Obsolete Instruments?

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 27 Aug 2002 12:23 pm

This Site has lots of useful info and photos of Gibson lap steels. The descriptions of Gibson guitars appear to come directly out of Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars. The guy who put the site together rates each guitar for collectibility using a letter system: A+ to D-

The following statements appear on the site and they really rub me the wrong way... how about you?
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Note on LapSteel Collectibility.

"I don't individually rate each lapsteel model for collectibility, because they all pretty much fall into a "D" or "D-" category. Remember, they are basically obsolete instruments by todays standards. Therefore they are only interesting as historical sidenotes. "

Lapsteel for Sale?

"No, lapsteels are not worth a lot of money. They are basically obsolete as musical instruments (the pedal steel did them in), though some rare musicians still use them today. They do have historical significance, but since they aren't viewed as "viable" instruments today, their values are fairly low. Because of their historical importance, I am interested in buying lapsteels if they are priced "reasonable". Just thought I'd mention this before you email me asking $1000 for your lapsteel!"

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My Site - Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 27 August 2002 at 01:30 PM.]

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 27 Aug 2002 12:40 pm

I love lap steels (and don't play pedals), but the guy has a point, lapsteels are "basically obsolete by today's standards" and serve only a small niche market. That's why there are so few lap steel makers and no major companies make them anymore. The demand is just too small.

That being said, they're still the some of the coolest instruments around and in the right hands make some of the best music around.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 27 Aug 2002 1:03 pm

Yes, I guess I have to agree. Maybe it's just the way the guy worded his statements that rubs me the wrong way. He must have some respect for lap steels since he listed them on his site with photos.

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 27 Aug 2002 1:46 pm

Obsolete? maybe so, I'm always on the wrong team, sigh...

I guess the non-pedal steel guitar doesn't have the same lasting power as say... Vanilla Ice, The New Kids On The Block or The Back Street Boys.

And maybe it doesn't have the "forever etched in the minds of mankind" status as say New Coke, The McLean Sandwich or Pillsbury Space Food Sticks.

And I guess it doesn't share the evergreen like quality of the Cabbage Patch Kids, Tickle Me Elmo or Beanie Babies (DON'T REMOVE THE TAG!!!).

There are a few things that seem to last forever though... whoopy cushions, taxes and tatoos.

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Gerald Ross
'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar'

Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website

[This message was edited by Gerald Ross on 27 August 2002 at 02:47 PM.]

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 27 Aug 2002 3:16 pm

It's hard to think of lap steel as obsolete after listening to The Vanduras or Double Naught Spy Car. I don't complain about the low prices of vintage lap steels, though!

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic) Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6)

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 27 Aug 2002 3:39 pm

the pedal steel did them in

Not so... they are different instruments. The lap steel has an identity all it's own, and it might even outlive the pedal steel in the long run.

okay.. I'm talkin' 100s of years from now!

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 27 Aug 2002 3:48 pm

Maybe this "novice" should play the infield
and come out of "left field" its lonely out
there.

Karnak has spoken.

Brandin · Post by **Brandin** » 27 Aug 2002 6:30 pm

Thanks b0b, I'm glad 'The Vanduras' are not obsolete.

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 27 Aug 2002 11:04 pm

As far as I'm concerned it is like comparing apples to oranges. The lap is one breed, the pedal another. Each has a beauty of its own. I doubt the lap guitar will ever become obsolete any more than the violin. Jerry Byrd and his deciples will certainly see to that! I have never played pedals and doubt I ever will. I have no problem playing gigs on lap. As far as Hawaiian music is concerned, (my specialty), IMHO the lap is THE instrument ... the pedal just doesn't cut it as sweetly as the lap. On the other hand, the pedal could be considered superior to the lap on country swing although that can be debated, I'm sure. (Murphey, Speedy, Carver, et al).

Andy Greatrix · Post by **Andy Greatrix** » 28 Aug 2002 12:40 am

This guy is living proof that there will never be a shortage of uninformed opinions.
He means well, I'm sure.

Jim Landers · Post by **Jim Landers** » 28 Aug 2002 11:18 am

I am interested in buying lapsteels if they are priced "reasonable". Just thought I'd mention this before you email me asking $1000 for your lapsteel!"

I think the guy is on a fishing expedition, trolling for suckers.

Jim

Gerald Ross · Post by **Gerald Ross** » 28 Aug 2002 12:29 pm

BTW - The website that started this whole discussion has been online for about six years now. The lap steel section and it's content has not changed much if at all in all that time.

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Gerald Ross
'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar'

Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website

Andy Zynda · Post by **Andy Zynda** » 28 Aug 2002 12:48 pm

Obsolete my ass.
Look at what's happening with Dobro/Resonators right now.
2 years ago when I wanted mine, it was a real bear just to locate a dealer.
Now musicians friend has close to a dozen listed in their catalog.
just wait...
It's all a big merry-go-round.
-andy-

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 28 Aug 2002 12:53 pm

Maybe the resurgence of interest in lap steel in the past 6 years means that they are no longer obsolete

And maybe it's time for that guy to upgrade the instruments from D- to C- ??

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 28 Aug 2002 2:20 pm

He ought to see me,,Im obsolete as well

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 28 Aug 2002 6:11 pm

Andy Greatrix.........to WHOM...pray tell, were you referring in that cutting remark???

Ziggie · Post by **Ziggie** » 28 Aug 2002 7:31 pm

I think the guy has tunnel vision. How can something be obsolete if it's still being used? What about the Country Swing bands, Hawaian bands, and people like Jr. Brown, Cindy Cashdollar, Jerry Bird ect., that use lap steels or non pedal steels and are makeing great music with it. If you can make music on it......it's good.

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Don Zeitler aka Ziggie

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 28 Aug 2002 8:07 pm

Ray, Andy G. was referring to the guy who put the web site together and wrote the comments about lap steels being obsolete, non-viable, historical sidenotes.

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My Site - Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

mikey · Post by **mikey** » 28 Aug 2002 8:18 pm

Obsolete?...I guess if you don't play an instrument...so I guess the Vanduras, Junior Brown, David Gilmore, Jimmy Page, Dave Lindley, Ben Harper, Bob Brozman and all of us, et. al. are also obsolete. I don't get this guy's take, Like I said, he must not be a Musician in any way shape or form...probably buys guitars and keeps 'em in a vault...if you don't play it, is it still an instrument?...I've jammed w/ guys on jugs and tissue combs and washtub/broomhandle single string basses...obsolete?...not if you can make MUSIC with it.Let's give this guy the Forum's Idiot of the Year award.
Mike

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 29 Aug 2002 3:35 am

As Gerald says, the content is 6 years old so it's not worth worrying losing sleep about. As we all know, the lap steel is more visible right now than at any time in the last 40 years.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 29 Aug 2002 7:33 am

You're right Andy, but it would be nice to see the site update their assessment of lap steels to reflect the current interest. The site owner is strictly a collector/dealer of vintage guitars. I wonder if he knows that there are a lot of non-pedal steels that are now worth more than some vintage guitars?

Tom Campbell · Post by **Tom Campbell** » 29 Aug 2002 7:36 am

Musicians Friend does not sell/deal in obsolete or "dead" instruments. With that said, check out their site for the Sierra lap and Sierra Artist S-10!!

Glenn Austin · Post by **Glenn Austin** » 29 Aug 2002 8:22 am

How often have you heard guys like this in music stores. They're not really interested in your guitar, but they'll take it off your hands for a 100 bucks just to help you out and be a good sport. This guy is a snake in the grass!

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 29 Aug 2002 8:57 am

I encore Ray's question as it, (Andy's) appeared immediately below my thread...
??????????????????????????????????? !!

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 29 Aug 2002 9:02 am

Steel guitars were the first solid body axes right ?
the Teles, Les Pauls,+ Strats came after.
Obsolete? Naw! Funky Yeah !
i often look at ebay, to have an idea of what's on the market and get to know the different models.
i don't know if many actually sell but there's always new ones comin' up.
Steels+PSGs: 150 models a week ?
the sellers often mention "having tried to play Slide or Steel but gave up, did'nt pursue, etc...
some are buyin''em to hang on the wall ?

?
i won't comment the site y'all talkin'bout cause i just looked at the piktures !
More SteelsGuits !

[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 29 August 2002 at 10:03 AM.]