rileykill

The rest of my set up includes a 6 pack of Shiner Bock and a Kyser capo

Actually, I do have an electric rig ('89 American Strat, '59 Bassman 4X10 combo, effects board) but I spend muuuch more time with those three ...

I also have a 50's era 6 string National. It's great. My suggestion, FWIW, is to look around for vintage steels. Even the really cool older stuff like the Gibsons and Nationals are relatively inexpensive ($300 - $500). Mine even had a really cheap cable attached that I replaced immediatley with a 1/4" jack.

If anyone is in town for ACL, check out Austin Vintage on South Lamar (across from the Alamo Drafthouse) they usually have 3 or 4 lap steels as well as tons of great guitars and amps.

http://www.austinvintageguitars.com/

I use a Boss DS-1 and then boost the signal with a MXR Micro Amp. It, surprisingly, works beautifully - total cost about $90. Turning up the bass a little helps temper the DS-1 a bit. I've completely stopped using my TS.