I have a lapsteel case in great shape. It's 72 yrs old and I am leery of the handle. It is brown plastic and I know over the yrs plastic tends to get brittle. I don't want the handle breaking while carrying my steel in it. I have one steel that is over 10 pounds. I ordered a new replacement handle. My question is, what material did they make the case out of? New handle comes with wood screws and If the case is wood that's great, but if it's some kind of composite material (MDF?) I don't want to use the wood screws. I don't think back in '53 they used that stuff or maybe it wasn't invented yet. I'm sure some of you have re-done cases and know what is under the covering. This case is pristine and not in need of covering. It was made by Eagle Lock co. in Terryville Conn.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Lock_Company
Lapsteel case circa 1953
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
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Bill Groner
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Lapsteel case circa 1953
Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, 1953 Alamo Lap steel, (a gift from the late Stu Schulman) Recording King Phil Leadbetter Dobro, Roland Cube, Roland Mobile Cube, Fender Champion 40
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D Schubert
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Re: Lapsteel case circa 1953
You may want to consider a leather "emergency handle" that buckles onto the existing hardware on the case. I've done that for vintage banjo and mandolin cases, and it's a very sturdy solution.
GFI Expo S-10PE, Sho-Bud 6139, Fender 2x8 Stringmaster, Supro consoles, Dobro. And more.
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Bill Groner
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Re: Lapsteel case circa 1953
Got a picture and can you tell me where you bought it? Thanks for the suggestion.
Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, 1953 Alamo Lap steel, (a gift from the late Stu Schulman) Recording King Phil Leadbetter Dobro, Roland Cube, Roland Mobile Cube, Fender Champion 40
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Dave Mudgett
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Re: Lapsteel case circa 1953
I agree on the 'emergency' handles, provided they can work with the hardware clasps on the case - not every clasp is compatible. I use them when I can to save the handles on some of my old amps and guitar cases. My '57 Magnatone 260 amp has one on it as we speak. The old handle was fine, but I gigged the amp for years, and I didn't want to destroy the original handle. The original is tucked away in case I ever sell the amp, which is about as likely as Hell freezing over, but it's there anyway. Anyway - if I left the original on there, it would have frayed and split, leaving me with the same problem.
Many music stores have these. But this is a good source for this kind of thing, and they make a lot of this stuff themselves - https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/col ... /emergency
If that doesn't fit the bill, we'd need to know more about the case. I've had a pile of old guitar/steel cases, and the construction varies a lot. A lot of classic cases were plywood, and that can vary a lot too. I try not to cut into things like guitar cases, amp cabinets, and so on. Doesn't always end well.
Many music stores have these. But this is a good source for this kind of thing, and they make a lot of this stuff themselves - https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/col ... /emergency
If that doesn't fit the bill, we'd need to know more about the case. I've had a pile of old guitar/steel cases, and the construction varies a lot. A lot of classic cases were plywood, and that can vary a lot too. I try not to cut into things like guitar cases, amp cabinets, and so on. Doesn't always end well.