Strat pickup for lap steel

vinnie1971

vinnie1971

New member
High all
I got a budget lap steel. It plays well but the budget ceramic pickup sounds ok, just characterless.

I’d like a bit of sparkle that will be crystalline and bell like clean but gritty with a bit of drive.

We’re tuned to Dobro open G (GBDGBD) and I play country-blues-rock quite rootsy.

I’m thinking the flat pole SSL-2 is going to work well. Any thoughts, views or alternative suggestions?

The rout and pickguard are geared for a strat pickup only.
 
Last edited:
Re: Strat pickup for lap steel

ive never tried something as weak as a ssl2 in a lap. whats the scale? i might go for something with a little more juice. twangbanger or ssl6 maybe?
 
Strat pickup for lap steel

jeremy said:
ive never tried something as weak as a ssl2 in a lap. whats the scale? i might go for something with a little more juice. twangbanger or ssl6 maybe?
Click to expand...

It’s very short. I thought SSL-2 as the original champion lap steels had very low DCR pickups in - the very first telecasters had a lap steel pickup in the bridge . It’s current pickup doesn’t even quite hit 6K but it’s got a big ceramic magnet - like a Squier SE strat pickup.

Thanks for the suggestions


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Re: Strat pickup for lap steel

nothing wrong with a ssl2 and it might suit your needs fine. im not a big lapsteel player but have played a bit and i if were me, id probably go for the twangbanger to cut a bit of the sharp top end off if you are playing through bigger amps. if you are using a small tube combo, the ssl2 would probably sound great
 
Re: Strat pickup for lap steel

Maybe an SD Hot For Strat SSL-3 (Alnico V) which is what I have. I plan on using it in the neck position of my '96 MIM Fender Stratocaster guitar for full effect.



;>)/
 
Re: Strat pickup for lap steel

The TwangBanger or even the Classic Stack would be a good choice (if the cavity is deep enough).
 
Strat pickup for lap steel

Mincer said:
The TwangBanger or even the Classic Stack would be a good choice (if the cavity is deep enough).
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone.

The rout will not take a stacked pickup - it’s tight!


Maybe a rail type pickup could work but then I think I’ll lose the character - but it’ll probably still sound cool.

Looks like the twang banger is the way forward. The telecaster twang is what’s needed I think.

But I notice the poles are staggered. Will that affect string to string balance on a lap steel where the strings are flat?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Re: Strat pickup for lap steel

vinnie1971 said:
But I notice the poles are staggered. Will that affect string to string balance on a lap steel where the strings are flat?
Click to expand...

That shouldn't be problem. But if you really hear one, just use a wound G string.
 
Re: Strat pickup for lap steel

Thanks everyone for your recommendations- in the end I’ve settled for a Bill Lawrence L250 stacked humbucker.

I’ve heard good things about those and I’ve never tried one...

Can’t wait to hear how that sounds


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: Strat pickup for lap steel

Oh yes!!!
The Bill Lawrence L250 is perfect [emoji108] and no hum!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top