2x4 Lap Steel

[JB_From_Hell]

I just finished up a year long home improvement project, while simultaneously jonesing for a lap steel. Since the tools are all still out and warmed up, I think I want to build a 2x4 lap steel. Those cigar boxes and Justin Johnson's 3 string shovel guitar look interesting, as well...

Anybody built any of the above?

 

[jeremy]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

ive done cigar boxes before, they are a fun little thing to have around but most people use them as a gimmick live

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

With the lap steel, provided I put a decent pickup and functioning hardware, it shouldn't be any worse than any other lap steel, right? A nice resonant body doesn't seem to be all that necessary with one.

 

[Wattage]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

No but go for it!

 

[jeremy]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

itll do just fine. would one made of out maple sound better? dunno but if you find you like the 2x4 version, you could always upgrade to something different down the line

 

[Mincer]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

Most lap steels use the cheapest wood. I think whatever you have would be fine.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

This one is gonna be pine with a Tele bridge pickup, Squier tuners, and 1/2" all thread for the bridge and nut. These are carefully selected materials, and definitely not just a bunch of junk I found in the garage.

 

[jeremy]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

lol perfect! i bet in the right hands itll sound great as long as it stays in tune

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

I tried making a 2x4 lapsteel years ago, and abandoned the project when it started turning out crappier than I'd anticipated.
:chairfall

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

I tried making a 2x4 lapsteel years ago, and abandoned the project when it started turning out crappier than I'd anticipated.
:chairfall

Hmm... I'm anticipating this to be pretty crappy, so we'll see if my expectations are lower than yours.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

The shaping of the headstock and transition into the body is where it got difficult.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: 2x4 Lap Steel

Construction has begun. Lumber is cut to length and the headstock is *extremely* roughed out. Pics to follow.