Electric Lap Steel
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Were you interested in having a pickup installed or wanted any tweaks or changes such as left-handed stringing? Contact us right away and we'll see what we can do!Capturing the Weissenborn in a unique, modern electric lap steel.
Featuring the perfect proportions of the iconic Weissenborn shape and traditional appointments in a modern lap steel crafted with cutting edge guitar construction techniques. A truly versatile instrument that is equally at home with the sweetest Hawaiian licks or overdriven rock and blues.
Featuring a stunning figured Tasmanian Blackwood or Hawaiian Koa top, Seymour Duncan pickups and premium hardware and components.
Available in both hourglass and teardrop body shapes.
from 2900 AUD
2070 USD,
1750 EUR,
1590 GBP
Includes worldwide shipping.
Customisations and alternative tonewoods available on request.
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Features & Specs
Free Shipping & Returns
Hourglass Shape
Pictured with nickel Schroeder bridge.
Teardrop Shape
Pictured with Weissenborn-style ebony bridge
Key Features
Tonewoods
The focus of these lap steels is the stunning figured Tasmanian Blackwood or Hawaiian Koa top on a solid body of Tasmanian Blackwood, Queensland Maple, Silver Quandong or Bunya Pine.
We select the best quartersawn, air-dried premium grade tonewoods and process each body from rough lumber.Traditional and exotic tonewood options are available on request.
Design & Construction
Blending old-world aesthetics with cutting edge electric guitar design. While remaining faithful to the creations of H. Weissenborn, on the inside these lap steels make the most of modern advancements in solidbody guitar design and construction techniques.
Individually built in Brisbane, Australia.
Tone Chambers
Honeycomb-shaped tone chambers are carved within the solid body to give the lap steel increased sustain and volume while reducing feedback and decreasing weight.
The matrix of 70 chambers throughout the body achieves superior tone, maximum strength while the instrument feels solid, light with truly balanced weight.
Carbon Fibre Reinforcement
Twin carbon fibre rods located within the neck gives these lap steels a rigid, light spine that increases the tonal response of the lap steel while ensuring perfect action and a neck that can handle heavy string gauges and will remain true for decades to come.
Components
Every component has been individually selected for quality, tone and aesthetics from the world's leading boutique manufacturers.
Seymour Duncan pickups offer vintage PAF tone that is perfectly suited to most common styles including rock, blues, Hawaiian and country but we will happily work with you to find the ideal pickups for your requirements.
Weissenborn Inspiration
This lap steel guitar was designed from the ground up as a nod to the iconic H. Weissenborn guitar shape and their unique styling.
Scale length, string spacing and action have also been adapted to make this guitar the ideal electric companion for any Weissenborn aficionado.
The optional wooden bridge captures the traditional Weissenborn shape in a size and string spacing that perfectly suits electric lap steels.
Testimonials & Artists
"I'm completely blown away by the incredibly clear overtones and the sustain is unlike anything else..."
Jacob Raagaard
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Audio & Video Samples
Standard Specifications
| Tonewoods | Solid, Quartersawn, Air Dried |
|---|---|
| Construction | Three-piece with neck-through body |
| Tone Chambers | 70+ "honeycomb" body chambers |
| Scale Length | 25" (635mm) |
| Length | 36" (920mm) |
| Pickups | Seymour Duncan '59 Humbuckers (other options available) |
| Controls | CTS Volume & Tone Orange capacitor Switchcraft 3-way toggle switch |
| Top | Highly Figured Tasmanian Blackwood or Hawaiian Koa |
|---|---|
| Bridge | Weissenborn-style or Schroeder TL | String Spacing | 1.6" (40.5mm) Nut 2.125" (54mm) Satdle |
| Tuning Machines | Replica 1920s Waverley Style |
| Inlay | Synthetic mother of pearl, stone |
| Finish | Satin lacquer |
Each guitar is individually handcrafted by Richard Wilson; some specifications can differ for aesthetic, tonal or structural reasons.
Left-handed, short scale and custom variations available on request.
Ordering
Guitars in stock can be ordered directly from our website. Alternatively contact us to place a custom or stocked guitar order. PayPal and all major credit cards are accepted.
Free Shipping
Free shipping anywhere in the world is included with all guitars. Shipping to most destinations takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Express shipping or courier delivery available on request.
Returns & Warranty
All stocked guitars are covered by a no-questions asked 7 day return policy.
Guitars are backed by a full warranty for satisfaction and peace of mind.
Weissenborn Accessories
Hardshell Case
Custom fit case to suit our guitars. Features padded neck support for the Weissenborn's unique hollowneck design.
Flat top design with PVC exterior and plush interior. Vintage brass hardware.
Included with all new guitars.
Pickup Installation
We recommend the L.R. Baggs M1 Active. This soundhole mounted humbucker pickup perfectly captures the warmth and richness of Weissenborn guitars.
We also offer the K&K Pure Mini, an award-winning bridge plate transducer.
Other pickups available on request.
Strings, Slides & Capos
Premium strings that can be utilised for a variety of tunings including Open D, E and G.
Slides and tonebars in a variety of styles and weightings.
Charlie's Slide Pro Capo, the finest capo on the market for Weissenborns and other lap steel guitars.
Testimonials
“The guitar arrived today. It's terrific! Thank you very much.”
—Paul M., Sydney Australia
“I can't thank you enough man, the job you have done on it is incredible!”
—Jye S., Central Coast Australia
“The style 1 that you made for me is doing well. She is resonating beautifully and I just wanted to say "Thanks", again!”
—Michael F., Scotland
“Thank you for the most excellent guitar I have ever seen, touch, or played. You are truly World Class Luthier!! This guitar blows away the 3 vintage Weissenborns I played in Los Angeles. In both looks, tone and sustain!”
—Steve W., California USA
“Just finished a weekend of playing the new weissenborn and it is awesome man! Thanx so much for your handy work I love it!”
—Blake S., Tamworth Australia
“Loving playing the weiss. Can't put it down!”
—Rob C., Brisbane Australia
“Just a reply to let you know your pride and joy made its arrival to the San Francisco Bay Area just fine ! Did an first tune -up yesterday and open- strummed it, sounds very encouraging. I did a little acoustic exam on sound board / tone tapping, has some real great response dynamics!”
—Brian O., San Francisco USA
“I picked up the Guitar today and love it.”
—Ryan S., Thailand
“I have received my new Weissenborn this weekend… It looks and sounds fantastic! The shipping went well and packaging was good. Thank you for this beautiful work of art.”
—Wilson B., Switzerland
“I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with it. The sound is wonderful. I've also been impressed with how sturdy it's built. I'm still working internationally and it goes with me everywhere.”
—Lynn W.
“I just got up from my first session with the new guitar and I love it. I love the tone response across the board - the low register is beautiful. The guitar and case arrived in perfect shape. Thanks for all your consideration and for the beautiful guitar.”
—Mark K., New Mexico USA
“ Sounds wonderful and it is a work of beauty. Thank you thank you so much for such a fine instrument. I am very pleased with the beauty of the guitar itself, the way it plays, and its sound.”
—Jim S., Utah
“Now that I’ve had a couple of days with his guitar I have to say it’s the most incredible sounding weissenborn I’ve had a chance to play, and that’s a lot of guitars.”
—Jeff D., Hawaii USA
“Thanks again for everything, the guitar is superb, better than I had hoped for.”
—Joseph F., United Kingdom
“Just letting you know I am very happy with the guitar. It is perfect; even a local luthier was impressed with the craftmanship.”
—Mark R., Cowra Australia
“I just wanted to say how truly happy I am with my style 1 African Mahogany Weissenborn. I wanted one for years and the one I ordered from Richard is a remarkable instrument. It's the real deal. it produces such a clear and warm tone. People always want to know more about it when they hear me play it. I would 100% recommend ordering a guitar through him.”
—Joey Sparks, Oregon USA
“Many thanks for your beautiful workmanship. I really love the sweet sound it gets.”
—Bechir I., Melbourne Australia
“Just wanted to let you know the guitar arrived and far out, it is absolutely stunning!”
—Ross W., Sydney Australia
“The instrument is beautiful. Your craftsmanship is everything I had expected - and frankly, hoped it would be. Congratulations on a stunning looking guitar. The oiled Koa is very appealing. ”
—Ron N., New York USA
“I'm very fond of the guitar, it has beautiful and clear sound that makes it a pleasure to play. Good beautiful craftsmanship and thank you for good service.”
—Per A., Denmark
“Guitar arrived today and we are all very excited. It looks and sounds beautiful...well done.”
—Joseph C., Tamworth Australia
“Arrived all safe and sound today. Looking and sounding great.”
—Michael D., Warrnambool Australia
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