Wood and bridge selection for lap steel build (newbie)

[Hardrock ThreeFives]

Hi all;

I'm an accomplished woodworker and I have several fine boards in my shop to choose from: mahogany, walnut, cherry, oak, even pine.

How does the particular wood for the guitar body effect the sound? I've seen lap steels built out of aluminum:

http://www.industrialguitar.com/product-category/industrial-six-string-lapsteels/

Also, how does the type of bridge effect sound (through body vs. top-loading)?

Ditto nut?

Thanks a heap,
-jbb

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Wood and bridge selection for lap steel build (newbie)

You’re opening a HUGE can of worms here.
This debate has been raging for decades.

 

[Hardrock ThreeFives]

Re: Wood and bridge selection for lap steel build (newbie)

RATS. Thank you. I'll search

 

[jeremy]

Re: Wood and bridge selection for lap steel build (newbie)

if i was going to build a lap steel, id build it out of whatever hard wood was available in a big enough chunk to make it one piece and look pretty. not pine since its so soft. for the bridge, top load vs string through body is preference as much as anything but there is a different feel between them.

 

[Chris Pile]

Re: Wood and bridge selection for lap steel build (newbie)

Most modern day pedal steels are made of particle board.... and they sound good.
High dollar pedal steels are mostly maple - and they sound very good.
So a lap steel made of just about any wood will probably sound just as sweet.
Have fun.