Converting an acoustic into a lap steel guitar?

[eight0eight]

I know this can be done with any guitar using a nut riser and the appropriate strings . I'm going to start with C6 tuning for Hawaiian .
Looking for guidance in selecting a new or used parlor to convert .
Budget is $350 tops .

[mtdmind]

You can grab any guitar from Goodwill for this.

[strangersfaces]

An alternative to conversion would be something like this teardrop Weisenborn style guitar:

https://reverb.com/item/67801337-wei...coustic-guitar

$229/shipped, compact, already set up lap style and under budget. Add soundhole pickup if desired and still be under budget.

Reviews, including a couple videos: https://www.amazon.com/Teardrop-Shap...ct_top?ie=UTF8

May also be purchased at Amazon, for slightly more: https://www.amazon.com/Hawaiian-Weis...s%2C176&sr=8-1

[eight0eight]

Thanks ; that Weisenborn may be what I'm looking for .

And besides hunting Goodwill , I may also consider a new or used solid top parlor .
I thought the solid top sound might add enjoyment and inspiration to learn .

[Murphy Slaw]

I love a project that requires a Leatherman.

[Osage]

Virtually any guitar will work. I'd go to a couple pawn shops and find something that looks like it's been sitting a while and has silly high action and make a low offer. Or look on ebay or Craigslist for any Yamaha or whatever with high action that's priced accordingly. Cheap guitars with high action are pretty easy to come by.

[GoPappy]

I had an old Sigma that had a slightly twisted neck and severe fret sprout. With a riser nut, it became a Poor Man's Square Neck Dobro (without a square neck). Works well and sounds good.

[Charlie Bernstein]

There are always a lot of old Oahus on Reverb.com that fit your budget. They've got the mojo.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by eight0eight

Thanks ; that Weisenborn may be what I'm looking for .

And besides hunting Goodwill , I may also consider a new or used solid top parlor .
I thought the solid top sound might add enjoyment and inspiration to learn .

If you want a new parlor, Canada's Art & Lutherie Roadhouse series is a good choice.

[eight0eight]

Originally Posted by eight0eight

Thanks ; that Weisenborn may be what I'm looking for .

And besides hunting Goodwill , I may also consider a new or used solid top parlor .
I thought the solid top sound might add enjoyment and inspiration to learn .

On second thought , converting any good quality acoustic guitar into a lap steel will probably sound and play better than a cheap Weisenborn .
But thanks for pointing out that option !

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by eight0eight

I know this can be done with any guitar using a nut riser and the appropriate strings . I'm going to start with C6 tuning for Hawaiian .
Looking for guidance in selecting a new or used parlor to convert .
Budget is $350 tops .

You wont have enough strings for classic C6 - you need 8.

Go with DADF#AD for a start - its an easy way in to lap steel playing. And doesn't put too much tension on anything.

[PineMarten]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

You wont have enough strings for classic C6 - you need 8.

Go with DADF#AD for a start - its an easy way in to lap steel playing. And doesn't put too much tension on anything.

I quite enjoyed CEGACE on a little Guyatone electric lap steel I had, I liked how it nudged me away from the bluesy stuff I'd do with DADF#AD or DGDGBD on a standard guitar.

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by PineMarten

I quite enjoyed CEGACE on a little Guyatone electric lap steel I had, I liked how it nudged me away from the bluesy stuff I'd do with DADF#AD or DGDGBD on a standard guitar.

Ah OK. Did you find you had to use a lot of slants and blocking?

[PineMarten]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

Ah OK. Did you find you had to use a lot of slants and blocking?

Quite a bit, yep, it definitely took some care over how many strings were ringing compared to open D or G. And it was always a little bit of a struggle to get the slants in tune, but it was interesting to dabble in.

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by PineMarten

Quite a bit, yep, it definitely took some care over how many strings were ringing compared to open D or G. And it was always a little bit of a struggle to get the slants in tune, but it was interesting to dabble in.

Thanks! I think that I may give that tuning a try. I have a lap steel a friend made me out of a mahogany windowsill that came out of his cottage. I keep it in GBDGBD but I'll try the C6 you used.