The Pinnacle of Pedal-Steel Expression in a Lapsteel Format
The Guitar Sanctuary is proud to present the Duesenberg Alliance Series Paul Franklin Signature Lapsteel in a striking Transparent Red and Vintage White gloss finish. Designed in close collaboration with legendary Nashville session giant Paul Franklin, this instrument completely redefines what is sonically possible on a lap steel guitar, bringing fluid, pedal-steel-style pitch manipulation into a streamlined, high-performance instrument.
Premium Korina Tonewood & Neck-Thru Geometry
Unlike commodity lap steels, the Paul Franklin Signature is built utilizing a solid, select Korina (Limba) body and integrated neck-thru construction. Korina is prized by top-tier builders for its highly resonant, warm, and dynamically balanced tonal profile, yielding superior acoustic sustain that allows notes to bloom effortlessly. The instrument features a flat, back-printed transparent acrylic fretboard with crisp diamond inlays and 24 cleanly marked fret lines for precise bar placement and flawless intonation tracking.
The Duesenberg Multibender & Speed-Pot Systems
The operational core of this Alliance Series instrument is the innovative Duesenberg Multibender Bridge System. Operated intuitively with the heel of your picking hand, this customizable hardware assembly allows you to execute complex, per-string pitch bends up or down a half or whole tone. Change intervals from minor to major seamlessly mid-phrase, perfectly mimicking complex pedal-steel chord voicings. This signature model comes factory-equipped with two bending levers and is expandable up to five.
Furthermore, the control layout includes Duesenberg's genuine 70-Degree Speed-Pot tone control. Operating at a significantly reduced rotation angle compared to standard pots, it lets you execute swelling volume and tone dynamics using just the minor movement of your pinky finger.
Custom-Voiced Multi-Circuit Electronics
To capture the full frequency range of complex steel chord configurations, the Paul Franklin lapsteel features two distinct, hum-free proprietary pickup profiles housed inside classic Chrome Radiator covers:
- Bridge Position: Duesenberg GrandVintage Humbucker — Delivers a broad, punchy, high-output voice with cutting mid-range definition that effortlessly slices through any live mix or studio tracking session.
- Neck Position: Duesenberg SingleTwin Domino Split-Coil — A specialized, hum-canceling P90-style pickup that generates a thick, creamy, and exceptionally woody tone for smooth, vocal-like melodic runs.
Technical Intelligence Profile & Specifications Matrix:
- Best For: Modern Country, Americana, Western Swing, Ambient Soundscapes, Studio Session Work
- Tone Profile: Warm, Highly Articulate, Dynamic, Vocal, Broad-Sustaining
- Compared To: Custom Shop Pedal Steels, Duesenberg Fairytale, Vintage Asher Lap Steels
- Nut Width & System: 65 mm (2.56") nut equipped with an integrated Duesenberg Roller Nut for frictionless string travel during heavy Multibender use.
- Factory String Gauges: Duesenberg Custom .016 - .056 Setup (.016, .018, .026, .036, .046, .056).
- Protection: Includes a premium, custom-fitted Duesenberg Custom Line flight-ready hardshell case.
Stock Photos Shown, individual color and grain will vary from guitar to guitar.
Body/Neck
Wood: Korina (+ Maple top on headstock)
Width at nut: 65 mm / 2.56"
Dimensions: 92 x 19,3 x 4 cm / 36.2" x 7.6" x 1.57"
Stringspacing: 54 mm / 2.13"
Fingerboard: Transparent plexi with imprint on the back
Scale length: 648 mm / 25.5"
Finish: PUR lacquer, Red & Vintage White
Hardware
Tuners: Duesenberg Z-Tuners
Nut: Duesenberg Roller Nut
Bridge: Duesenberg Multibender
Capo: None ("Capo-Delete")
Hardware color: Nickel
Factory Strings: Duesenberg Custom 016/056 (016-018-026-036-046-056)
Electronics
Pickup (neck): Duesenberg SingleTwin Domino
Pickup (bridge): Duesenberg GrandVintage Humbucker
Wiring: 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 3-Way Pickup Selector
Knobs: Custom laser etched
Accessories
Case: Custom Line Case (included)
Tools: All required allen keys (included)
Certificate: included
We are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 6pm CDT.
Any order placed before 3pm CDT Tuesday through Saturday is processed for shipment the same day. Orders placed Sunday-Monday will be processed for shipment the following Tuesday.
For Free Shipping items, Effects pedals and small goods items are generally shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and Guitars and Amplifiers are generally shipped via UPS Ground.
Due to our central location in the middle of the US, most orders will be delivered within 1-3 days delivery time.
Other shipping methods are available (at an additional cost), including next day air.
Please call us directly at (972)540-6420 if you have any questions regarding shipping for your order.
