|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973 |
Hi All
Well here we go again looking for a new challenge.
I have been watching videos on YouTube,guys playing
Lap Steel but I wondered if anyone here could tell me anything
about them.
Do I need 6 string or 8 - Which tuning - which make does it matter.
So many questions,hope someone can help.
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Most lap steels are 6 string. Rondo Music sells a model for maybe under $100, that would be an inexpensive way to see if it works for you. On a Pedal Steel, E9 tuning is the preferred for a single neck, with C6 usually being on the second neck. Most of those are at least 8, but mostly 10 strings with various combinations of pedals and knee levers.
google it theres lots of info on learning, tunings, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973 |
Thanks toucher
I forgot to mention I can play Pedal Steel but I don't have one anymore
due to an unfortunate experience with one a couple of years ago.
I was wondering if the $100 Lap Steel was false economy,but as you say,at
least it would serve as a test to see if I took to it.
Ebay may be another possibility.
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Heck if you play pedal steel, just get you a Carter Starter steel. Then you'll have both, if you just play it without pedals.......:)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
I bought one of the $100 laps and the only fault I found was the nut was too weak and did not support the heavier wound strings, giving a distorted sound. I may replace it with another made out of harder wood. The other thing was the pickup plug was poorly made and maybe the whole setup, just what I know on them.
PS I can't play one either but that's not the fault of the instrument. Ha
Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi Alan
i have been making and playing a lap guitar for many years there are many different tunings and the main one is how the Hiwaiians tune theres which is played in the A tuning i have always played mine in the D tuning which is what the banjo is tuned to and the standard slide guitar, top to bottom D,B,G.D,B,G so when you put you bar on the strings it plays a basic chord,i think one of the top players is a guy called Jerry Byrd
What i did before i made my fist one was to get a bit of small copper pipe and made a nut which lifted the strings up high enough and then make or buy a slide i use a bullet type which is round some use a flat slide then you can tune your guitar to what ever you want this is just a quick way to try one of your old guitars without hurting it in any way
if you ever what to make one i have all the information on how to design and to get the frets the right width and make your own pick ups all i ever had to buy was the tuning gears but as i said try it out on a old guitar it sounds as good as anything, the last one i made was a twin necked so you can have two different tunings
if you can, listen to some slack key players,they are the one to hear and listen to some of the top Drobo players as they use the basic tunings
all the ones i have seen are six strings as there is no need for more as the original lap guitars where ordinary guitars with the strings raised it was only when the electric pickups arrived they made the modern style lap guitars
best wishes Dave
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
alan, i'd love to hear you on a dobro. please consider it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
Dave, I have a question on the "Nut" you made from a copper tube. Did you hammer it into a rt angle and drill 2 holes for screws to hold it in place and did you notch the tube for the strings to rest on?
I've been putting off making a new nut because i wondered what material would work well. I had not considered a copper tube.
Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973 |
Dave
I've been looking at the commercial Lap Steels and I have come accross a lot of people who,due
to the expense have built their own.
My problem is that I don't have many tools so how do you make a cut for the pick-up,how do
you measure the scale length what dimensions are the body,what about the fretboard?
Tell you what,just tell us everything?lol
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi
you need to make your nut to fit over the nut you all ready have so you don`t have to touch your guitar,take a piece of the small standard copper pipe i think its 22mm hammer it so it goes more oval you then cut one side so its longer and rest on the guitar head and the cut the other side so it rest on the finger board you and fit a small piece of plastic under both sides so it does not scratch the guitar you then use a jnr hacksaw and cut the string slots to the same as the nut you have on the guitar,useing this you lift the strings high enough to play it as a lap guitar,
regards Dave
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi Alan
i will get it all together over the weekend and i`ll put a picture as well, if you can remember when you had the pedal steel its more or less the same you have a piece of wood as the bass with one end cut like a guitar head for the tuners and then a piece of wood for the fingerboard,anyway i ll get it together and then you can decide i would say the only difficult bit is winding the coil for the pick up as the copper wire is a bit thin
best wishes Dave
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973 |
Hi Dave
Excellent and thank you.
Regarding the Pick-up,I have a lot of Fender Pick-ups in my spares box
so it is my intention to use one of those,as I am looking to try a 6 string
to start with,they should do fine.Can't wait.He He
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi Alan
Good that has saved you a lot of work which tends to send other people round the bend when the copper wire breaks just as your 3/4 through the coil, i have just fished out how to measure the fret positions,
Measure the scale length( middle of top nut or where the strings touch to where the strings go across the bridge) and divide this by 17.835 this gives the distance away from the nut for the first fret , deduct the first anwser from the remaining length and divide this once again by 17,835 this operation is performed throughout for the remaining frets
so if the scale length was say 23 inches devide by 17,835 which would be 2 inches this is taken away from the 23 which leaves 21 inch which is devided by 17,835 which would leave the next fret 1.7/8th and so on the frets getting smaller with each calcurlation( these are not real sizes)
if theres anything you don`t understand just ask
best wishes Dave
Last edited by jazzband; 03/19/09 08:50 AM.
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 474 |
If you want to try to build a basic steel guitar, try to google: build your guitar.com
On the top row tuch "resources", and you find: "building a lap steel guitar".
The basic easy lap steel do not seem to difficult to make.
Best regards
Tono
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 172
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 172 |
Great info... I've been looking into one (need one for the band, for obvious reasons <g>). In the past, I've approximated the whole thing by jamming a large pencil under the strings of one of my guitars right at the nut... It's shocking how well that works as a quick and dirty solution heh heh 
----- Do you love the Floyd as much as I do? If so, click away the moments that make up the dull day: www.canadianpinkfloyd.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 29
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 29 |
Here's a link to the one I would like to build.. There are so You tube video's on site also and its well worth a listen http://www.dynalap.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 973 |
Like the Dynalap Kit,I reckon even I could build that.
Problem is the postage and import duty,and would they ship to the UK?
Very tempted though.Thanks for posting.
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,438
Posts805,130
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean