Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $549
Budget/Beginner
$799
$2000+
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High-end
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Description
Step back into the golden era of lap steel guitars with the Airline Lap Steel, a nostalgic nod to the iconic National Lap Steel guitars of the late 1950s and early 1960s. This instrument marries vintage charm with modern reliability, offering a robust Basswood body that ensures durability without compromising on tonal richness. The standout feature is its distinctive acrylic fingerboard, adorned with Roman numerals, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides a smooth playing surface that any musician will appreciate.
The Airline Lap Steel is equipped with a powerful humbucking pickup, delivering a warm, full-bodied sound that’s perfect for genres ranging from Hawaiian to country and beyond. The adjustable fixed bridge allows for precise intonation adjustments, while the master volume and tone controls offer versatile sound shaping capabilities. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this lap steel provides impressive sustain and clarity.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport, and it comes with a gig bag for added convenience. This lap steel is not just an instrument; it's a conversation starter, a piece of history, and a testament to the craftsmanship of yesteryears, reimagined for today’s musicians.
Key Features:
- Solid Basswood body
- Acrylic fingerboard with Roman numerals
- 22 1/2" scale length
- 2" nut width
- Nickel/chrome hardware
- Adjustable fixed bridge
- Humbucking pickup
- Master volume and tone controls
- Gig bag included
Product specs
| Brand | Airline |
| Model | Airline Lap Steel |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Lap Steel Guitars |
| Body Shape | Non Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Top-Load |
| Color Family | Black, Green, Red |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Frets | Fretless |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What makes the Airline Lap Steel suitable for slide guitar playing?
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The Airline Lap Steel features a solid body and fretless neck, which are ideal for slide playing, allowing smooth glides between notes. Its single humbucker pickup delivers warm, full tones that are perfect for capturing the expressive sounds typical of lap steel guitar music.
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How does the pickup configuration of the Airline Lap Steel affect its sound?
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The Airline Lap Steel is equipped with a single humbucker pickup, which provides a rich and powerful sound with reduced noise interference. This configuration is excellent for producing the clear, sustained notes often desired in lap steel performances.
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Is the Airline Lap Steel available in different colors?
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Yes, the Airline Lap Steel is available in a range of colors including black, green, and red, all with a glossy finish. This variety allows players to choose a style that best suits their personal aesthetic.
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Does the Airline Lap Steel require any specific type of slide for playing?
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While the Airline Lap Steel doesn't require a specific slide, using a metal or glass slide is recommended for achieving optimal tone and sustain. The choice between metal or glass depends on the player's personal preference for sound and feel.
Videos
Eastwood Guitars
From the Archives: Airline Lap Steel demo #2 - Dave Anderson
Reviews
PROS
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Humbucking pickup delivers a quiet, hum-free sound
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Smooth tuners provide easy tuning adjustments
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Plays in tune, suitable for beginners and experienced players
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Good finish offers an attractive appearance
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Offers good value for the price
CONS
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Fretboard material prone to warping, affecting intonation
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Basswood construction could be improved with mahogany
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Input jack placement on top can be inconvenient
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String groove inconsistency can lead to buzzing
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Airline Lap Steel.
Comparisons
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The Gretsch G5700 and Recording King RG 35 are recommended for beginners, but may require pickup and tuner upgrades for enhanced performance.
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Mods and upgrades
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Georgeboards offers an upgraded Rogue lap steel with improved components, like a tough PLA nut and bridge, ready to play out of the box.
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Certano Benders work well on the Eastwood Airline Lap Steel, enhancing its pedal steel-like capabilities when installed by a professional.
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DIY palm benders using spoon handles can fit behind the bridge on the Rogue lap steel, providing a budget-friendly modification option.
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Use cases and applications
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Players seeking ambient tones should consider using a volume pedal for volume swells, which can create a smooth, vocal-like sound.
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Features and functionality
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Vintage lap steels, like those from Valco (National, Oahu, Supro, Airline), are favored for their affordability and unique tonal characteristics, often under $300.
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The Electro Harmonix Oceans 11 reverb pedal is specifically favored for enhancing the sound of the Rogue lap steel with ambient tones.
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Value and pricing
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Vintage lap steels, despite their age, remain reasonably priced compared to other vintage instruments, with solid construction and original pickups offering great value.
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Setup and maintenance
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Rogue lap steel's saddle design limits mod options, but replacing the fretboard with Georgeboard's vinyl sticker increases scale length and playability.
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Adjustable Fender-style saddles on the Rogue are necessary for certain bender mods, despite being considered "useless" by some owners.
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