Imagine a sound that makes you feel like you’re floating on a warm breeze, or a bluesy wail that tells a story without a single word. That’s the magic of the lap steel guitar! Have you ever heard that smooth, sliding sound and wondered how it’s made? Many people love the sound of lap steel but get stuck when it’s time to pick one out. There are so many different kinds, and it can feel confusing to know where to start. You might worry about buying the wrong one or not getting the sound you want.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the exciting world of lap steel guitars and make choosing your perfect instrument much easier. You’ll learn about the different types of lap steels and what makes them sound so unique. By the end, you’ll feel confident about finding the lap steel that will make your musical dreams come true. Get ready to discover how to find your own voice on this amazing instrument!
Our Top 5 Lap Steel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Lap Steel Detailed Reviews
1. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
Rating: 9.3/10
The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel in Tobacco is a cool-looking guitar that’s great for playing slide guitar. It has a bright, clear sound from its chrome single coil pickup. You can easily change your sound with the volume and tone knobs. The shiny chrome hardware and art deco control plate give it a classic, stylish look.
What We Like:
- The chrome single coil pickup delivers a bright and clear tone, perfect for that classic lap steel sound.
- Simple volume and tone controls make it easy to dial in your desired sound quickly.
- The eye-catching art deco control plate adds a touch of vintage style.
- The white plastic fretboard is smooth and offers a unique playing feel.
- The Tobacco finish looks really sharp and classic.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might want more pickup options for a wider range of tones.
- The plastic fretboard, while functional, might not offer the same tactile response as a traditional wooden fretboard for some musicians.
This Gretsch lap steel is a fantastic instrument for anyone looking to explore the world of slide guitar. It offers a great blend of classic style and straightforward playability.
2. Batking Lap Steel Guitar
Rating: 9.0/10
The Batking Lap Steel Guitar, Electric Slide Guitars 6 String Slotted Headstock Guiter With Gig Bag Sunburst offers a unique musical experience for aspiring and seasoned players alike. Its eye-catching sunburst finish and slotted headstock give it a classic look, while its solid poplar wood body and single-coil pickup promise a great sound. This instrument is designed for playing in the lap, using a slide to create those signature smooth, gliding notes. It comes ready to play with strings already on it, a gig bag, and even a metal slide bar, making it a convenient package for anyone wanting to dive into lap steel guitar.
What We Like:
- It has 28 frets, giving you lots of notes to play.
- The body is made of solid poplar wood, which is sturdy.
- It comes with a single-coil pickup for clear sound.
- The stainless steel pickguard adds a cool touch and protects the guitar.
- It includes a gig bag and a metal guitar slide bar so you can start playing right away.
- The die-cast chrome tuners help keep the guitar in tune.
- It has simple volume and tone controls for easy adjustments.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scale length is 20.75 inches, which might feel short for some players.
- The string gauge included is .10″-.46″, which might not be everyone’s preference.
This Batking lap steel guitar is a fantastic entry point into the world of slide guitar. It provides a complete kit for beginners and a fun instrument for experienced players to explore.
3. Mr.Power Guitar Slide Metal Steel Tone Bar for Dobro
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to make some amazing music with the Mr.Power Guitar Slide Metal Steel Tone Bar set! This package is packed with everything you need to add some awesome sounds to your guitar playing. It includes a super sturdy metal guitar slide, plus a bunch of cool picks for your fingers and thumbs. Whether you play a Dobro, lap steel, Hawaiian guitar, or even an electric guitar, this set will help you create unique tones.
What We Like:
- The metal guitar slide is 3 inches long and weighs 4.2 ounces. It feels solid and well-made.
- It has a special “Dual stick Hawaii tone function” which is a fancy way of saying it can make cool, dreamy Hawaiian sounds.
- This slide works on many types of guitars, including Dobro, lap steel, Hawaiian, and electric guitars.
- You get two sets of thumb and finger picks. This is great because it helps you hold the strings better and keeps your fingernails from getting worn out.
- The set comes with both easy-to-use celluloid finger picks and tough stainless steel metal finger picks.
- Everything fits neatly into a special bag for easy carrying and storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the slide is a good weight, some players might prefer a slightly heavier or lighter option depending on their personal style.
- The “Dual stick Hawaii tone function” is a bit of a unique feature, and it might take some practice to master.
This Mr.Power Guitar Slide set is a fantastic way to explore new sounds on your guitar. It’s a complete package that offers great value and fun for any guitarist looking to experiment.
4. Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide – Learn Chords
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to dive into the world of lap steel guitar? The Hal Leonard Lap Steel Guitar Method Beginner’s Guide is your perfect starting point. This comprehensive book, written by Johnie Helms, breaks down everything a beginner needs to know. You’ll learn essential chords, scales, and techniques. The book is packed with information and comes with online audio featuring 95 tracks. This makes practicing and learning new songs much easier and more fun.
What We Like:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions make learning simple.
- The inclusion of 95 online audio tracks really helps you hear how things should sound.
- You get to learn 7 songs, which is a great way to apply what you’re learning.
- The TAB format is easy for guitarists to read.
- It’s a softcover book, making it easy to handle while you play.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some beginners might wish for more detailed explanations on certain advanced techniques later in the book.
- The 48 pages, while packed, could potentially feel a little brief for those who learn very slowly.
This method book provides a solid foundation for any aspiring lap steel player. It’s an excellent resource for getting started on your musical journey.
5. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel 6-String Electric Guitar with Plastic Fingerboard and Mahogany Body (Right-Handed
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to slide into some sweet sounds with the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel! This right-handed, 6-string electric guitar rocks a cool Vintage White finish and a classic mahogany body. It’s designed for easy playing, making it a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced players alike who want to explore the unique world of lap steel guitar. The shorter scale length makes it comfortable to handle and explore different tones.
What We Like:
- It’s a 6-string, perfect for classic lap steel playing.
- The solid mahogany body gives it a warm, rich sound.
- The plastic fingerboard is smooth and durable.
- The chrome-covered bridge pickup delivers clear, bright tones.
- It has simple controls for master volume and master tone, making it easy to dial in your sound.
- The string-through-body bridge helps with sustain, meaning your notes ring out longer.
- The Vintage White finish looks super cool and retro.
What Could Be Improved:
- The plastic fingerboard might not appeal to everyone who prefers wood.
- Some players might want more pickup options or advanced controls for more complex sounds.
The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel offers a fun and accessible way to dive into lap steel guitar. It’s a solid instrument that delivers great tone and a classic look.
Your Guide to Buying a Lap Steel Guitar
So, you’re interested in a lap steel guitar? That’s awesome! These cool instruments make a unique, sliding sound that you hear in blues, country, and Hawaiian music. This guide will help you pick the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important parts:
- Number of Strings: Most lap steels have 6 strings, but you can find them with 7, 8, or even 10 strings. More strings mean more notes you can play. A 6-string is a great place to start.
- Pickup: This is what makes your guitar electric. Single-coil pickups give a bright, clear sound. Humbucker pickups offer a fatter, warmer tone. Some lap steels have both!
- Scale Length: This is the distance from the nut (where the strings start at the headstock) to the bridge (where the strings end on the body). Longer scale lengths usually mean a fuller sound and more sustain (how long a note rings out).
- Tuners: These are the knobs you turn to tune your strings. Good tuners keep your guitar in tune longer.
- Finish: This is the paint or wood coating on your guitar. It’s mostly for looks, but a good finish protects the wood.
Important Materials
The wood your lap steel is made from makes a big difference in its sound and feel.
- Body Wood:
- Mahogany: This wood gives a warm, rich tone with good sustain. It’s a popular choice.
- Alder: Alder bodies produce a balanced sound with a strong mid-range.
- Maple: Maple bodies sound bright and clear. They have a lot of attack, meaning the note starts strong.
- Fretboard: While lap steels don’t have raised frets like a regular guitar, the surface where you slide your steel bar is still important.
- Rosewood: This is a dense wood that feels smooth and sounds warm.
- Maple: Maple fretboards are harder and brighter sounding.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a lap steel great or just okay?
- Construction: How well the guitar is put together matters. Look for smooth joints and a solid feel. A well-built guitar will play better and last longer.
- Hardware: The quality of the tuners, bridge, and other metal parts affects how well your guitar stays in tune and plays. Better hardware means less hassle.
- Electronics: The pickup and wiring inside the guitar shape its sound. High-quality electronics give you a cleaner, more expressive tone.
- Setup: Even a good lap steel can sound bad if it’s not set up right. A good setup means the strings are at the right height and the guitar plays easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Playing a lap steel is a fun experience!
- Ease of Play: Lap steels are played flat on your lap or a table. You use a metal or glass “steel” to slide along the strings. This creates a smooth, singing sound. It’s different from regular guitar playing but very rewarding.
- Sound: The sound is its own thing. It’s often described as “weeping” or “crying.” You can make it sound happy, sad, or anything in between.
- Music Styles: Lap steels are perfect for:
- Country Music: Think of those classic steel guitar solos.
- Blues: The sliding sound adds a soulful feel.
- Hawaiian Music: It’s a core instrument in traditional Hawaiian tunes.
- Rock and Roll: Some rock bands use them for unique textures.
- Learning Curve: If you’ve played guitar before, you’ll pick it up faster. But even beginners can learn to play simple songs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lap Steel Guitars
Q: What is a lap steel guitar?
A: A lap steel guitar is an electric guitar played horizontally on your lap or a stand. You use a metal or glass bar to slide along the strings to make notes.
Q: What are the main key features to look for?
A: Key features include the number of strings (6 is common), the type of pickup (single-coil for bright, humbucker for warm), the scale length (longer for more sustain), good tuners, and a nice finish.
Q: What are the most important materials for a lap steel?
A: The body wood (like mahogany, alder, or maple) and the fretboard material (like rosewood or maple) are important for sound and feel.
Q: How does the construction affect the quality?
A: Good construction means the guitar is built well, with smooth parts and a solid feel. This makes it easier to play and last longer.
Q: What kind of sound does a lap steel make?
A: It makes a unique, sliding sound that is often called “weeping” or “crying.” It’s very expressive.
Q: What music styles are lap steels used in?
A: They are popular in country, blues, Hawaiian music, and even some rock and roll.
Q: Is a lap steel hard to learn?
A: It’s different from a regular guitar, but many people find it fun and rewarding to learn. Beginners can start with simple songs.
Q: Do I need a special amp for a lap steel?
A: You can use a regular electric guitar amp. Some players prefer amps that have a cleaner sound.
Q: What accessories do I need to play lap steel?
A: You need a steel bar to slide on the strings, and finger picks or thumb picks can help. You’ll also need a guitar strap and an amp.
Q: Where can I try out a lap steel guitar?
A: Your best bet is a local music store. You can also watch videos online to hear how different lap steels sound.
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.