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Setting Up Steel Guitar Racks

The lap steel or “steel guitar” is similar to, but distinct from a pedal steel. The pedal steel is always frame-mounted, with rods and levers attached to the frame. Steel guitars are slide guitars designed to be played on your lap. There are two alternatives to sitting with the instrument on your lap. Stand up and hold the instrument using a dance-bar, or put the lap steel guitar on a stand, or “rack.” If you are switching between instruments, the rack option is the most preferable. For best results, set up the rack so the guitar is at a comfortable playing height when seated.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit in the seat you use when playing the guitar. Place the rack horizontally on the floor with the top pointing to your left and the leg release lever on the side. The top is the end with the rubber guards. The bottom has rubber feet and no guards. The rubber guards prevent the guitar from slipping off the top of the rack.

    • 2

      Pull the lever in the center of the legs toward you. This releases the teeth of the clamp, enabling you to widen or shorten the gap between the legs.

    • 3

      Hold the rack by both legs, at the top. Gently push the legs downward. The down-force pushes the legs apart. Typical steel guitar racks are scissor-shaped, meaning you set the height by adjusting the distance between the legs.

    • 4

      Stop pushing when the rubber guards are level with your elbows.

    • 5
      Pedal steel guitars come on a frame with connected pedals and levers.

      Push the lever away from you to lock the legs at the selected height.

    • 6

      Place the rack in front of your chair and carefully put your steel guitar on top.

    • 7
      The stand should hold the guitar at a comfortable height.

      Sit in your chair and play the guitar. Ensure that the guitar is within easy reach of your arms from a seated position. For example, if you have to reach upward to play the guitar, remove the guitar from the rack and lower the height. If you are stooping to play it, remove the guitar and raise the height.

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