Which would make a better lap steel?

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 21 Dec 2005 4:39 am

The tube: http://www.industrialmetalsales.com/1988.html
Or, the channel: http://www.industrialmetalsales.com/1907.html

I'm leaning towards the channel because it would be easier to work on, but is there a compelling sonic or structural reason the square tube would be better? Ovbvioupusly, they would come out about equally in the drop-dead gorgeousness department.

Wayne Carver · Post by **Wayne Carver** » 21 Dec 2005 7:20 pm

That stuff looks pretty neat. Will it be the body of your guitar? I see how the rectangle tube would work but not the channel. Do a search on Fouke Industrial Steel Guitars, they look pretty neat also.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 22 Dec 2005 1:54 pm

You could probably use the channel with something for an attachable bottom.
The Fouke Industrials are made from flat aluminum plate sandwiched with a bent piece of phenolic for the body sides. Very elegant design. Some pics on my website under electric lap steels in the steel sales section:

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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 22 Dec 2005 11:00 pm

Ovbvioupusly?

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 23 Dec 2005 6:54 pm

Ovbvioupusly not from "Cambridge" in the United Kingdom !!!
Mele Kalikimaka

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<SMALL>Steel players do it without fretting</SMALL>

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 23 Dec 2005 8:19 pm

I think the square tube configuration would certainly sound different, due to it being thinner and having a different mechanical resonance...but not necessarily better. I'm not sure what you're looking for (sound wise), or if you just want to be different, but I think the temperature/tuning problems might eventually dampen your quest for tonal individuality.