Imagine a sound that slides and sings, a voice that bends and weeps with pure emotion. That’s the magic of the lap steel guitar. But if you’re new to this unique instrument, the world of lap steels can feel like a tangled web. Where do you even begin? You want that signature sound, but the sheer number of models, pickup types, and body materials can leave you feeling lost and unsure which one is right for you.
Choosing the wrong lap steel can lead to frustration, wasted money, and a sound that just doesn’t hit the mark. It’s a common struggle for aspiring players. But don’t worry! This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a lap steel special, break down the key features you need to know, and help you find the perfect instrument to unlock your musical dreams.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different lap steel guitars out there. You’ll know what to look for, what questions to ask, and feel confident in making your first or next lap steel purchase. Let’s dive in and discover the wonderful world of lap steel guitar!
Our Top 5 Lap Steel Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lap Steel Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
Rating: 9.1/10
The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel in Tobacco is a cool instrument. It’s designed for players who want that classic lap steel sound. It has a bright, clear tone thanks to its chrome single coil pickup. The guitar is easy to play and looks great. The white plastic fretboard adds a unique touch, and the tobacco finish is really nice.
What We Like:
- It has a classic, warm tone.
- The controls are simple and easy to use.
- It features stylish chrome hardware.
- The Art Deco control plate gives it a retro vibe.
- It’s a good option for beginners and experienced players.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might want more pickup options.
- The plastic fretboard might not appeal to everyone.
This Gretsch lap steel offers a fantastic playing experience and a distinctive look. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to explore the world of lap steel guitar.
2. Batking Lap Steel Guitar
Rating: 8.7/10
The Batking Lap Steel Guitar in Sunburst is a cool electric slide guitar. It has 28 frets, which gives you lots of room to play. This guitar comes ready to play with .10″-.46″ strings. It’s made with a solid poplar wood body and has a single-coil pickup for a clear sound. The stainless steel pickguard looks sharp and protects the guitar.
What We Like:
- It has 28 frets, offering a wide range of notes.
- The solid poplar wood body gives it a good tone.
- It includes a metal guitar slide bar and a gig bag, so you get everything you need to start playing right away.
- Die-cast chrome tuners help keep the guitar in tune.
- Easy-to-use volume and tone controls let you shape your sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scale length is 20.75 inches, which might feel a bit short for some players.
- While poplar is a decent wood, a higher-end wood might offer a richer sound.
This Batking Lap Steel Guitar is a fantastic option for beginners and intermediate players looking to explore the world of slide guitar. It’s a complete package that lets you start making music without needing extra gear.
3. TARIO Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag (Red)
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to make some sweet music with the TARIO Lap Steel Guitar in a vibrant red! This electric slide guitar is designed for players who want to dive into the world of lap steel. It’s got a cool look and everything you need to start playing right away.
What We Like:
- It has 28 frets, giving you plenty of room to play.
- The guitar comes with .10″-.46″ strings, perfect for that slide sound.
- It’s built with a solid poplar wood body for a good tone.
- A single-coil pickup captures your sound clearly.
- The stainless steel pickguard looks sharp and protects the guitar.
- The 20.75-inch scale length feels comfortable for playing.
- It includes a metal guitar slide bar and a gig bag, so you’re ready to go!
- Die-cast chrome tuners keep your guitar in tune.
- Volume and tone controls let you shape your sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great starter instrument, some experienced players might want a higher-end pickup for more tonal options.
- The included gig bag is good for protection, but a more padded case might be better for frequent travel.
This TARIO Lap Steel Guitar is a fantastic way to explore slide guitar. It’s a well-equipped package that makes learning fun and accessible.
4. Lap Steel Guitar
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to make some sweet music with this cool Sunburst Lap Steel Guitar! Its Okoume body looks awesome, and you can play it right on your lap. It’s a 6-string, fretless model, which means you slide your steel bar around to hit the notes. It’s about 33 inches long, so it’s a good size to handle. You can plug it into an amp to hear your amazing sounds!
What We Like:
- The fretless design lets you explore a unique way of playing.
- It has a beautiful sunburst finish that looks really stylish.
- The die-cast machine tuners help you keep the guitar in tune easily.
- It’s easy to connect to an amplifier with the standard output jack.
- The single-coil pickup gives you a clear and classic lap steel sound.
- Simple volume and tone controls make it easy to adjust your sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- Being fretless might take some practice for beginners to get used to.
- The nut width is 2 inches, which might feel a little wide for some players.
This lap steel guitar offers a fun and accessible way to dive into slide guitar. It’s a great instrument for anyone looking to try something new and make some soulful tunes.
5. Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide – Learn Chords
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to strum your way into the soulful world of lap steel guitar? The Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide is your perfect starting point. This book makes learning fun and easy, even if you’ve never touched a lap steel before. You’ll learn all the basics, from how to hold the instrument to playing cool chords and awesome scales. Plus, it comes with a CD packed with 95 audio tracks, so you can hear exactly how everything should sound. It even includes seven popular songs to get you playing tunes right away!
What We Like:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions make learning simple.
- Includes online audio with 95 tracks for listening practice.
- Teaches essential chords, scales, and techniques.
- Features 7 songs to help you play real music.
- Softcover design makes it easy to hold and use.
- TAB notation is included, which is helpful for beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some learners might prefer more visual aids like diagrams or photos.
- The 48-page count might feel a bit brief for some who want a more in-depth exploration of advanced topics later on.
This guide offers a fantastic introduction to the lap steel guitar. It’s a great way to start your musical journey and discover the unique sound of this instrument.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Lap Steel Guitar
So, you’re thinking about getting a lap steel guitar? That’s awesome! These cool instruments make a unique, sliding sound that’s perfect for blues, country, and lots of other music. This guide will help you pick the right one.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a lap steel, keep these important things in mind:
- Number of Strings: Most lap steels have six strings, just like a regular guitar. But you can find them with more strings if you want to play more complex music.
- Scale Length: This is the distance from the nut (the little piece at the top of the neck) to the bridge (where the strings attach at the bottom). A longer scale length usually means a bigger, fuller sound.
- Pickups: These are like the guitar’s ears. They pick up the string vibrations and turn them into sound. Different pickups give different tones. Single-coil pickups are bright and clear. Humbucker pickups are warmer and have more power.
- Controls: Look for volume and tone knobs. These let you change how loud your guitar is and how bright or mellow the sound is. Some lap steels have extra controls for more sound shaping.
- Legs or Stand: Some lap steels come with legs so they can stand up on their own. Others need a stand. Decide how you want to play and what’s easiest for you.
Important Materials
The wood used to build a lap steel guitar really matters.
- Body Wood:
- Mahogany: This wood gives a warm, rich sound. It’s a popular choice.
- Alder: Alder wood makes a guitar sound balanced and clear.
- Maple: Maple wood is brighter and has more sustain (the sound lasts longer).
- Neck Wood: Maple is often used for necks because it’s strong and stable.
- Fretboard: Some lap steels have a fretboard (where you slide your bar), while others don’t. If it has frets, materials like rosewood or ebony are common.
What Makes a Lap Steel Great (or Not So Great)?
- Build Quality: A well-built lap steel will sound better and last longer. Look for smooth edges, good hardware, and a nice finish.
- Hardware: The tuners (the knobs you turn to tune the strings) and the bridge should be sturdy. Good hardware keeps your guitar in tune.
- Electronics: The pickups and wiring inside the guitar affect its sound. High-quality electronics give you a cleaner, more responsive tone.
- Finish: The paint or clear coat on the guitar protects the wood and adds to its look. A good finish is smooth and even.
User Experience and Use Cases
Lap steels are super fun to play! They’re great for:
- Beginners: If you’re new to guitar, a lap steel can be easier to get started with. You don’t need to worry about complex fingerings.
- Blues and Country Music: These styles really shine with the sliding sound of a lap steel.
- Slide Guitar Enthusiasts: If you love the sound of slide guitar, a lap steel is a must-have.
- Recording: Lap steels add a unique texture to recordings.
You play a lap steel by resting it on your lap or a stand. You use a metal or glass bar (called a “slide”) to press down on the strings. This creates that signature sliding sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lap Steel Guitars
Q: What is a lap steel guitar?
A: A lap steel guitar is a type of guitar that you play lying flat on your lap or on a stand. You use a metal bar to slide along the strings to make music.
Q: Do I need a special amp for a lap steel?
A: You can use a regular guitar amp. However, some players like to use amps that are known for their clean sound, like Fender amps, to get the best lap steel tone.
Q: What is a “slide bar”?
A: A slide bar is a smooth, hard object, usually made of metal or glass. You hold it and press it onto the strings to create notes and slides.
Q: Are lap steel guitars hard to play?
A: They can be easier for some people than a regular guitar because you don’t need to fret notes with your fingers. You just move the slide bar.
Q: What kind of music is lap steel good for?
A: Lap steel guitars are fantastic for blues, country, Hawaiian music, and rock.
Q: Do all lap steels have six strings?
A: Most have six strings, but you can find them with more or fewer strings for different playing styles.
Q: What does “scale length” mean for a lap steel?
A: Scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge. A longer scale length often gives a louder, richer sound.
Q: What are “pickups” on a lap steel?
A: Pickups are the parts that capture the sound of the strings. They change the vibrations into an electrical signal that goes to your amp.
Q: Can I play a lap steel standing up?
A: Some lap steels have legs or can be put on a stand so you can play them while standing or sitting.
Q: Where can I buy a lap steel guitar?
A: You can buy them at music stores, online music retailers, and sometimes second-hand from other musicians.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.