COVID-19: I am fully operational through this challenging time and able to accept custom orders as well as ship any of the guitars in stock to most international locations.
Feel free to contact me if you have any queries.
Electric Lap Steel
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.
Handcrafted from solid, premium grade and naturally aged tonewoods.
From AUD$2900
USD$1900,
EUR€1750,
GBP£1560
Includes worldwide shipping.
Other tonewoods available on request.
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.
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
Contact us to order this guitar or a custom variant. Payments are accepted via bank deposit (Australia), or PayPal.
Guitars that are in stock can generally be shipped as-is within 1-2 business days of receiving payment.
Flexible payment terms are avilable for most guitars.
Shipping
Prices include global shipping. Shipping to most destinations takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Express shipping and insurance available on request.
Returns & Warranty
All stocked guitars are covered by a generous no-questions asked 7 day return policy. Contact us within seven days of receiving a guitar to arrange an exchange or full refund (less shipping costs).
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.
Pickups
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
John Pearse and Weissenborns.com strings that can be utilised for a variety of tunings including Open D, E and G.
Shubb-Pearse and Weissenborns.com slides 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
“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
“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
“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
“ 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
“Loving playing the weiss. Can't put it down!”
—Rob C., Brisbane Australia
“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.
“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
“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
“Many thanks for your beautiful workmanship. I really love the sweet sound it gets.”
—Bechir I., Melbourne Australia
“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
“Guitar arrived today and we are all very excited. It looks and sounds beautiful...well done.”
—Joseph C., Tamworth 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
“I picked up the Guitar today and love it.”
—Ryan S., Thailand
“The guitar arrived today. It's terrific! Thank you very much.”
—Paul M., Sydney Australia
“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
“Just wanted to let you know the guitar arrived and far out, it is absolutely stunning!”
—Ross W., Sydney Australia
“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
“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
“Arrived all safe and sound today. Looking and sounding great.”
—Michael D., Warrnambool Australia
“I am absolutely blown away!!!!!! To be completely honest it plays and feels better than the original 1921 style 4. I love the complex mids of the guitar, the Koa seems to have less of a fundamental bloom on the bass side but that makes way for some gorgeous and complex midrange overtones. As well as the sound I am absolutely impressed with your craftsmanship.”
—Brendon Love (The Teskey Brothers), Melbourne Australia
“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
“Thanks again for everything, the guitar is superb, better than I had hoped for.”
—Joseph F., United Kingdom
More information
Buy Online
Browse and purchase our full range of Weissenborn guitars plus accessories at Weissenborn Slide Guitar Co.
© 2020 Richard Wilson Guitars
Prices are AUD, Australian Dollars. Currency conversions are approximate.