Custom Lapsteel 2019
This custom JPI lap steel started with a striking slab of figured poplar burl, chosen for its wild grain and naturally resonant character. The body was carved with a smooth, ergonomic contour that sits comfortably whether played on the lap, on a stand, or strapped in a more traditional position.
The fretboard is made from flamed oak — an unusual choice for a lap steel, but the ripple and depth of the grain add a lot of visual warmth and character. Each fret marker was positioned for clear visibility under stage lighting, keeping things practical without losing the boutique aesthetic.
Up top, the headstock is a JPI one-off design, fitted with Taylor tuning machines for rock-solid stability and smooth adjustment. The clean lines of the headstock tie the whole build together and give the instrument its unmistakable silhouette.
Electronics are straightforward but extremely flexible:
- Dual humbuckers
- A blend pot to sweep anywhere between neck warmth and bridge bite
- A dedicated secondary input jack that turns the lap steel into a built-in ABY switch
That last feature is rare — plugging into the second input allows the lap steel to act as a signal-router, letting your harmonica microphone feed the same amp without needing an external ABY box. It keeps the rig simple and makes quick instrument changes seamless on stage.
This build is pure JPI: visually unique, practical, clever under the hood, and designed for real-world gigging. If you want a lap steel that looks like a natural work of art and functions like a pro tool, this one hits all the marks.
