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Lap Steel Information:


Bluestem lap steel design philosophy and a typical instrument example.

Designs featured here will generally follow the same design philosophy, as I work very hard on the development of what I consider to be a solid instrument design that is both utilitarian and esthetically pleasing. My lap steels somewhat follow traditional designs that are based on traditional guitar shapes. I believe these to be far more attractive than the rectangular wood slab designs. There is nothing wrong with an instrument that pleases both the ear and the eye. Quality woods and components teamed with superior craftsmanship produce an instrument that is worthy of respect from the discerning musician. Lap Steels can be purchased at a much lower price, but it is true that you get what you pay for. Entry level instruments are fine when you want to determine if lap steel is a genuine interest, but when you're ready to progress beyond beginner status it's time to consider a professional grade instrument. Go ahead, you're worth it!

A few of the laps I have produced in the past are featured on the more lap steel examples... page.

In addition to the standard model I occasionally build more unique one-of-a-kind instruments and present them on the Lap Steels Currently Available page, so please check back later or contact me if you don't see what you're looking for.

I also do building on request if there are slight variations in design that you may desire. See "Ordering a Bluestem lap steel" on the Lap Steels Currently Available page.

My instruments are individually crafted and feature quality construction with only the finest components and materials used. If I didn't think my laps offered something beyond what's currently offered I wouldn't build them. I've invested a lot of time and energy into creating an instrument that functions well as a total solution to many problems found in other designs. The body shape is what I consider to be the ultimate in comfort and the hand lies nicely at the bridge position, allowing quick palm muting when necessary. The volume control is smooth and easy to use, and maintains some of the high end as the level is decreased from maximum due to the additional treble bleed components installed at the volume pot. This greatly improves the common complaint of muffled sound as the volume is decreased. A brief description of these and other special features is presented below.

Features that set Bluestem laps apart:

Flame maple natural finish lap steel

The following is an example of how a typical Bluestem lap steel is constructed and a few photos of the completed instrument. There may be small differances in wood used, design, pickup selection, and the number of strings; but the basic features and design are common to all lap steels produced by Bluestem Strings.

After determining variables such as scale length, string spacing, and any other special considerations the basic body is made by selecting wood, cutting to a basic outline, and joining body wings to the central center section. The top portion of the body is then planed to accomodate figured top wood if it is included in the finished instrument's specifications.



A figured wood top cap is added to the body. Flame maple is being used for this instrument. That's a LOT of clamps!



After preliminary shaping operations the fret board and headstock overlay are made and added to the body and the tuner holes are drilled.



The body has control and pickup routes, bridge and string mounting holes, and wiring passages added to match the specifications of the finished instrument.



A pickup is made. Two coils are created by winding 10,000 turns of #42 wire on phenolic bobbins which hold the 3/16” by 3/4” alnico magnet pole pieces. The bobbin assemblies are joined together and wired in a manner that cancels hum induced from external electromagnetic sources.



All components have been prepared. The instrument is ready for final sanding in preparation for application of finish.



Top view of completed instrument after final assembly and setup



Top view neck and headstock



Top view of body



Headstock



Rear view of instrument



Rear view of body



Please visit my other website designed to provide information on musical instrument construction. There are free plans as well as construction tips and techniques available at the present time.

Rudy's Sketchbook of Musical Instrument Plans, Ideas, and Inspiration

If you desire to contact me about Bluestem Strings products:

Due to scoundrelous spammers actively mining sites for e-mail addresses, I'm forced to include the following text version of my e-mail address meant to confuse the automated robo-search of websites for e-mail addresses. Please e-mail me at:
rcordle (substitute the at symbol here) fastmail (substitute the dot here) fm
Please include "Bluestem Info Request" in the subject line, Thanks!