8 string... SX8 or Morell Pro 8 string?

[Doug Anderson]

Which do you prefer and why? SX8 or Morell Pro 8 string?

I know someone selling a Morell Pro 8 used for a good deal or I could pay a bit more and get a new SX8.

I read a review that someone did not like the sting spacing on the Morell.

thanks! Doug

[George Piburn]

If it helps, we sell a replacement 3D printed 8 String nut that will fit both of these laps. Low Cost and easy to install.

8 String Nut

[Nic Neufeld]

I only have the SX 8 (I owned a different Morrell) so I can't give you a good comparison. But just to throw these out there...

Morrell appears to be medium-short scale (22.75) and SX8 is more medium long, if you have preferences on scale length.

I personally like the aesthetics of the SX more, but that's 100% subjective.

I did replace the pickup in mine...I didn't love the 60 cycle hum and had some string balance issues. The Morrell has a Kent Armstrong 7 string pickup. I'm not sure how the internal pole pieces are set up (or if it is a bar polepiece) but it is single coil so expect 60 cycle hum from that one, as well as possible string balance issues as well (I'm assuming the idea is they align the 7 polepieces up between the 8 strings...that still leaves your outer strings maybe a bit weaker possibly since only sensed from one side?). There are a lot of 7 string strat pickups around so replacements are available for sure.

SX also comes with somewhat serviceable legs that I've used before, but mostly I just use it as a lap.

Overall both are cheap and cheerful and relatively modifiable if you want to.

[Gary S. Lynch]

Nick, I have owned both.
I wasn’t that impressed with the “lipstick” style pickup on the Morrell.
I was surprised how clean and strong the P90 style pickup sounded on the SX 8.
The only thing I advise is change the metal nut on the SX.
I changed mine out to a GeorgeBoards 8 string nut. They are sold on Reverb.
Made quite a nice difference in tone and sustain for a $20ish dollar investment.
It also really opened up the string spacing nicely and the strings line up nicely over the P90.
I’ll try to posts a couple of photos.
Gary

[Gary S. Lynch]

Actually, I missed Georg Pilburn’s earlier post.
I would suggest follow his posted link.
I have used his products on several different steels.
Good quality and affordable!

[Michael Kiese]

Lap steel is such a simple instrument. Not a lot to go wrong on it.

Simple machines have simple problems. Complex machines have complex problems. Lapsteel is about as simple as it gets.

As long as you got a good set of custom strings for your tuning and scale length, you're pretty much 90% there.

Doing upgrades to improve string spacing and break angle on the nut and saddle is always a good idea.

Enjoy!