The Steel Guitar Forum

Does anyone have suggestions for a lap steel case?

My eh 185's original case's handle is breaking:-(... interesting that it's got newspaper underneath the leather!

I'd really like something light, but also protective... Love this thing, but also want to play it out!

I use NcSTAR CV2906 Tactical Rifle Bags. They're available in various colors and lengths. From about $20.00 to $25.00.

A word to the wise -- be careful walking through airports.

What about a leather replacement handle? Or have your original re-wrapped by a local cobbler?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Allparts-Repla ... Swd~Fe48nd

One of the Main issues besides the handle breaking ... is the weight ! Haha... not fun to carry around an eh 185 with just one handle. I guess a case with a shoulder or back strap would be great.

I love freaking out guitarists with how heavy the 185 is haha 😂

Ryan Lunenfeld wrote:Does anyone have suggestions for a lap steel case?

My eh 185's original case's handle is breaking:-(... interesting that it's got newspaper underneath the leather!

I'd really like something light, but also protective... Love this thing, but also want to play it out!

Cordoba makes a really nice baritone uke bag that fits my Chandler lap steel well.

Gretsch makes a nice padded gig bag for their steels.



It has a zip close pocket. You'll have to figure out if your guitar will fit. Available around, including Sweetwater and Amazon, for $29.99. I carry my Gretsch back and forth to the studio across a loading dock in it.

Bob

https://www.opticsplanet.com/bulldog-ca ... SHOT-BD492

Tom Pettingill used this for one of the lap steels he made for me. Works great and nothing falls out. They come in different sizes too.

Do a Google search for a mountain dulcimer case or gig bag.

I once found a case for a Supro lap steel in the archery and rifle case section of a local outdoor supply store.

if your not looking for the cheapest thing you can get. both Morrell & Goldtone offer a "Universal" Hardshell Case for Lap Steel.

On Bob Stone's recommendation, about a decade ago I purchased a 34" Bulldog tactical rifle bag. I can't imagine a better choice for most lap steels. I use mine for my Rickenbachers but have also used it for Supros and a number of other steels (I think there may be a longer version, as well, which would better accommodate long-scale instruments). It's heavily padded, has a rugged zipper, handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. Better yet, it also has two large, zippered pockets large enough to carry all your accessories and an 8" x 11" binder. As I say, it's some years since I purchased mine but I assume they're still in production. I'm not about to check, though. When I tried to buy one for a student three or four years ago an alert from the NSA or some such agency flashed on my screen saying that the item was prohibited for export and that I was being monitored. So yes, I'd definitely heed Jack's advice about carrying any rifle bag through an airport. I remember a while back hearing about the SWAT team being deployed to the Calgary airport when someone was seen carrying one holding what turned out to be a guitar.

Here is a Baritone Ukulele Case I got from Guitar Center On-Line for under 50 dollars including shipping.

I had to cut the accessories box out from under the neck - no super big deal, vacuum out some debris.

In my situation I add some black Fleece from walmart to add some small padding to stop flop around.

The Guitar is my Last Koa SantaFe - I've never advertised. (Ryan - Hint - Hint)

Todd Clinesmith supplies Blue Heron soft cases with his lap steels and they seem pretty good.

I use a Plano 36 inch rifle case from academy. It even comes with the pluckable foam to make customizing easy. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/plano- ... id=5348507

Like a couple of others above, I've found shotgun cases are perfect.

You might need to remove the existing foam and replace it with high-density stuff, though.

I bought Jackson Minion Dinky gig bag for my RK RG-32 from Pro Audio Star. It was on sale and fits great. They've got a used one listed for $14.99 if anyone's interested.
https://www.proaudiostar.com/jackson-gi ... .html#info

I just noticed TKL makes a lap gig bag, I have another of theirs that i Can't identify, good bag. About 34 inches long, pretty deep and holds 2 lap steels comfortably.

https://reverb.com/item/7779639-tkl-462 ... -soft-case?

If you enjoy "making"
I've made a couple cases for lap and pedal steel guitars. A quick case can be made using 3/4" clear pine for the front back and sides. Cap the top and bottom with 1/4" Luan. Make an enclosed box then cut in two halves on the table saw. Dry wall screws and wood glue for the sides, front and back. many small nails and glue for top and bottom.
The appointments are up to you. This makes for a rugged lightweight case.
I've never been lucky enough to find the right size in anything pre-made.