Seeking Lap Steel for beginner advice

[unfun75]

This

or

this

or other suggestions.

Thanks!

[crunchee]

I like the looks of the SX lapsteel, but nearly every new cheap/student level lap steel has a Strat-style single coil pickup, not much variation in choice it seems. I WAS going to recommend finding a cheap vintage one (and there are literally TONS of old lap steels out there) but I just checked Ebay, and if they aren't outrageously priced, it's because they're broken or not in playing condition. But who knows, you might get lucky at a flea market, yard sale, on Craigslist or somewhere else.

[hamerhead]

I have an ultra-cheap Artisan like the one in the top link, but without the legs. It's good for what it is - a 2x4 with strings.

Never tried the guitar-shaped kind, but either look like a decent enough way to get your feet wet. And at $100, you won't break the bank finding out if it's your thing or not.

[Steve Haynie]

Either one will do since they are the same price. Both have modern electric guitar parts rather than something specifically meant for steel guitars.

You can look for something vintage. Search for a White brand steel if you cannot afford Fender. White was a student line of Fender. Some steel players prefer Supro to National even though they were both made by Valco at one point. Magnatones are cheaper. Be informed that some of those old steels that are covered in mother-of-toilet-seat have no access to the electronics inside.

[hrtatak]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-tradit...er-slide-guitar

[unfun75]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-tradit...er-slide-guitar

I saw that one but it seems to be made for playing while standing. I'm interested in sitting!

[Ethan]

I've heard good stuff about the SX gear in general, and the legs like the Rogue has aren't my thing...I have a Chandler...

[unfun75]

Who sells Chandler? I like the look of those.

[killerteddybear]

I bought a Chandler a couple years ago and promptly never used it... but that's my fault. It's a damned nice instrument.

Guitar Center / MF used to sell them - now I think you buy direct.

Buffalo Brothers has a few vintage units in the $300 - $500 range.