Fender Lap Steel Guitar by Billy Penn: 300guitars.com

[idealoser]

cool!!

[Mojorail1966]

great tuning, i use it all the time.

[TheLwaddict]

Is this lap steel similiar to the most recently available Fender lap steel? Looks like a reissue but I've just started spotting them on Amazon and whatnot.

[jessicaaasaunders]

You are awesome!

[reckonimokie]

Billy, what tuning do you have on that giutar? Oops, I hear you now. I didn't have the volumn up. :)

[AlwinVeldhuizen]

I've played the guitar since i was about 12 years old, and i'm 30 now. I'm beginning to like the country/rock style a lot more. My question (to anyone who would like to answer) Is it difficult to learn how to play the lap steel guitar?

[fngrpkn06]

Great playing. Been a lng whiles since I ran across an electric lap steel.

[hammill444]

Yet again, superb playing. But I was curious: in looking at lapsteels of late, I've noticed there would appear to be 2 general types available: the pretty cheap, entry level ones (Eastwood, SX, Rogue, Recording King, Gretsch) with many reported issues, and 2) the very expensive ones, with precious little in between. (I was looking at the Eastwood, but I just don't know). Do you have any recommendations for a good, solid, entry level lap steel- one that might not frustrate in terms of quality?

[300guitars]

@hammill444 This is a good question... I have not tried too many of the newer entry level lap steel models. The one I am playing is a 1955 Fender that I really like a lot. I'd say that if you are serious about playing the lap steel then I would spend the extra money and get a good one so the frustration is kept to a minimum and you can focus on playing. Please let me know which model you buy..!! -Billy

[lighteningboy]

Nice! 

[300guitars]

@lighteningboy Thank you..!! -Billy

[hokiangasinger]

Thanks so much for your advice. I am really looking forward to learning the steel

[300guitars]

@hokiangasinger Yeah...it's a fun instrument. My biggest challenge is playing in tune and that is dependent on having a good ear to begin with and being able to hear yourself clearly on gigs so you can play in tune. Honky Tonkin"..!!! -Billy

[hokiangasinger]

I am thinking of buying one of these- how much do you think I should offer for it?

[300guitars]

@hokiangasinger I have seen these 50s Fender Champ lap steels selling in the $750 range...if it is all original....it's worth it. Trust me...!!! -Billy

[upst8]

Wow I gotta try that - nice job. WIll check out your website , too.

[300guitars]

@upst8 Thank you...feel free to hit me up any time..!!! -Billy

[ralphcz1]

Billy - Great stuff. I just started playing the lap steel and would love to know what string set you use to achieve the tuning. Thanks.

[300guitars]

@ralphcz1 I am using DR Nickel Blues .011 gauge...you could probably use .012's too. Thanks!! -Billy

[vantagestudios]

Is that A9? What is the name of that tuning?

[300guitars]

@vantagestudios I honestly do not know what the name of the tuning is... I just like it and have been using it for a number of years. -Billy

[horbergaren]

you look like a very tiny man, but you play good

[tommyguitar63]

Awesome, Billy...you just gave me a kick in the butt to learn! Long ago my Grandma gave me an old Dickerson lap steel with a bunch of Hawaiian song books I can dig into. Wish I learned to play it when she was still alive. Looking forward to having some fun adding a new weapon to my backline at gigs (I play mostly blues-rock but would like to learn the old country style)

[300guitars]

@tommyguitar63 Sounds great..!!!! Let me know if I can answer any questions for you..!! -Billy

[glimmertwin1977]

Great job! I liked that smooth little finger bend you did at around 1:03 - very faux pedal steel. This is probably one of the best sounding 6 string lap steel demos I have heard on youtube. I gotta get to practicing on this stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[300guitars]

@glimmertwin1977 Thanks..!! I love playing my lap steel. Always feel free to contact me with any questions..!! -Billy

[garywayne1966]

I had one of these at one time, which was given to me by my uncle, who is my mother's oldest brother. About 20 plus years ago, it got destroyed in a mobile home fire. I had the case that came with it as well. I was torn apart to lose it that way. It has a bite to the sound when it is played. My Artisan lap steel does not compare to this one.

[pitol678]

Thanks for this! I want to learn lap steel in this style to begin with. What is the tuning called, I might have missed it in the video. Also, is there a name for what you did with the volume knob? I hear that a lot and always wondered how they did it. Thanks so much for the video, its just what I was looking for!

[300guitars]

@pitol678 Glad I could help..!! I do not know of a specific tuning name for this. The thing I did with the volume control is called a "volume swell". You can do similar effects with the tone control as well. Hit me up if you have more questions..!! -Billy

[mustanglp50]

dumb question, but can you play lap steel on a normal guitar w/out causing any damage to it?

[300guitars]

@mustanglp50 You can tune a regular guitar to an open tuning and play it with a slide in your lap. You may not be able to tune it as high as a lap steel because the string length is longer. Please feel free to ask more questions.. -Billy

[johnnylash]

awesome tunning !!

[gilcmic]

Hey, I just got a Supro 6 string from the 50s or 60s (not sure) and Im trying to restring it and I cant get the bottom of the string to stay in the little triangular holes that theyre supposed to catch on. Is there a method to restringing these? I cant find anything on line ANYWHERE that shows you how to do this?

[300guitars]

@gilcmic I would try to make a 45 degree angle bend right where the ball end is. There are two parts of the string that go around the ball and looks like a Y or a V.....that's where you make that bend. This will help the strings grip in the little triangular holes. Let me know how it goes. -Billy

[gilcmic]

@300guitars Hey billy, thanks for the reply. I went ahead and took care of the stringing and I will keep your method in mind for next time! Thanks again!

[redfacedpresident2]

sexy

[300guitars]

Thanks!!!

[LanceCampeau]

Great video... could you post another video showing some other lap steel tunings?

[psidhrian]

this is what I was looking for!!! THANK YOU!

[300guitars]

You're welcome!! Enjoy the tuning!! -Billy

[hannababalon]

great tuning, thanks for posting the guage...awesome!

[APenisWithLegs]

This sounds proper gwan man proper gwan

[Funkbone]

Sounds great!

I'd love to see you play some more lap steel.

[teeteeboi]

yeah buddy!

[ripperx6x6x]

billy any way you can tab that !!!!!

[actron]

great playing, that sounds fantastic.

[lorenzocard]

Jordan Ruddess, keyboardist of Dream Theater it plays a similar

[300guitars]

Yeah, it's not specifically for tunings. It goes by guages. I find that the .012-.054 works for me. Try it and have fun!!!!!!!

[bradubow]

in order to use your tuning does one buy strings for A6 tuning? E7th, E13th? does it matter? please respond.

[300guitars]

Please refer to the multiple posts above. DR Nickel Blues Strings .012-.054 roundwound.

[JodySuchard]

I know what you are asking,dont think you can buy sets for certain tunings,you need to figure out what tuning you want to use and tell the clerk at the music store , he will then pick out individual string guages for that tuning.your best bet is to go to a pedal steel guitar shop and discuss it with the clerk.good luck bud.

[JodySuchard]

I know what you are saying,no you dont buy strings for specific tuning,same strings for most or all tunings,best bet is to go to a pedal steel guitar shop and explain what you have and what tuning you want to use and the clerk will pick out individual strings,reg music store not a good idea because they dont normally deal with this specific type of instrument.good luck.

[bradubow]

I'm trying to find out how to duplicate your tuning. what string tuning do you buy

A6? C6?

[bradubow]

I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. I'didn't mean the brand of string. Is there a certain string set in a certain key that one buys in order to tune like you have ( I use gbdgbd and buy strings made for that tuning). What should I ask for for your tuning? Thanks.

[300guitars]

.012-.054 guage strings. DR Nickel roundwound. Any brand but I am using this guage.

[bradubow]

what strings do you buy for that tuning?

[300guitars]

I have been buying the DR Strings Nickel Blues sets lately. The sound great for the lapsteel as well as my regular guitars.

[snookfook]

can you take a normal guitar, say, a fender strat, tune it and use it like a lap steel? I've never actually seen a lap steel in real life before so I don't know how similar they are and if this would be possible

[300guitars]

You can use the tuning but it may not work as well unless you raise the action ont he guitar. Try it and see whathappens. Experiment!

[noweirdbeard]

Billy thanks for the tuning. I have been trying to learn a Wrinkle neck Mules song in a C-6 and something was just not quite right. I totally just nailed it in this tuning.

[300guitars]

Cooool! Let me know if you put a clip up. I'd love to hear it!!

[noweirdbeard]

Billy thanks for this tuning. I have been trying to figure out a Wrinkle neck Mules song in a C-6 and something was just not quite right.. I just totally nailed it with this tuning!

[jarqlore]

That last part like something from Ed and Eddn and Eddy when he makes the volume change I love it!

[300guitars]

LOL!!!!!

[LoveSponge07]

sounds like spongebob theme music

[gomesj01]

Does it have a nasal sound or a sweet sound? What is your opinion? From youtube it is heard to understand the exact sound.

I am looking for a lap steel that sounds sweet. Some of the ones I saw has a nasal sound, the kind of that you hear when someone is trying to sing through his/her nose.

Let me know if you have any suggestions.

[b33133rice]

Sounds like a Hank Williams song.

[SonnyREast]

I would like to get me decent quality,affordable lap steel to learn on.

[300guitars]

I'm not 100% sure. I got this tuning years ago and it just works. Try it and have fun!

[johnPiercey]

Sounds like a good tuning. How does this tuning differ from CEGACE? I'm new to lapsteel and I understand, I think, that CEGACE are the middle 6 strings from a country 8-string tuning, but your tuning somehow sounds more like that ol' time country lapsteel sound.

[300guitars]

Yes, open tuning. I am just muting the other strings so they don't ring and interfere with watchers trying to tune with the video. Have fun!!

[justFUNdimples]

Was that an open tuning you did? I wasn't sure if you were using your fingure to point to the strings or what. Sounds good tho, i've been trying to get that old time country sound out of my lap steel... can't wait to try this tuning out.

[squierplayer]

could you make some videos on how to play a slide on electric to make it sound like a lap steel guitar? nice playin by the way

[JoeBarcus]

great tuning what gauge strings are you using with this tuning as well

[300guitars]

Thank you and God Bless!!!!

[JohnMalcolm]

Oh Yeah!! Thanks for sharing your guitar, your knowledge, and your music. So good! Look after yourself man; we want you around for a long time.

[300guitars]

Cool! Have fun!!!

[tritonstu]

Great tunning tip! Playing Blue Moon Of Kentucky off the back of it in mins. Cheers from the UK!

[300guitars]

I'll give you $60.00, and that's cash! Just kidding. I would think that if it is all original and good condish like you say then $500-$600 would be my guess. I am not a dealer, just a player and enthusiast. Jim at Hoboken Vintage could tell you better. Google them on the web.

[whyszguy]

i'm selling my 55 fender lap steel with original case. any idea what it's worth. it's in very good condition and doesn't even buzz i just don't know what to sell it for

[300guitars]

I use DR Blues sets. Nickel round wound. The work for me.

[whyszguy]

i just got a 40s or 50s 6 string fender lap. what is a good guage if i want to stay with regular guitar tuning until i get better at it i don't understand the a9 or c6 difference. since i've never played one and could i use regular thick guage guitar round wound strings on it?

[300guitars]

I think a set of .011-.048 or .012-.054 guage should do it. Keep me posted!

[whyszguy]

are we talking about lap steel strings or regular nickel round wound guitar strings

[300guitars]

.012-.054 guage strings. DR Nickel roundwound. Yeah, Hank Williams and all those guys. Check out Cindy Cashdollar. She is awesome. She plays with Redd Volkaert alot and they both compliment each other very well.

[300guitars]

No, these are open strings. Just tune the strings open and you are on your way. That sounds like a really cool guitar! If you can take a photo and send it to me. I will put it in the Guitar Gallery. Have fun!!!!!

[camgraham2]

Would you please tell me what string gauges you're using? Nice playing, just what I like about the old Hank Williams steel player stuff!

[AveLguy]

Hi Billy, In the video, when you tune, did you fret with the tone bar for each string at the nut? or do you tune each string A E fs A bs E all open. I don't know how to tune no less play any instrument, but I desire to learn now, as I recently acquired a six string 1955/57 WHITE made by Fender, what a beauty, and it still has it's original three adjustable legs and hard case.

[rkharper]

wow, was it the one, you found on eBay? I had my eyes on that one too!!! enjoy it, that one was really clean!

[300guitars]

No. I have owned this lap steel for over 10 years. It is definitely cool. Thanks!

[rkharper]

oh, I'm sorry, I meant the white lap steel, from AveLguy ! haha, yes, the Fenders from the 50ties are killer, I had a champ from 1656, but the fool I am, I sold it....

[300guitars]

Yeah, it's cool. It' is the only lap steel I own at the moment.

[300guitars]

Great! Enjoy!

[davefranklinmartin]

Awesome! I just started playing the lap steel, and your video is very short but VERY informative! This is the first video I've found that doesn't lean more towards Hawaiian or New Grass, which is great because the only reason I picked the instrument up was to play Hank and Patsy. Now I have a good tuning and a couple of licks to build on. Thanks very much!

[Plutoloco4]

Hell yeah!

[crazycuntryboy2]

That sounds like Honky Tonk to me!

[Deadfreeeak]

sound like gold

[300guitars]

Thank you!

[Deadfreeeak]

Not just the lap ....but you too !!!

[300guitars]

Thank you. Kenny Aaronson (bass player for many artists such as Billy Idol, Joan Jett and Bob Dylan) gave me this tuning a bunch of years ago and never really gave it much thought about being Eb. You can adapt it to E obviously by raising each string by a half step. I hope the tuning is useful to you. It is a cool sound for sure!

[jomo3309]

Hi

Nice work on that old steel. Just out of curiosity why do you play in Eb when the guitar is tunes to A-440?

Thanks

[MangoDaVille]

Thanks for the tuning - now I have something to do with my six-strings. I favor the 8 string for mellow Hawaiian stuff.

Mahalo, Johnny Pal

[dannycrombie]

one of those bits sounded like a byrds part from sweetheart of the rodeo!

I'd love to learn how to play lap steel!!

[farismusic1]

nice tuning, thank you

[JushGus]

what kind of amp are you using?

[300guitars]

For this video demo I used my 1966 Fender Vibro Champ. It is factory stock, no mods. When I use the lap steel out on a gig I use my 5F6-A 4x10 Bassman clone I built. It rips!!!!

[300guitars]

.012-.054 roundwound. I like DR nickel strings.

[calledoz12]

What string gauges do you use?

[monstercatambush]

That was a really well done vid! I've got an old 60's Gretsch lap steel that my brother gave me which a neighbor gave him rather than throw it away(!!!) The classic story of "dad bought it new, never learned to play, chucked it in the closet and now he's dead". Anyway, never knew how to tune it and stumbled on your video while trying to find out more about it. I've played six string for years so now that I know how to tune it... LOOK OUT! Thanks much for the lesson!

[300guitars]

10-4, I'm glad I could help!!!

[melvis24]

Wow, string pull trick.

[smokybrick]

Wow wow wow very cool. Great sound and thanks for the tuning. Thanks :)

[PinkEyedSyndrome]

Cool. I play bass and i was thinking of getting one of these...

[300guitars]

No, nice clean honky tonkin'! Maybe next time I will do a more bluesy one. Thanks!!

[IsnatchedUrHero]

PUT SOME DISTORTION ON IT, MAN

jk