Advice on which lap steel to buy on a budget
Wed Dec 16, 2015 1:21 pm
Hi there,
My partner has informed me he would like to venture into the world of lap steels, he is already an accomplished guitar and bass player.
However I am on a budget in terms of buying him one - and then I found your naughty list on here, which would rule out a lot of the ones I had seen.
I don't want to spend any more than about £100-140 - is this realistic? Happy to go second hand also (although I know this doesn't always effect the price much).
Does anyone have any suggestions for budget first lap steel??
Thanks
Gemma
My partner has informed me he would like to venture into the world of lap steels, he is already an accomplished guitar and bass player.
However I am on a budget in terms of buying him one - and then I found your naughty list on here, which would rule out a lot of the ones I had seen.
I don't want to spend any more than about £100-140 - is this realistic? Happy to go second hand also (although I know this doesn't always effect the price much).
Does anyone have any suggestions for budget first lap steel??
Thanks
Gemma
Re: Advice on which lap steel to buy on a budget
Wed Dec 16, 2015 1:28 pm
Welcome to the forum Gemma,
I am sure you will get some advice from lap steel players as they come on the forum.
I am sure you will get some advice from lap steel players as they come on the forum.
Re: Advice on which lap steel to buy on a budget
Wed Dec 16, 2015 9:00 pm
Hi Gemma,
As you have probably read, most modern budget lap steels aren't very highly regarded but within your budget, it's about your only option.
If I had £140 and absolutely had to get something right now, I'd go for the Recording King on Ebay right now for 120.
I tried out one of these and was quite impressed for the price and it's much nicer than all the other budget models out there and I wouldn't be embarrassed to do a gig with it.
They seem to be made of reasonably nice wood and the hardware is just about OK, although it might be worth upgrading a bit further down the road - as compared to some of the others that I definitely wouldn't bother to do any upgrading.
BTW I have no connection with that auction.
As you have probably read, most modern budget lap steels aren't very highly regarded but within your budget, it's about your only option.
If I had £140 and absolutely had to get something right now, I'd go for the Recording King on Ebay right now for 120.
I tried out one of these and was quite impressed for the price and it's much nicer than all the other budget models out there and I wouldn't be embarrassed to do a gig with it.
They seem to be made of reasonably nice wood and the hardware is just about OK, although it might be worth upgrading a bit further down the road - as compared to some of the others that I definitely wouldn't bother to do any upgrading.
BTW I have no connection with that auction.
Re: Advice on which lap steel to buy on a budget
Sun Dec 20, 2015 7:32 am
I would agree with the above. The Recording King is a nice little instrument for the money and having played one would be happy with it. Steer clear of Clearwater. I had a very bad experience with one of those.
Re: Advice on which lap steel to buy on a budget
Fri Jan 15, 2016 1:36 pm
I've still got a recording king lap steel and I think for the money you can't go wrong. Got me started before I even dreamt of owning Pedal Steel (which I now do). I gigged it a few times and it was fine.
Down the line he can either buy a better Lap Steel or switch to Pedal or Dobro or what have you when he has a better idea of what he likes about the instrument.
Good luck!
Stephen
Down the line he can either buy a better Lap Steel or switch to Pedal or Dobro or what have you when he has a better idea of what he likes about the instrument.
Good luck!
Stephen