How comfortable is a double-neck steel on lap?

[Matt MacDonald]

I'm wondering how comfortable a double-neck steel is when played on lap (it's fit, the reach, etc). It seems most double-necks are played as a console. I'm referring more to a D8 or D10. Please share your experiences.

[Joe Cook]

My Rickenbacher DC16 is comfortable on my lap, but it is heavy. When in a low chair, it sits out far enough for the nearest neck to be accessible. That said, I much prefer it on a stand.

[Tom Wolverton]

I think they sound better off the lap. Not sure why. Maybe the body and necks vibrate better.

[Dave Mudgett]

Nyet. For me, console for more than one neck. I even prefer a single neck on legs, but the ones I like are lap steels, so I deal with it. I don't really wanna drill holes in them.

[K Maul]

I have two Supros and like the lap feel.

[David DeLoach]

I've played my D8 Stringmaster on my lap. It works, but I'm not sure why I'd play it that way.

[Fred]

I responded "Uncomfortable" but I have done it. I have an older version of the Ric DC16. It weighs about 15 lbs. I can play the outside neck with it on my lap but the inside neck is too close to my body. I can't move the inside neck to playing position without it falling off.

And it's 15 lbs.

I thought about building something light with the necks very close together but just ended up sticking to one tuning on a single neck instrument.

[David M Brown]

I'm finding that I prefer a single neck to be on legs or a stand theses days...so I voted "uncomfortable" for a doubleneck.

[Tim Whitlock]

My Rick D12 is admittedly awkward on the lap but manageable. The inside neck is a bit of a challenge and alters your technique. Still, it's a nice grab and go option for casual situations. I find that somehow people are fascinated when you play steel on your lap as opposed to a console. There just seems to be a cool factor to lap guitars.


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[Tim Whitlock]

That's a nice looking stand Joe! Can you give more info?

My Rickenbacher DC16 is comfortable on my lap, but it is heavy. When in a low chair, it sits out far enough for the nearest neck to be accessible. That said, I much prefer it on a stand.

[Brooks Montgomery]

It just seems like with some doubles on your lap, to play the front neck, you’re arms and hands would have to contort to a position similar to pulling up your trousers by the belt.

[Joe Cook]

Tim, the stand is from Deluxe 34. No longer made by that company but I believe they are made now by Asher Guitars. I made the double neck brackets to replace the single neck brackets.