Dashwood Guitars

21/03/2024

Apologies for the recent silence! I have been very busy in the studio. But I have found time to write a new blog which can be found here.

I hope you find it of interest.

The lap steel guitar is known for its soulful sound and unique playing style. To maximise your playing experience and ensure your instrument performs at its

06/02/2024

The English Elm Exhibition Grade lap steel is really coming along. Not only is English Elm rare but this particular piece, which is actually outrageously rare quilted Elm is just mind blowing!

The book-matching has really worked out and I have left the face naturally textured.

The Brazilian Mahogany body is also a particularly pretty piece with golden shimmers, quilting and darker streaks throughout.

The English Walnut fret board is a lovely slab sawn cut with some really fine features.

This instrument reminds me yet again why I love wood in my very core - it is simply beautiful and it makes music! The instrument is now in the final stages of wood finishing before going back to the workshop for shielding, hardware installation, wiring up and then the magical moment of stringing and setting up before plugging in for the very first time.

I am very excited about this one! I hope you enjoy the photos.

For more information and to pre-order visit https://dashwoodguitars.com/

05/02/2024

The lap steel guitar is an instrument celebrated for its expressive voice and haunting melodies. A crucial element contributing to its distinct sound is the variety of tunings that players can use.

Each tuning unlocks a different set of musical possibilities and flavours. So I wrote a blog, where I explored some of the most popular lap steel guitar tunings, their history, and the unique soundscapes they create.

I hope some people find it of interest and of use too!

Each tuning unlocks a different set of musical possibilities and flavours. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most popular lap steel guitar tunings,

31/01/2024

I'm delighted to announce that my currently last Grand Black Ash Lap Steel guitar is sitting in a secure luggage compartment waiting for take off to New Zealand!

It's been acquired by the sensational Lap Steel guitarist and musician Thomas Oliver. So much can be, and has been, written about Thomas but, as we're all musicians and lovers of music here, I'll let the Thomas' music speak for itself in the link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwW41yW7ya4

This means that all my English Elm and Black Ash Lap Steels are now SOLD OUT. However, I do still have some Turkish Walnut Lap Steels available from the link here > https://dashwoodguitars.com/product/turkish-walnut/

And rest assured, I am currently building new Lap Steels at the moment to meet demand!

Thank you!

In between recording and filming a couple of songs at The Armoury, I asked the crew to film me while I played my new Asher custom lap steel. I didn't really ...

29/01/2024

Thank you for all the continued lovely messages about my Lap Steel Guitars. Making Laps Steels is such an honour and a priviledge and your lovely comments are just the icing on the cake!

A few have asked how to look after Lap Steels, so I wrote a handy (I hope!) blog on exactly this subject. Whilst it applies to my Lap Steels, the vast majority of hints and tips will work well with any Lap Steel you own.

Enjoy! And do let me know if you've any more questions. Happy to help however I can.

The lap steel guitar, with its rich tones and unique playing style, is a cherished instrument among musicians.

25/01/2024

People often ask me why I chose to make lap steel instruments over far more common guitars? I guess recording this track in the studio (see the link below) says far more about me as a maker than my own voice ever could, or the somewhat dusty process of guitar making itself.

The first time I was moved by one was the last time I ever questioned making them. I find these instruments not only haunting and moving but also uplifting and powerful. They're light and dark, like most of us. Six strings with such punch in the heart. Just six strings!

There is something about the lap steel I am still yet to explain. Perhaps I never will, but they seem to have a universal quality of communication within people's deeper inner thoughts, emotions and lives. I love how they move people. I love them and it’s an honour to create them.

People often ask me why I chose to make lap steel instruments over far more common guitars and I guess recording this track in the studio says far more about...

22/01/2024

"How Lap Steel Guitars Shaped Musical History"

Another blog article from my web site. I hope you enjoy. The full article is on my site. Use the link below.

Lap steel guitars are not just instruments; they are a transformative force in the tapestry of music history. With its distinctive sliding notes and haunting vibratos, Lap steel guitars has shaped the soundscapes of various genres and influenced countless artists.

In this article we delve into how the lap steel guitar left its indelible mark on musical history.

The Hawaiian Origins and Influence
The lap steel guitar’s journey began in the 19th century Hawaiian Islands. It was here that Joseph Kekuku is often credited with inventing the steel guitar technique by sliding a metal bar across the strings. The enchanting sound quickly became a key element of Hawaiian music and played a pivotal role in conveying the islands’ allure to the world.

The Migration to Mainland America
As Hawaiian music gained popularity in the mainland United States in the early 20th century, the lap steel guitar found a new audience. It featured prominently in the Hawaiian music craze of the 1910s and 1920s, which saw the instrument incorporated into vaudeville acts and early recordings, forever changing the American musical landscape.

Visit https://dashwoodguitars.com/how-lap-steel-guitars-shaped-musical-history/ to read the whole article and to find out more about my handmade Lap Steel guitars.

Lap steel guitars are not just instruments; they are a transformative force in the tapestry of music history

18/01/2024

I've recently started a blog, all about Lap Steel Guitars! I've been spending time researching their history, iconic guitars and famous models from the past. I'll be posting periodically on my site, along with tips and tricks for keeping your Lap Steel in tip top condition.

The first blog I've posted is "The Evolution of Lap Steel Guitars: A Journey Through Time."

You can read it at https://dashwoodguitars.com/the-evolution-of-lap-steel-guitars-a-journey-through-time/

I hope you find as fascinating as I found researching!

The evolution of lap steel guitars is a rich one, unsurprising considering how Lap Steel Guitars are instruments of historical and cultural significance.

15/01/2024

Thanks for all your continued interest in my guitars. It's been truly heartening, the messages I've been sent and enquiries received. Thank you!

For those of you enquiring about sending to the US, with $2k insurance to cover the price of the guitar, postage is coming in around $150 to send a boxed lap steel guitar to anywhere in the states from my workshop in the UK.

12/01/2024

Bit of Friday fun for everyone. A short blues number, played by Alex Roberts Music on my Turkish Walnut Lap Steel guitar.

To find out more about my guitars and to buy, visit https://dashwoodguitars.com Have a great weekend everyone!

https://youtu.be/bxb4CuCSW4g

www.dashwoodguitars.com A one off lap steel made from Brazilian mahogany, Turkish walnut and English brown oak. Played by Alex Roberts.Leo Dashwood became a ...