posted: 6 Oct 2018 7:24 pm
by Joe Elk
Fantastic steel
Joe O Elk Central Ohio

Posted: 7 Oct 2018 8:14 am
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

Posted: 7 Oct 2018 9:13 am
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!

Posted: 7 Oct 2018 12:26 pm
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’...