Making a lap steel play like a dobro
TLDR; can I make a lap steel feel like a dobro?
Hi y'all. I've got a strange question. For the past couple years I've dabbled in playing dobro, and I got pretty serious about it in the past six months. However, I just moved into an apartment where it wouldn't be ok to play it (I wish you could mute a dobro like a banjo but I haven't found a way) so I sold it.
I'd really like to continue to learn the instrument, so I'm trying to think creatively. I have a Gretsch lap steel that I enjoy, but the scale and string spacing are very different from a dobro. I also play it in D with benders.
I'm considering picking up a Gold Tone LS-6 because the 25" scale and 2" nut closely match a dobro. Based on my guitar experience, though, I assume it'll still probably feel quite different.
Does anyone have experience playing a longer-scale lap steel tuned GBDGBD? This would just be a practice instrument so I'm not that concerned with sound, but I'd love to hear opinions on whether it'll feel close enough to be worth it.