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Description
Step back in time with the Rickenbacher S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel, a remarkable piece of musical history that continues to inspire modern musicians. Crafted during the 1940s, this lap steel guitar is a testament to the pioneering spirit of electric string instruments. Its distinctive design is not only visually captivating but also contributes to its unique tonal character, offering a sound that's both warm and resonant. The Rickenbacher S/NS features a classic single-coil pickup that provides a bright and clear tone, making it a favorite among lap steel enthusiasts who appreciate vintage soundscapes.
The Electro Lap Steel is perfect for musicians who value authenticity and want to incorporate a piece of musical heritage into their performances. Its straightforward design ensures ease of playability, allowing both beginners and seasoned players to explore its rich and expressive sound. Whether you're diving into traditional Hawaiian music, experimenting with blues, or adding a distinctive layer to your studio recordings, this lap steel is versatile enough to meet your creative demands.
Key Features:
- Authentic 1940s vintage design
- Classic single-coil pickup for bright, clear tones
- High-quality craftsmanship for reliable performance
- Suitable for a variety of musical styles, including folk, blues, and country
- Easy playability for musicians at all skill levels
Product specs
| Brand | Rickenbacker |
| Model | Model NS Lap Steel |
| Finish | Shaded Gray |
| Year | 1946 - 1952 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Lap Steel Guitars |
| Body Shape | Non Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Top-Load |
| Color Family | Grey |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Frets | Fretless |
| Model Family | Rickenbacker Model NS |
| Model Sub-Family | Rickenbacker Model NS-6 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What is the primary sound characteristic of the Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel?
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The Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel is known for its warm, rich tones with a distinctive sustain, making it ideal for traditional Hawaiian music and early country styles.
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Is the Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel suitable for beginners?
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While it is a vintage instrument, the Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel can be suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and fretless playability, but it may require some setup knowledge.
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How does the fretless design of the Rickenbacker S/NS 40's affect playability?
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The fretless design allows for smooth glides and slides, essential for the lap steel playing style, but it requires precise finger placement and may take some practice for those new to fretless instruments.
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Can the Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel be used for genres other than Hawaiian music?
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Yes, while it excels in Hawaiian music, the Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel is also well-suited for blues, country, and other genres that benefit from its smooth gliding tones.
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What is the pickup configuration of the Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel?
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The Rickenbacker S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel features a single pickup configuration, providing a clear and focused sound ideal for its intended musical styles.
Videos
Collar City Guitars
Rickenbacher / Rickenbacker Model NS Lap Steel w/ Graham Tichy
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Artist usage
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Played on El Perro's first record, "Hair of El Perro", according to November 2022 Guitar World interview.
Griggs mainly used a Strat for most of the lead parts, often employing the guitar’s volume knob to achieve fierce swells. The album also features a vintage Danelectro Coral Firefly hollowbody, an early Sixties Rickenbacker Electro lap steel, a 1965 Gibson Non-Reverse Firebird, an electric sitar, a Harmony H75 archtop and a late-Fifties Supro Dual-Tone.
Genre Usage
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Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacher S/NS 40's Electro Lap Steel, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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