Members voneville Posted April 20, 2007 Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 I built an acoustic lap steel today using some spare parts and a trip to the local hardware store. I got to make some changes and then I'm going to mount a pickup (so yea, it's a hollowbody electric lap steel, technically). Built Cost: $30.00 (including the stain that I haven't used yet). free-bee's: Tuning Keys and Bridge Plate from the box of spares. I need to shorten the scale up, it's a 25.5 scale now, but the nut and bridge are too close to the edges, so it's reducing the resonance. This one is a proto-type. I'm gonna build another one using better materials and spend a little more time on it. I'll do a proper build thread if anyone is interested. It was a fun little project, I spent maybe 4 hours total. Here's the clip that inspired the build... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxt1n...elated&search= Here's another cat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEFoi...elated&search= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Voltaire Posted April 20, 2007 Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 I wonder if I could make the door to my room into something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stork1122 Posted April 20, 2007 Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 hey man, that looks good. I have an old epiphone sg which is a total piece of crap. Could i rape all the parts off of it and make something like that? Could you go over the process of the build. I would appreciate it. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members voneville Posted April 20, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 It's pretty straight forward, fun weekend project (or day off, like me today)! Basically I went to lowes and picked up one 2x4 foot piece of birch ply 1/8 thick. Mr lowe uses 5/16th interior wall board. I also picked up 3 pieces of poplar 3 inch by 36 inch (8th inch thick) for the sides. If I had 3x3 tuners like a les paul I would cut 1" by 4" strips out of Oak or Maple and mount them like reverse banjo style. The tuning keys facing up with the posts facing the middle. I would place the nut about 10" from the top of the box. For the nut I used "wire drawer pulls". Basically cabinet handles. I cut the slots with a hack saw. If you take a piece of maple or oak (I used pine the first time, I don't recomend it) and drilled holes completeley through. I then hammered the handle down flush to the bottom. It's a good string height for me. I made mine a little small because it has a head stock. If you do it the other way it will be a bit bigger (louder and better tone). My scale length is 23" but if you have a 36" x 12" top you could make it what ever length you want. If you're using a TOM bridge and tail piece you will need to put a block under it of course. I then cut the sides (don't forget to take off 1/2 inch for the joints). Basically 2 pieces 36" and 2 pieces 11 1/2". After all of your pieces are cut glue them up (I used elmers carpenter glue) and use finishing brads (little nails) about every 3" I had a whole saw, so I cut my sound holes after the box was constructed because it's easier that way for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Puckman Posted April 20, 2007 Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 I built an acoustic lap steel today using some spare parts and a trip to the local hardware store. I got to make some changes and then I'm going to mount a pickup (so yea, it's a hollowbody electric lap steel, technically). Built Cost: $30.00 (including the stain that I haven't used yet). free-bee's: Tuning Keys and Bridge Plate from the box of spares. I need to shorten the scale up, it's a 25.5 scale now, but the nut and bridge are too close to the edges, so it's reducing the resonance. This one is a proto-type. I'm gonna build another one using better materials and spend a little more time on it. I'll do a proper build thread if anyone is interested. It was a fun little project, I spent maybe 4 hours total. Here's the clip that inspired the build... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxt1n...elated&search=Here's another cat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEFoi...elated&search= I'd love to hear what that sounds like. Clips? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phildogger Posted April 20, 2007 Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 very cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members voneville Posted April 20, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 I'd love to hear what that sounds like. Clips? I'll post some up this weekend if I don't go nuts and build another one. It's still a little too quiet! But it has a sweet blues tone, like an old Kay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members outtahear Posted April 20, 2007 Members Share Posted April 20, 2007 Links not working on my end. Not real clear on most of this (headstock mounting??) Looks like a proper thread's needed.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members voneville Posted April 21, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 21, 2007 I screwed the headstock on using deck screws. There's another piece underneath the soundboard that is also anchored to the front piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members askl23 Posted April 21, 2007 Members Share Posted April 21, 2007 I wonder If I could make a solid-body lap steel. How hard would that be? Obviously not that fancy but something along the lines of this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members voneville Posted April 21, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 21, 2007 Much easier then a solid-body spanish guitar, since you don't have to do frets or deal with radius curves and shaping the neck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members voneville Posted April 21, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 21, 2007 Here's a quick sound clip. Recorded using desk top speakers, so quality is lo-fi. Also, I'm using electric guitar strings (10 gauge) so keep that in mind. Tone will be better and it will be louder on the next one. http://www.dereksikesphotography.com/birchtoplapsteel.mp3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Quarter Posted April 21, 2007 Members Share Posted April 21, 2007 Cool, looking forward to version 2.0 I wonder If I could make a solid-body lap steel. How hard would that be?Its not too hard at all and they are fun to build.I built the one in my avatar and have a couple others in the works.This site can get you started on the basicshttp://www.buildyourguitar.com/resources/lapsteel/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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