Post #180311 by Kanekila on Wed, Aug 17, 2005 12:03 PM

Hey FreakBear --

Welcome to the wonderful and infuriating world of lapsteel guitar! You know what the wonderful part is -- the infuriating parts are just the things you mentioned, but even more than that are learning the techniques for playing it.

Bong is right about http://www.juststrings.com You can find six-string sets there in a variety of of tunings for lap or Hawaiian guitar.

I use C6 and B11 tunings mostly, and sometimes A6, if needed. You and retune certain strings to get new and interesting tunings from these. If you're going to play a lot of Hawaiian and/or western-swing, particularly from the later 30's onward, I'd recommend learning C6. It will let you play most tunes from this era. If you're wanting more of that 20's-early 30's era style resonator Hawaiian sound, open tunings like E and G are more apropos. For certain tunes, like "Sand," for example, you'll need to learn B11. It's a very lush and cool tuning, but not easy to negotiate.

On a shortscale (22.5") lap, I use the John Pearse Hawaiian Lap Steel Guitar Six String Nickel Wound (Am6) set, .016 - .046 (JPS_7310) from Juststrings.com With this set on my six-string lap, I can get C6, A6 and B11 without too much difficulty.

Regarding amps, I'm with Josh regarding small wattage Fender tube amps. The Princeton Reverb I'm selling him is about as good an amp tone as I've heard anywhere. Yeah, I know... why am I selling it!? I keep asking myself this question daily!

For that really old-fashioned tone, I have a small Crate VC-508, which is one pre-amp tube, one EL84 power tube, and all class-A power putting out 5-watts. It has an 8" speaker, and really nails that old-time sound. A lot of guys on the Steel Guitar Forum like those new little battery powered Roland MicroCubes. You can get 'em new for $125, and you can take them anywhere, since they're battery powered.

I also recommend joining the SGF at http://www.steelguitarforum.com/ When you get in there, just go to the "No Peddlers" section for all things lap steel. I've learned a TON since joining five years ago.

If you have any other questions, give me a holler at my [email protected] address.

Oh yes -- if you're goin to play Hawaiian, I recommend learning to use the bullet bar, or roundbar. It will make slants much easier. For economy, ease of use, and just a good all-around bar, I recommend the Dunlop "Jerry Byrd" model. It's 2-3/4" long, and 3/4" wide.

Good luck and welcome to the lap steel club!