Artist MSL110 lap steel

By: Bruce McKail on 7 September 2021

Awesome introduction to lap steel. Plays great straight out of the box. Never played one before and now I can’t stop. Great value and service as always from Artist Guitars.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback. We really appreciate the support!

Follow up review of my Artist Lap Steel

By: JOHN NOLAN on 22 August 2021

I purchased the MSL110 Lap Steel back in June and submitted a review in which I mentioned that I felt the string gauges were too light for normal use and detracted from the tone and playability of the instrument. I acquired the Hal Leonard Lap Steel Method which recommended appropriate string gauges according to the tuning(s) that you use. Armed with this knowledge I set about restringing the instrument. An economical way of doing this is to swap the lowest string for the recommended gauge and then simply move the remaining strings over to the adjacent position. This produced an amazing result. The tone and playability is greatly improved whether tuned in open G D or E which are the keys I use for blues. I will add that I purchased a Shubb style steel which I find easier to use than the bullet shaped steel supplied. That is not to say that the latter is sub-standard. I just find the grooved bar easier to manipulate. The other big plus is that the tuners seem reliable to keep the strings in tune, even with heavier strings. I am therefore giving the MSL110 five stars.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this awesome review. This will really help us a lot. Cheers!

Good value introduction to lap steel

By: JOHN NOLAN on 14 June 2021

I have been eyeing off a lap steel for some time as I cannot get the hang of playing slide on a conventional guitar despite many attempts. The MSL110, coming with gig bag, legs, tone bar and even a lead for $199.00 and free shipping, cannot be beaten. The unit itself is beautifully finished and the legs screw in easily and have a good range of adjustment. The ability to split the pickup into a single coil id a bonus although I don't see myself using it. The humbucking configuration produces the fullest tone. I agree with those who have changed the strings. The fitted strings are far too light and even in open E tuning (which does not necessitate any of the strings to be tuned down) the top strings were too light for the weight of the tone bar and the bottom string, played on its own lacks body. I think dobro gauge strings are the go. The lead provided is not good quality, insufficient shielding I think and a better quality lead is warranted. The volume and tone pots work well although I have opted to obtain a volume pedal which I think is essential equipment and you don't need to pay a lot for it. The supplied tone bar works well although I am planning to upgrade to a shaped one for better control. Played through an amp or directly into an interface the tone is great, given the price. I am giving it 4 stars because of the build, the basic sound and the value even though I am knocking off one star for the strings. I think the manufacturer or distributor should be prevailed upon to fit proper gauge strings. I can't see that it would cost any more. The tuners appear to work fine and it holds the tuning although it may be premature to say this prior to fitting the gauge of string that the instrument deserves. It may be that the reason that the light strings come as standard is to avoid putting extra tension on the tuners. only time will tell.

Artist Guitars Response
Thank you for leaving a review about the Lap Steel guitar. I am sorry to hear that there are aspects of the guitar that did not work for you. The guitar is meant to introduce players to playing lap steel and is a budge friendly means of getting one. We appreciate your feedback and we will definitely have this forwarded to our factory.

Wicked instrument for the price.

By: Aaron Pennington on 19 April 2021

As usual artist guitars deliver awesome quality for a good price. I've played guitar for 11 years but I'm a complete beginner on lap steel and I couldn't be happier with the MSL110. Sounds great, intonation is perfect, plays great, pots aren't crooked or tight, fretboard is gorgeous, it's lightweight. The only complaint I have is the tuning peg on the 2nd string 'jumps' at a point when turning but it still tunes to pitch and stays there. Could not recommend this lap steel enough to anyone just getting into it, it's a superb instrument!

Artist Guitars Response
We are glad to hear that you are happy with the guitar. Thank you for the kind words. Please feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions or concerns.

Lap steel guitar.

By: Cavan Sibson on 18 November 2020

Service and delivery was great. Delighted with the sound and highly recommend.