Which Lap Steel Should You Buy?

Wondering what lap steel to buy? I don't have the answer. But I do have the right questions to ask!
Steels in this video
Recording King RG-35-SN
Asher Guitars Electro Hawaiian Jr.
Warmoth/Apocalypse Machine Thinline
Asher Guitars Custom Electro Hawaiian
Apocalypse Machine #1 and #2
Original instrumental music
open.spotify.c...
Original songs
open.spotify.c...

[@macinfloydvolk]

just bought me a 1962 Gibson Korina Skylark ...

[@BlakeHouse-j3u]

A couple of people mentioned random cheap electric guitar , with a nut riser . Maybe . It all depends on which tuning(s) you use . If you play Open D like Matt does , yeah that will work . If you use certain Steel Tunings , with proper string gages , the round neck can't take the tension .

[@terrysilverback8604]

My Friend thx for sharing. I kinda lost a big portion of use with my left hand which will require surgery. That said I was despondent. Ya know feeling sorry for myself. I wanted to know the joy of music once again. When I realized guitar was not in my near future I stumbled upon you and a couple others. Suddenly a smile. No I will not be able to purchase anything near what you have. There maybe something out there for me . Thx for sharing 😊

[@ampman45]

Great video... I'm just getting started.... I may build one as well, do you recommend a Fender scale?

[@MattBradfordmusic]

@@ampman45 I think it’s all very personal. I prefer longer scales personally, and fenders are good example

[@peternardone3669]

Are you familiar with Fouke guitars? Chris Fouke makes aluminum hollow body lap steels. I’m considering ordering one myself

[@MattBradfordmusic]

@@peternardone3669 never heard of them!!!

[@7echoseven7]

I have a Deusenburg.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I've heard they're great!

[@tclark5481]

OK 1. where did ya get the shirt. LOL and 2. how do you feel about the Gold Tone LS6 at about $800? Do you think it compares to the Asher?

[@MattBradfordmusic]

1. Sixdollarshirts.com 2. I’ve never played one, so I can’t give you an informed answer!

[@terryrustad1800]

I am a 62 year old novice when it comes to laptop guitars and this is the most informative, inspiring and entertaining video I have come across on KZbin thus far in my search for knowledge regarding getting started playing. Well done indeed Matt, absolutely 💯% Excellent Video... Gratitude and Appreciation! 🎸

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I'm really glad you dig it! Good luck on your journey!

[@arupratan1978]

Please check how to use Jawari Guitar Tone bar to produce Jawari sound similar to Sitar in ordinary Hawaiian lapstyle guitar kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6ndiaBjqMeehdksi=_UGbLs3uf7fWaT0S

[@pharmerdavid1432]

68 here in Portland, and I agree, it's one of the most informative I've seen. I really want a Oahu "Diana", because there is a really good video by that name, and it's my beloved younger sister's name. The newer copies seem to be more solidly built, but I still want an old one too. I've loved lap slide since seeing Kelly Joe Phelps play around here for free in the early 1990's, his first record "Lead Me On" (1994) is still my favorite. I even bought a guitar like he used back then, a 1966 Gibson FJN with 2" wide fretboard and 12th-fret neck joint - Epiphone made a similar guitar but with maple back and sides (Jackson Browne plays one Spanish style, as they were designed). I loved seeing this video and will be watching it again, appreciated...!

[@modularcuriosity]

I love my SX8 in ACEGACEG tuning (low to high). At about $250 it's a great intro to intermediate guitar. But I'd love to have about 3 more in different tunings. 🙂 I would absolutely steer people away from the Artisian/Rogue type of Chinese lap steels. The scale length is way too short and the quality is awful. If you upgrade to the 22 1/2" scale length using the George Boards upgrade kit then it's almost usable. But the lack of quality is still apparent. The Recording King is universally seen as a great starter lap steel and we can see why in this video. I may have to pick one up.

[@marklong2951]

What tuning do you use?

[@kynanmatz3678]

I am also an ex-luthier who now just builds for myself and happens to love cats. Having recently gotten interested in crossing over to rock lap steel, your videos are great! No B.S., no ego, just great music and cool delivery. Lots of useful info in this one. I’m turning a spare piece of walnut into a lap steel and trying epoxy inlay. I hope it turns out sounding half as good as yours!

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thank you! Glad you dig it!!!

[@arupratan1978]

Please check how to use Jawari Guitar Tone bar to produce Jawari sound similar to Sitar in ordinary Hawaiian lapstyle guitar kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6ndiaBjqMeehdksi=_UGbLs3uf7fWaT0S

[@arupratan1978]

Please check how to use Jawari Guitar Tone bar to produce Jawari sound similar to Sitar in ordinary Hawaiian lapstyle guitar kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6ndiaBjqMeehdksi=_UGbLs3uf7fWaT0S

[@bojangprodoktschns5428]

By far the cheapest option is to use a nutraiser on a used guitar. Originally Hawaiian Guitars were just that: regular guitars with a nutraiser. It's especially helpful for rock oriented playing as most vintage steels are single coil, but you'll find any kind of pickup from humbucker over goldfoil to lipstick on cheap used guitars. I use a nutraiser ($10) on a daisy rock ($27 used... because it had (eeew!) girl poison on it.) Also, you won't need to worry about most problems with buying used guitars like action, fret ware and neck issues. And it can even have a peculiar effect on the audience, as you are not playing a strange unfamiliar instrument but a familiar regular guitar in a strangely creative way.

[@fntsmk]

All of them. I'm up to 11 now in the last 2 months!

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Welcome

[@markwentland3147]

I have an Asher Hawaiian its awsome , i got all the upgrades when i bought it. ❤

[@kentlindsaymusic]

Fancy knobs are the key.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

😂😂😂 dude. It’s a disease.

[@ramsaylopez1567]

Superb information with no B.S. Just straight talk. Matt knows what he is talking about and you can take it to the bank. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us all.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

glad you dig it!

[@larryhays6058]

Thank you 👍

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thank YOU!

[@howardbarnes5758]

Tnx for the info. Learned alot. Your good on these things!😊

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Glad you dug it!

[@FrankOWahl]

I put wilkinson compesated brass tele bridge saddles on my DIY tele. They are slick. Good vid. Been looking for a lap steel.

[@cacaloca5434]

I'd like an asher. My gretsch is a 22.5 scale length and cant do c6 well. Low end is not tight

[@jbrisson1]

Love your videos. I know what tuning you use, but what strings?

[@jdfolbre]

What about the 8 string model for a beginner?

[@margarethouse404]

Simple answer - No Long answer - Rock , heavy Blues , traditional Blues , traditional Country , and Neo Bluegrass Americana are all done around 6 string Open Tunings . ( Open D for Matt , High Open G for most non guitar players coming from Dobro .) Western Swing , and Traditional Hawaiian use complex tunings , that work best with 8 strings C6 , G6 , E9 , and dozens more of expert players pretty much making their own . Lots of possibilities of different intervals , major or minor , with little bar movement . But you give up the ability to have a full chord , with a full strum at any bar position . You've got to be more concerned with which string to Avoid at any moment , than which one to hit . Learn the basics of bar techniques and pick techniques with 6 strings first , and contemplate moving to 8 later . Yeah , yeah . Theoretically you could have an 8 string , and only string up with 6 . Sometimes that will work .But all 8 stringers don't necessarily have a proportionally wide enough neck , and the string spacing ends up narrower . Check the Specs .

[@jdfolbre]

@@margarethouse404 thank you!

[@markgrimm3564]

what amp are you playing through and any effects added .man love your tone on them

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I'm going straight in on a black volt crazy horse. In logic, i'm adding some verb and delay. Glad you dig it!!!

[@1truemoose]

Glad I found your channel. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thanks brotha!

[@acuteonchronic1450]

Thanks for sharing your opinion…! Your videos are very helpful for autodidacts like me. Waiting for the next lesson like a child before christmas. Nice stuff you‘re uploading here, man. Apriciate it a lot.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thanks brotha! Next thursday!

[@jmsjms296]

A vintage Supro with the string through pickup... Good luck! 🤟

[@joeking433]

How they can make a $1000 lap steel is beyond me!

[@gfirob]

Well, I am a recent lap steel arrival. I have played Wiesenborn style slide, mostly influenced by John Fahey from back in the day, but I really got interested in electric lap steel and have been feeling my way. Your videos have the most accessible feel, least contrived presentation and I think are most relatable to regular musicians, so thanks for that. I recently bought a ’50’s Rickenbacker Panda and as a result of enjoying that, I found an early 30’s square neck National tricone, very different guitars for sure. I am most comfortable in open G, but I can play in open D and I can see from your playing why it is appealing. Anyway, I mostly wanted to express my appreciation for your teaching style and your musical style and I really enjoyed the no bullshit presentation of which lap steel to buy. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@angelsrr]

as close to a perfect demo as I can imagine. thank you, much appreciated.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thank you! Glad you dig it!!!

[@Tempest19901]

Enjoyed your video and playing. I also own the same Recording King...and an Asher Jr. Hawaiian. I enjoy the tone, sustain and scale length of the Asher more. Has more of a guitar sound to my ears. Can tell the quality difference IMHO. I will check out more of your videos.

[@renescheller426]

Hi Matt,.. i never played lap steel guitar(I should try it) ...but u Matt, ..(JAH..Lord r mercy) ..u are playing those guitars like no-one else..i always love what u are playing❤...u have an unbelievable feeling for those guitars/sounds and riddims.🔥🔥(I still ask myself, what this guy smoke😆)... I enjoy this video very much👌..understand and feel everything what u say, what u know and feeling. ..Thank u Matt... for always sharing your wonderful playing and Feelings with us.🤩🙏 you are always a huge Inspiration to me 🙌 keep on playing😉 Greetings from🇨🇭🕉

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I'm glad you dig it!!! Thanks Rene!

[@78tag]

My favorite "look" is your red Apocalypse Machine Lap Steel - NATIONAL "New Yorker" style body shape - you can probably guess why.

[@edwardbottombunkpot]

I’m just about to get started in to steel laps looking at Duesenberg Lapsteels | Pomona6 any thoughts be great sir

[@boriscat1999]

your playing is sick. I love the energy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I picked up an inexpensive lap steel to learn on, and a riser nut that I put on a junk guitar that had glue all over the fret board. (thanks guitar center for picking the absolute worst guitar when I tried to use my coupon on top of a discount)

[@MattBradfordmusic]

@@boriscat1999 thanks dude! Welcome to the club!

[@Stlie1]

None with Valco pickup?

[@swaffy101]

That green one is absolutely stunning! I think the red one with the p-90 is the best sounding. I would love to have one!

[@RecordingKingOfficial]

Thanks Matt! Great video!!

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thank YOU guys for the awesome instruments!

[@GaryBook]

Great overview. Job well done.

[@BadTemperJoe]

I've always had problems with electric lap steels. I like other people playing them, but they never really work for me. I love my weissenborns and resonators and recently set up an old archtop guitar for lap style. I think that's the closest I'll ever get to playing an electric lap steel again. This video is very informative. I like your videos and your approach to playing lap style. Keep up the good work. And more lessons please. They are pure gold and inspiration.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thanks dude! Another lesson next week! You're rad!

[@mmahtnart8986]

Talk to Greg Leisz.

[@georged9615]

Thanks, Matt. My second video of yours and now subscribed! I've been playing guitar all my life and over the past several years I've been looking at lap steels and now I'm ready to get one. This video has been a huge help. I'll probably go with a Recording King as a starter.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

That's awesome!

[@TechMule59]

Thanks for taking the time to share and compare. Your playing is great and I love the tone you get. Keep it coming. I have the cheap Rogue and I'm about ready to order an Asher to up my game.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Awesome!

[@ryandbrotherton9335]

Can i start with just a regular electric guitar and work up to those?

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Of course! There are no "rules!" These are just my opinions!

[@jerryhubbard4461]

You left out the Mac daddy, Duesenberg.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Just workin with what I got!

[@rawkzilla2319]

I recently subbed & I'm totally digging everything about your channel. Great info ...I'm wanting to get a lap steel & will probably start with the Recording King per your comments. Thnx Matt ~ Jam on! 🎸💫🎶

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Awesome! Glad you dig it!

[@rawkzilla2319]

@@MattBradfordmusic Absolutely man. Keep jamming...like we could actually stop. LOL 🎸🧬

[@NINEWALKING]

Awesome video, Matt! Love your approach, and as you know, I love your playing, too. You are getting awesome sounds, no matter what you use. I wonder what are those double cream PAF's they look and sound so tasty ❤❤❤

[@MattBradfordmusic]

They are Wagner Godwoods. Jim Wagner makes hands down my favorite humuckers. Better clean up and vol roll off than any other humbucker.

[@NINEWALKING]

@@MattBradfordmusic awesome

[@joeking433]

Lap steels are so simple to make! It's not like a guitar where you have to deal with fretwork which is 90% of a guitar's complexity. In fact it would be super easy to turn any $100 Amazon guitar into a lap steel.

[@artprince9163]

I have 2 Chandler RH2 lap steels, one with the hard case and one with a gig bag. Quality USA made lap steels. Also have a V-Muse frying pan shape lap steel with gig bag. Made in USA as well. Different tunings for each but all are 6 stringers. I do have one 8 stringer but never play it, at least not yet.

[@jayhernandez8965]

Great video brother. I've been wanting to get into lap steel because of Ben Harper. But I don't want to spend 4 grand on an Asher just yet.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I hope this helps!

[@margarethouse404]

You don't have to , unless you want to . Matt wasn't kidding that the Recording King , or equivalent in same price range can get done anything that you need to do .

[@JCroozy]

I got an Electro Hawaiian Jr several years ago and I couldn't be more happy. Good video!😊

[@sbootstrap4588]

Thanks for taking the time. Every word you said was helpful, and you are deeply insightful. I came here to learn about lap steel considerations, but you are such a unique person, you could have been discussing which tools you like best from your toolbox, and I would want to hear it…! I would be interested in your take on benders…which as a novice, seem to me like a worthy feature to expand the capabilities of the lap steel (I’m referring to palm benders like the Duesenberg Multibender add on and similar). Cheers!

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

National white pearloid circa 1960 is the best. Ideal airplane carry on size. Great sound driving through Fender Princeton Reverb.

[@BlackbrushAmbientGuitar]

Thanks man! You are the best!!!!

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Thanks!!! Glad you dig it!

[@richsackett3423]

Compensated Tele saddles are as common as muck anymore. That's getting to be the default. Thank you for the great Lap Steel Appreciation class.

[@deeman524]

Thqnk you, I play electric guitar and I would rather have the lap steel machine instead of the guitar. Talk to me about soft music and music genres on the lap steel

[@StevanAhlbeck]

I am new to lapsteel ... I hear the difference between the different instruments. I purchased a Recording King and was very disappointed. The pickup broke and came apart. I broke two strings two. After replacing the strings I was further disappointed by bad string replacement technique. Needless to say I was discouraged. However, the good part about this is that I learned a lot. I am about to purchase a resonator (will save the 7 watt amp). Thank you for the encouragement. Will take it at a much slower pace and this time have fun. Really like the guitars you have made. Would be nice to know why you made the decisions with each guitar. Would help even the time comes to upgrade my equipment... once again... thank you... you put me back on track.

[@chriswest8013]

Love this guy!

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Glad you dig it!

[@willhouston4493]

Just came across you a few days ago, love your content and style. I've been wondering about the red and green, now I know, great looking and sounding builds.

[@zlotan666]

thank you for sharing this! i love your instruments... Wow!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

One word "Meowdy!" Thanks for the great info 🎸🎶🌎☮

[@markgrimm3564]

so matt what is the string spacing that you prefer

[@TheNatureOfTruth]

Great video Matt, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Just curious, did you ever try the Epiphone Electar lap steel? It's slightly more expensive than the Recording King, but seems to be quite popular. Would be interested in your thoughts on it

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I have not!

[@DanFuzz2009]

Why the scarf?

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Mute the strings behind the capo when I use one.

[@kansasblues]

great info dude, i got that recording king a couple of years ago and recently installed Certano benders on it, doubled the value, i know but i like it and thats all that matters. I’ve subscribed i like your channel

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Glad you dig it!

[@Joe30pack]

So cool. Awesome video.

[@graysaw]

Hey Matt, dig your luthier history! Quick question, what’s a common string gage do you use?

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I use John Pearse #3000 16-59 strings on everything(except the baritones)

[@justinwilson4795]

Awesome video! Love the idea of building my own lap steel. Just may have to give it a try.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

You should!

[@margarethouse404]

I have some Vintage , but my " Good " Modern instrument is an Electro Hawaiian Jr . Great quality, the 25 inch scale , and got a pre 2017 at a great price . The only problem is the Tone . :( It would work well for what Matt is playing today , but for Traditional Country , too dark and muddy . Even with amp settings all the way bright , I just could Not get it to " Twang " . With radical pickup adjustments , plus an EQ pedal , finally could get some not terrible tones . From reading up , and asking advice , rewiring the HB to each be Parallel should get me much closer . But can't quite bring myself to make my expensive ( to me ) instrument the guinna pig for my first souldering iron experements . Meanwhile , my #2 Modern Steel , Gretsch G5700 has perfect tone ! But despite it being a close copy of a 1963 Gretsch , the final specs must have been set by a non player :( . The string hight is too low , and the spacing too narrow . But adding a Nut Riser , gives a 50% improvement on each , enough to make it reasonably playable .

[@cacaloca5434]

What string gauges do you use for the Gretsch. I want to tune to c6, but no strings I use work. Ive tried many packs of c6 strings

[@margarethouse404]

Meanwhile . this past weekend , just picked up a 1950's Valco Tonemaster ( also seen branded as Ohau Tonemaster ) . MOTS , with the string thru pickup , known to guitarists as what Ry Cooder uses as bridge pickup on his " Cooder - Caster " . )

[@Blacksunze]

Great video! I'm looking for an Asher template, I want to build a similar one. Where can I find it? I've not much money for an original one 😅

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I would encourage you to design your own. Bill has spent a lot of time designing, and building instruments, and copying that devalues his time and contribution. The reason I build my own is because I do things different, and they certainly don't look like Bill's, or use Bill's specs.

[@Blacksunze]

@MattBradfordmusic I thought about it, I'll try to do it. I will use asher as inspiration/base. Thank you

[@davidmodell6643]

Looking to purchase that Recording King for my first lap steel guitar, do you suggest the humbucker pickup or P90 version?

[@MattBradfordmusic]

Whichever you're more excited about! No wrong answers there!

[@margarethouse404]

As Matt said, personal preference. But I will point out that the P-90 equipped RK is more * Versatile * . If your horizons include Country , trad Blues , or Americana , you can get passable brighter clean tones with proper pick dynamics , and still get some growl going when you dig in . If you're exclusively into the Rock/ Blues Rock that Matt is playing in this video , then typical HB are your thing .

[@xenod1066]

Great video. What makes the low string dive? How could we fix it?

[@margarethouse404]

Thumb technique

[@78tag]

@@margarethouse404 - no question on that one.

[@rossoxenbridge7495]

I really like that guitar built out of Australian red cedar I have allways been curious as what it would be like as a tone wood. To me it sounds really nice and looks great as well. What are your thoughts on its sustain compared to other tonewoods?

[@MattBradfordmusic]

I mean, it’s hard to separate just that aspect of the instrument. There’s a number of variables. But, it works great!

[@jchavins]

turn the friggin' distortion off...

[@MattBradfordmusic]

No

[@78tag]

@@MattBradfordmusic - I'm not going to say what my answer would have been 🤪

[@helppus]

More distortion try the Revv g4

[@compucorder64]

​@@MattBradfordmusic turn the friggin big muff on ... ;) Run it into an all-caps HIWATT on a stack of two 4x12s. Maybe a full bore Fender Twin and Vox AC30 each side, just for good measure. J Mascis Loud Country style. Then nobody will be able to tell you what to do.

[@MattBradfordmusic]

@@compucorder64 that's what I'm talking about!