Lap Steel Guitar

It is the lap steel bible

Lap Steel Guitar by Andy Volk is a superbly written, well researched guide to non pedal steel guitar. It covers all styles played on the instrument. (western swing, Hawaiian, rock, etc.)There is also an enormous amount of material in the book on equipment (instruments, amps, bars, etc.) and playing technique. Anyone with even a casual interest in lap steel will find this book both informative and entertaining. The one complaint that I have about this book is its editing and proofreading. There are numerous errors throughout the books in the areas of grammar, usage, mechanics, and style. These errors are a shame. A book this good should not be saddled with such minor league editing and proofreading.

But a very good book. Learning the ideas and approach of the masters is always inspiring. There are some tunings and suggestions made but this book is more about the instrument and the masters than it is about learning music theory or technique. So it should be a part of your training and will definitely help you to be a better musician, but do not expect it to be a book to learn how to play beginners lap steel. 5 stars for what the book is, I just wanted to stress that it is not a book to learn how to play. Still, this is a VERY well written book with more knowledge on the instrument and masters than you will find anywhere else.

Book covers the history of lapsteel use in various music styles from the earliest days of Hawaiian and Western Swing music to modern day. It's mostly about the musicians and recording artists who use this intriguing instrument. So, if you want to learn how to build one for youself, look elsewhere.

I liked it ... good info on older players and older instruments... but it needed up-to-date info on the latest instruments and the new younger players to encourage the present day music lovers to take up this wonderful guitar in all it's variations

Just a fantastic book, full of history I didn't know. For steel players, there is the special treat of having the tunings of all the players discussed presented in graphic form. A wonk's dream. For the general reader, it amounts to a capsule history of American folk music.

Interesting, well-written book for lap steel lovers. If you're a novice like me and want to read about the different tunings of the Great's you'll love this book. Lots of great pictures.

This is a beautiful, heavily illustrated book; I like to page through it, looking at all the fine old guitars. You can read this book, without having to study it. In other words, it's a fine coffee table book, but also full of detailed information and history, for those who are so inclined.

A beautiful book, very nicely produced, page after page of interesting info, photographs, historical background and in depth interviews with some top players. I contacted the author recently concerning another of his publications (Arrangements for Weissenborn and Dobro) and he was amazingly helpful. His passion for his subject really shines through in his work. This is a must have for lap steel enthusiasts.

This is an excellent overview/introduction to the history and styles of some great lap steel players - information on the various tuning systems used by the greats - including a fine discography and further reference section to help hear these excellent players - sympathetically written and choc o block with information..... a highly engaging read and written by a true enthusiast. Andy Volk has written some excellent pieces for the wonderful "Fretboard Journal" and conveys his enthusiasm and intelligent research into this eccentric (?) area of guitarmanship. I have learned a lot about the steel players in the tradition and enjoyed the discovery of western swing stars like Spade Cooley (including his sensational biography) and players like Joaquin Murphey - it's all been a pleasure to read and i couldn't recommend it more!

I bought this book for my husband who has just aquired more music equip. He was looking for a book with a good knowledge of the subject. This book has been just right for its purpose and my husband has put it to good use. He wanted, not only to know how to play lapsteel, but also the history and background of the instrument. Just perfect thank you.

I thought so much of this book that I contacted the author to thank him personally. He is as gracious as his book is informative.

Sehr interessanter Lesestoff, Fotos und Geschichten zu Instrumenten und Künstlern, Geschmäckern und Strömungen. Geht über Hawaiian, Country-Western bis Blues/Rock.Leider ist das Buch zuerst verbogen und mit Eselsohren geliefert worden. Ein Umtausch wurde aber anstandslos durchgeführt.