The ironing board lap steel cigar box guitar

The lap steel that I said I wouldn't sell, I sold it and so I needed something cool to replace it. I built this beast of a very old ironing board (a $10 find) and a Blu-J cigar box from 1910.

The nut and bridge risers are made out of an old yard stick. I made the headstock and fretboard from oak and used another trusty Gretsch pickup to make the thing really sing. I also added mother of pearl fret markers on this one which is the first time I've done that, normally I just burn them in.

I've coveted one of these ironing board/steels ever since I saw the one Justin Johnson plays. I think Madurobob is responsible for that exceptional work of art.

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Comment by Slow Blues Dani & Ol' Grey Bear on July 3, 2016 at 12:58pm

Fantastic build. If you don't mind me taking inspiration from this one then I reckon I've found a near-future build to have a go at. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. Much appreciated.

Comment by smilingdog1 on May 30, 2015 at 4:49pm

Check the video out, man that barometer lap steel sounded incredible.

Comment by Charles Atchison on May 30, 2015 at 3:58pm

Thanks smilingdog1, I really like that mini version you built. Very cool.
Here's a lap steel I made out of an 1840's barometer you might like:

https://www.facebook.com/CharlesAtchisonFolkArtisan/videos/16222179...

Comment by smilingdog1 on May 30, 2015 at 5:16am

Sounds amazing!

What scale is this and number of frets?

I build the child size versions of these and would like to step up to a large one.

Comment by Charles Atchison on May 29, 2015 at 5:21pm

Thanks smilingdog1, here is a video of this instrument if you want to hear it: https://youtu.be/M8ODGRixRIg

Comment by smilingdog1 on May 29, 2015 at 2:41am

I like the simplicity of this one in how you placed everything on top without much modification to ironing board. Plus you found a practical way to incorporate the cigar box. looks very nice and I bet it plays great.

Comment by Bad Finger (Eric) on October 6, 2013 at 2:29am
Beautiful!

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