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Konabob
`Olu`olu
USA
928 Posts |
 Posted - 11/26/2005 : 5:48:40 PM
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Just got back from the Ukulele Guild Expo in Waikiki, having taught a beginners class in Hawaiian steel guitar. I think I managed to convince a number of ukulele players that the Hawaiian lap steel is just about as easy to play as the uke.
I went into Walmart today, and happened to walk by a stack of kids guitars in the toy section. They were $30, and while they are mass produced in China, they are made out of real wood, not plywood. It comes with a simple little gig bag too. So, I purchased one. It is called a "Discovery" imported by FirstAct.com
I replaced the plastic saddle with a piece of 3/16 stainless steel rod, and placed a piece of 1/8 stainless rod next to the nut to raise the strings. The strings that came with the guitar are a light gauge, and the string length is only 20 inches so I ended up tuning it to an open B Flat. Great for backing up uke players. ( F - Bb - F - Bb - D - F ). Holy Smokes! This little bird can sing real pretty! I just added a soundclip and photos to my Taro Patch steel page - see footer.
So now I have a great little lap steel guitar (about the size of a baratone uke) that I can throw in the overhead bin, and travel around without worrying about losing or damaging it. Why am I telling you this? Well, you might know a kid (or kid at heart) who might take an interest in something like this. Christmas is coming! If any of you are thinking about getting one of these little guitars, but don't have a way to create the little stainless steel bars, contact me. I have the tools, and I could easily make them for you.
Aloha,
-Konabob
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Konabob's Walkingbass - http://www.konawalkingbass.com
Taropatch Steel - http://www.konaweb.com/konabob/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Konabob2+Walkingbass |
Edited by - Konabob on 11/27/2005 2:33:37 PM |
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Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
Posted - 11/26/2005 : 9:37:40 PM
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Gosh darn it Bob, you are just too much! 
So does that mean that the beautiful little Rickenbacker I just got on eBay, which is exactly as old as I am, (vintage is the word!) is way overpriced and I should have gone shopping with YOU instead?????????
Grmmph
Julie |
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Konabob
`Olu`olu
USA
928 Posts |
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bluespiderweb
Akahai
USA
91 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2005 : 04:17:48 AM
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Hey Bob, quite a sweet little player, and a nice discovery by you! Hard to believe it's a $30 guitar. And using the stock strings-so it will just sound better with a good set! Hmmm...I go to Walmart...
Thanks for the tip!
Happy Holidays to all, Aloha! |
Koaniani,
Ola, Barry
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kaiaokamalie
Aloha
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2006 : 06:58:43 AM
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Konabob,
You know what, I like da kine small steel guitar you made up. And would like to make one as well.
May I purchase those steel bars that you can make up? Let me know of the cost so I can send some money.
Like the sound clip from your site.
I then will have to find some sites for Tab, how to play steel guitar, so I can sound okay with my friends in our club
http://barney.gonzaga.edu/~uahinui/
Mahalo till later,
Collins
quote:
Originally posted by Konabob
Just got back from the Ukulele Guild Expo in Waikiki, having taught a beginners class in Hawaiian steel guitar. I think I managed to convince a number of ukulele players that the Hawaiian lap steel is just about as easy to play as the uke.
I went into Walmart today, and happened to walk by a stack of kids guitars in the toy section. They were $30, and while they are mass produced in China, they are made out of real wood, not plywood. It comes with a simple little gig bag too. So, I purchased one. It is called a "Discovery" imported by FirstAct.com
I replaced the plastic saddle with a piece of 3/16 stainless steel rod, and placed a piece of 1/8 stainless rod next to the nut to raise the strings. The strings that came with the guitar are a light gauge, and the string length is only 20 inches so I ended up tuning it to an open B Flat. Great for backing up uke players. ( F - Bb - F - Bb - D - F ). Holy Smokes! This little bird can sing real pretty! I just added a soundclip and photos to my Taro Patch steel page - see footer.
So now I have a great little lap steel guitar (about the size of a baratone uke) that I can throw in the overhead bin, and travel around without worrying about losing or damaging it. Why am I telling you this? Well, you might know a kid (or kid at heart) who might take an interest in something like this. Christmas is coming! If any of you are thinking about getting one of these little guitars, but don't have a way to create the little stainless steel bars, contact me. I have the tools, and I could easily make them for you.
Aloha,
-Konabob
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Konabob
`Olu`olu
USA
928 Posts |
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