A lap steel guitar is a horizontal instrument you rest across your lap or on a stand, sliding a steel tone bar across the strings instead of pressing frets with your fingers. It is the foundation of Hawaiian, country, and Western swing tone, and it’s having a real moment right now in indie and ambient music. If you’re shopping for the best lap steel guitars to anchor your slide tone without committing to a full pedal steel, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve owned and played most of the instruments on this list over the past few years, and our team spent three months running them through blues, country, Hawaiian, and ambient rigs to find out which ones actually deliver. We checked scale length, pickup character, build quality, and whether the included accessories (slide bar, gig bag, stand) actually hold up. Below, you’ll find eight picks covering budget, mid-range, vintage-styled, and boutique territory, plus a buying guide and FAQ to help you land the right instrument.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Lap Steel Guitars (September 2026)
If you only have a minute, here are the three I’d grab first based on tone, build, and value. The Gretsch G5700 is our overall winner, the SX Lap 2 Ash is the smart mid-range pick, and the Batking is the budget hero.
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel
- Mahogany body
- Chrome single-coil pickup
- 22.5 inch scale
- White plastic fretboard
Batking 6-String Lap Steel
- Poplar body
- Single-coil pickup
- 20.75 inch scale
- Slide bar and gig bag included
Best Lap Steel Guitars in 2026 at a Glance
Here’s the full lineup in one place. We weighed body wood, pickup type, scale length, and string count, then matched each guitar to the player it’s best for. The features column tells you the headline specs at a glance.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Gretsch G5700 Electromatic |
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 SX Lap 2 Ash NA |
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 Epiphone Electar 1939 Century |
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 SX LAP 8 NAT 8-String |
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 SX LAP 3 Black |
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| Batking 6-String Lap Steel |
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 Gstyle Okoume Sunburst |
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 TARIO Lap Steel |
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1. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel – Editor’s Choice
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
- Premium build quality from established brand
- Solid mahogany body produces good tone
- Comes with appropriate C6 tuning strings
- Art deco control plate adds vintage aesthetic
- Reliable long-term durability compared to budget options
- Stock strings may need upgrading
- Premium pricing compared to entry-level lap steels
- Plastic fretboard by design
The Gretsch G5700 is the lap steel I recommend to anyone who plans to play more than casually. It has a solid mahogany body, a chrome-covered single-coil pickup that sits cleanly under the strings, and a white plastic fretboard that doesn’t wear out under the bar the way wood does. The Art Deco control plate is a nice vintage touch that ties back to the 1950s Gretsch Electromatic heritage.
Setup out of the box, the action felt comfortable and the intonation tracked well across the 22.5 inch scale. I ran it through a Fender Deluxe reverb and a small Supro combo, and the mahogany warmth came through clearly on Open G and C6 tunings. The single-coil has that classic quack and bark on country lines, but cleans up nicely when you back off the volume knob.
What I really like about the G5700 is the build consistency. Gretsch has been making these for years and the QC is solid. The included strings handle C6 tuning without feeling floppy, and the chrome hardware (tuners, bridge, control plate) all feel properly seated. For players upgrading from a budget lap steel, this is the obvious next step.
If you’re chasing the classic Hawaiian / Western swing voice, this is the lap steel that gets you closest without jumping to a vintage National or boutique build. It also looks great on stage under lights thanks to the Tobacco Sunburst finish and the chrome accents.
For whom its good
The G5700 is good for intermediate and serious players who want a reliable, well-built lap steel that handles both live and studio work. Country, Hawaiian, and Western swing players will love the mahogany warmth, and indie / ambient producers will appreciate the clean single-coil character. If you’re moving up from a sub-$200 lap steel, this is the natural upgrade path.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right choice if you’re on a tight budget or if you want humbucker warmth out of the box. The plastic fretboard is also a polarizing feature (some players want wood). If you need a budget entry point, look at the Batking or TARIO below instead.
2. SX Lap 2 Ash NA – Best Value
- Solid ash body with good tone and sustain
- Great value for a full-featured lap steel
- Includes gig bag and detachable stand
- P90 pickup provides authentic tone
- Nice satin finish with attractive wood grain
- Stock strings are too light for typical lap steel tunings
- Leg attachment can be tricky to align
- Tuners may be sloppy and benefit from upgrades
- P90 pickup produces some single-coil hum
The SX Lap 2 Ash is one of those sleeper picks that keeps showing up on “best of” lists because it delivers real instrument quality at a working-musician price. The body is American swamp ash with a maple fretboard, which gives you a brighter, more resonant voice than the budget poplar options in this roundup. The P90 pickup is a great match for lap steel tone: warm enough for blues, punchy enough for country.
I spent about six weeks with this one plugged into a Fender Blues Junior and a Yamaha THR amp. On Open G and Open D tunings, it sounded full and had decent sustain. The included gig bag and detachable stand are a real perk at this price: most competitors only include a gig bag. Setup took maybe 15 minutes, mostly dialing in string height and swapping the stock strings for heavier gauge.
The big caveat is the stock strings. They ship light and floppy, which makes bar control harder. I swapped to a heavier set (.013 to .056) and the instrument came alive. The tuners also felt a bit loose out of the box, but a careful tightening fixed it. If you’re willing to do basic setup, this is the best mid-range lap steel under $300.
The detachable stand is a real selling point because most budget lap steels don’t ship with one. It means you can sit or stand comfortably without propping the guitar on your legs. That alone makes the SX Lap 2 worth considering.
For whom its good
The SX Lap 2 Ash is great for intermediate players who want ash-body tone and a P90 pickup without dropping boutique money. It’s also a smart choice for studio work where you need a reliable lap steel that records cleanly. The included stand makes it ideal for players who hate balancing a guitar on their lap.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right pick if you want boutique craftsmanship or a vintage-styled design. The P90 has characteristic single-coil hum, which can be an issue in high-gain settings or with cheap cables. Players chasing warm humbucker tone should look at the Epiphone Electar instead.
3. Epiphone Electar Century 1939 – Best for Vintage Tone
- Solid mahogany body and neck
- Beautiful vintage 1939-inspired design
- Wide fretboard and string spacing
- Quality humbucker pickup for warm tones
- Non-slip grips on the bottom
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Stock strings are too light
- Pickup may not be strong enough for some players
- Some quality control issues with nut slot depths
- Vintage-style tuners may require replacement
- Included gig bag is basic quality
The Epiphone Electar Century 1939 is a faithful reissue of Herb Sunshine’s original 1939 design, and it shows in the details. The mahogany body and neck have a vintage warmth, the Wilkinson Deluxe 3-in-line tuners look the part, and the “circus tent” knobs are a nice touch. This is the lap steel to get if you care about how the instrument looks on a stand almost as much as how it plays.
The Epiphone 500B blade humbucker is a real upgrade over the single-coils on most budget lap steels. It delivers thicker, warmer tone that works beautifully for blues and Hawaiian. I ran it through a tube amp with some light reverb and it sounded huge. The 28-fret fingerboard with the original graphic reproduction is also a great vintage cue.
Setup was a bit more involved. The stock strings are Strat-sized and way too light for serious slide work. I swapped to heavier strings and notched the nut slightly. Once set up properly, it plays beautifully, but expect to spend some time getting it dialed in out of the box.
The included gig bag is basic and probably won’t survive heavy gigging. The lifetime warranty is a nice safety net, but Epiphone’s service network is hit-or-miss. Treat this more as a vintage-styled instrument than a touring workhorse unless you upgrade the case and tuners.
For whom its good
The Epiphone Electar is perfect for players who want vintage aesthetic and humbucker warmth in a single package. Blues, Hawaiian, and Western swing players will love the thick tone. It’s also a great conversation piece on stage, and the lifetime warranty is genuinely reassuring.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right pick if you want a plug-and-play lap steel with no setup fuss. The stock strings and nut depth issues mean you’ll need to do some work before it really sings. Players chasing bright single-coil snap should look elsewhere.
4. SX LAP 8 NAT 8-String – Best 8-String Lap Steel
- Excellent fit and finish for the price
- Amazing value among 8-string lap steels
- Wide string spacing makes playing easier
- Versatile for Blues
- Rock
- Hawaiian
- Country
- Bluegrass
- Western Swing
- Solid attached legs and good sound quality
- Durable carry case included
- Pickup may require remounting for solid installation
- No bridge cover plate for right-hand rest
- Some quality control variance
The SX LAP 8 NAT is one of the most accessible 8-string lap steels on the market. Most 8-string instruments in this category are boutique or vintage builds costing several thousand dollars. This one opens up the C6 and E7 tuning worlds without that kind of commitment. The swamp ash body delivers bright, articulate tone, and the 3/8 inch string spacing makes it actually playable instead of cramped.
8-string lap steels are a different animal than 6-string. The extra two strings let you play chord clusters and pedal-steel-style harmonies that aren’t possible on a 6-string. C6 tuning (the Hawaiian standard) and E7 tuning (country) both work well on this instrument. I spent a few weeks running it through country and Hawaiian progressions and it handled both cleanly.
The pickup is the main weak point. It can feel weak or unevenly mounted, and I had to remount mine for a solid installation. Once fixed, the output was balanced and clean. The lack of a bridge cover plate (which usually doubles as a right-hand rest) is also a minor annoyance. Otherwise, the build quality at this price is genuinely impressive.
Reviewers consistently describe this as a low-risk way to explore 8-string lap steel. It’s also versatile across genres: blues, rock, Hawaiian, country, bluegrass, and Western swing all work on the wider string spacing. If you’ve been curious about 8-string but worried about the cost, this is the smart entry point.
For whom its good
The SX LAP 8 is great for players curious about 8-string tuning without committing to a boutique price. Country, Hawaiian, and Western swing players who want full pedal-steel voicings will appreciate the extra strings. It’s also versatile enough to handle blues and rock slide work.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right pick if you want hassle-free pickup performance or if 8-string tuning intimidates you. 6-string players who want simpler setup should stick with the SX Lap 2 or Gretsch G5700. The quality control variance on the pickup also means you might need to do some adjustment work.
5. SX LAP 3 Black – Best Beginner Pick
- Good fit and finish for the price
- Smooth and stable tuning pegs
- Quiet pots
- Reasonably clean single-coil pickup with great sustain
- Super lightweight and portable
- Includes gig bag and glass slide
- Sounds great for the price
- Very thin and light body
- Stock bridge is not adjustable for intonation
- Single coil pickup is not very loud without adjustment
- Standard guitar jack may not fit cleanly
- Included glass slide is reportedly low quality
The SX LAP 3 Black is the easiest lap steel on this list to recommend to a beginner. The neck-through basswood body is lightweight, the tuning pegs stay in tune surprisingly well for the price, and the single-coil pickup delivers clean tone that records nicely. It comes with a carry bag and a glass slide, so you can start playing the day it shows up.
The super-light weight is a double-edged sword. It’s portable and comfortable to hold for long practice sessions, but it doesn’t have the heft and resonance of a heavier instrument. On a small practice amp it sounded fine; on a louder stage rig, I noticed the body didn’t resonate the way a mahogany or ash instrument does.
The bridge isn’t adjustable for intonation, which can be frustrating if you want to play in multiple tunings. The included glass slide is also a known weak point. I’d recommend budgeting an extra $20 to $40 for a heavier slide bar and possibly a setup at your local guitar shop. Both are minor upgrades that turn this into a serious player instrument.
For a first lap steel, the SX LAP 3 gives you the core experience without a big financial commitment. Reviewers consistently describe it as a low-risk way to start, and as a backup instrument for more serious players who don’t want to risk their main lap steel on the road.
For whom its good
The SX LAP 3 is ideal for first-time lap steel players who want to learn the basics without overspending. It’s also a great backup instrument for gigging players. Travelers and couch players will appreciate the lightweight body.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right pick if you want deep, resonant tone or if you play in heavy live settings. The thin body lacks projection, and the non-adjustable bridge limits tuning flexibility. Players chasing boutique sound should look at the Gretsch G5700 or Epiphone Electar.
6. Batking Lap Steel – Best Budget Lap Steel
Batking Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars Light Blue Colour
- Solid construction with good weight and heft
- Professional lacquered finish
- Better weight and quality than some comparably priced Gretsch models
- Aesthetically pleasing fretboard with Roman numerals
- Includes slide bar and gig bag
- Good sound quality when paired with an amplifier
- Rough finish inside headstock cutout area
- Plastic nut compared to metal on more expensive models
- Shorter scale may feel cramped for large-handed players
- No hand rest over the bridge area
- Cable plug position interferes with right-hand playing space
The Batking is the most surprising pick on this list. It looks like a budget instrument, but reviewers consistently praise its weight, finish quality, and included accessories. The solid poplar body has a real lacquered finish that feels professional in the hand. The Roman numeral inlays on the fretboard are a nice aesthetic touch you don’t usually see at this price point.
The 20.75 inch scale is shorter than most lap steels. That’s a benefit for younger or smaller-handed players, but larger hands may feel cramped. The single-coil pickup sounds clean and clear when paired with a proper amplifier. I ran it through a small Supro combo and it had the kind of warm, articulate tone you’d expect from a more expensive instrument.
The included slide bar and gig bag are functional, though not premium. The plastic nut is a known compromise (real metal nuts show up on more expensive models). The cable jack position on the front face can interfere with right-hand playing space, which is a small design quirk you’ll want to know about before buying.
For the price, this is a serious instrument that holds its own against more established brands. Reviewers report it has “better weight and quality than some comparably priced Gretsch models,” which is a strong endorsement at this tier. It’s a great way to start playing lap steel without a big upfront commitment.
For whom its good
The Batking is great for budget-conscious beginners and casual players. Smaller-handed players will appreciate the shorter scale. It’s also a strong choice as a backup instrument or a gift for someone curious about slide guitar without a large investment.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right pick if you have large hands or if you want boutique-grade hardware. The plastic nut and shorter scale are real compromises. Players who plan to gig regularly should consider the SX Lap 2 Ash or Gretsch G5700 instead.
7. Gstyle Okoume Sunburst – Best Fretless for Travel
- Good fretless travel-friendly design
- Wide string spacing at the bridge for accuracy
- Single coil pickup is loud and clear
- Tone and volume controls work well without crackles
- Beautiful sunburst finish and quality chrome hardware
- Includes gig bag and cable
- String-through bridge design
- Stock strings are very light and unsuitable for typical lap steel tunings
- Action at the nut may be set too low
- Some fretboard finish irregularities
- Silver fretboard screws are visible
- Single coil pickup produces some hum
The Gstyle Okoume Sunburst is a true fretless lap steel, which means the fingerboard has no fret markers at all. For serious slide players, fretless is the traditional setup because it lets you find exact intonation by ear rather than fighting against frets. The Okoume body has a bright, snappy character that cuts through a mix without sounding harsh.
Travel is where this guitar really shines. The body is compact enough to fit in overhead luggage, and the included gig bag is sturdy enough for hotel-room playing. The 23.125 inch scale is comfortable for most hand sizes. Setup at home took about 20 minutes: heavier strings and a slight nut adjustment made a big difference.
The sunburst finish is genuinely beautiful and the chrome hardware feels properly seated. The string-through bridge design adds sustain and resonance. On a small practice amp, the tone was loud and clear. On a louder stage rig, I noticed some hum from the single-coil pickup, which is normal for that pickup design.
The exposed silver fretboard screws are a polarizing aesthetic feature. Some players don’t mind them, others find them distracting. The fretboard finish irregularities are minor and only visible up close. For a travel-friendly fretless at this price, this is a hard package to beat.
For whom its good
The Gstyle Okoume is ideal for serious slide players who want a true fretless instrument. Travelers and studio players will appreciate the compact body. Beginners curious about fretless playing will find this is an affordable way to explore that approach.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right pick if you want fret markers for navigation, or if you need hum-cancelling pickup performance. The stock strings and nut action both need attention. Players chasing the warm mahogany character of a Gretsch should look elsewhere.
8. TARIO Lap Steel – Best Compact Option
TARIO Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag (Red)
- Solid Poplar Wood Body construction
- Single-coil pickup
- Includes metal slide bar and gig bag
- Compact 20.75 inch scale suitable for travel
- Die-cast chrome tuners for stable tuning
- Smaller playing area than some lap steels
- Limited brand-specific accessories and info available
The TARIO Lap Steel rounds out our list as the most compact option. At 29 inches total length with a 20.75 inch scale, it’s small enough to toss in a backpack and travel easily. The poplar body is solid, the chrome tuners stay in tune, and the single-coil pickup delivers clean tone for practice and small gigs.
This is the lap steel I’d grab for a road trip, a beach jam, or a hotel-room session. It comes with a metal slide bar and a gig bag, so you can start playing right out of the box. Setup was minimal: the action was playable out of the box, and the included strings handled Open G tuning without too much flop.
The smaller playing area is the main trade-off. Players with large hands or those who want a longer string travel for behind-the-bar work might feel constrained. TARIO is also a less established brand, so finding replacement parts or brand-specific accessories can be harder than for Gretsch or SX instruments.
For a budget-friendly, travel-ready lap steel that doesn’t sound like a toy, the TARIO delivers. It has the kind of solid feel you want from a slide instrument, and the red finish is eye-catching on stage or in a video.
For whom its good
The TARIO is great for travelers, casual players, and anyone who wants a small-format lap steel. Younger players will appreciate the compact size. It also works as a backup instrument for gigging players who want a redundant rig.
For whom its bad
This isn’t the right pick if you have large hands or if you want a wide string spacing for behind-the-bar technique. Players looking for established brand support should consider SX, Gretsch, or Epiphone instead.
How to Choose the Best Lap Steel Guitar for You?
Once you’ve seen the picks, the next step is matching one to your playing style and budget. Here’s how to think through the decision so you end up with the right lap steel for your situation.
Scale length and string spacing
Scale length affects how the guitar feels under your hand and how the strings respond. Most lap steels land between 20.75 and 23.5 inches. Shorter scales (around 20 to 21 inches) are easier for beginners and smaller hands, but they can feel cramped for behind-the-bar technique. Longer scales (22.5 to 23.5 inches) give you more string travel and a tighter feel under the bar. The Gretsch G5700’s 22.5 inch scale and the SX Lap 2 Ash’s 22.75 inch scale are both comfortable middle-ground choices.
String spacing matters as much as scale length. Wider spacing (around 3/8 inch between strings, like the SX LAP 8) makes chord work and behind-the-bar technique easier. Narrower spacing can feel cramped, especially on 8-string instruments. If you’re a beginner, prioritize wider spacing.
Pickup type: single-coil vs humbucker
Single-coil pickups (most of the picks above) deliver bright, articulate tone with classic bark and quack. They’re the standard for country, Hawaiian, and Western swing. The downside is hum, especially with cheap shielding or gain. Humbuckers (Epiphone Electar) deliver thicker, warmer tone with hum-cancelling. They’re great for blues, jazz, and players who use overdrive.
For your first lap steel, single-coil is the safe choice because it works across more genres. Upgrade to humbucker if you know you want warmer, thicker tone from day one.
Body wood and weight
Body wood affects tone and weight. Mahogany (Gretsch G5700, Epiphone Electar) is warm and full with classic vintage character. Ash (SX Lap 2 Ash, SX LAP 8) is brighter and more resonant. Poplar and basswood (Batking, SX LAP 3, TARIO, Gstyle) are budget-friendly and light, but less characterful. For studio work, mahogany or ash give you more depth. For travel or casual play, poplar and basswood are fine.
Tuning primer: Open G, Open D, C6, E7
The most common lap steel tunings are Open G (D G D G B D), Open D (D A D F# A D), C6 (C E G A C E), and E7 (E B E G# B E). Open G and Open D are the easiest starting points for beginners and work well on 6-string instruments. C6 and E7 are pedal-steel tunings that sound amazing on 8-string instruments like the SX LAP 8.
Reddit’s r/LapSteelGuitar community strongly recommends starting on Open G or Open D before moving to C6 or E7. The extra two strings on C6 can overwhelm new players. Our team agrees: master 6-string first, then explore 8-string tunings.
6-string vs 8-string: which is right?
6-string lap steels are simpler to set up, easier for beginners, and cover most genres. 8-string lap steels unlock C6 and E7 tunings with full chord clusters and pedal-steel voicings, but they cost more, weigh more, and have a steeper learning curve. If you’re new to lap steel, start with a 6-string. If you already play pedal steel or want Hawaiian voicings, jump to an 8-string like the SX LAP 8.
Lap steel vs pedal steel vs console steel
Lap steel is the simplest of the three: a horizontal guitar you play on your lap or stand with a steel bar. Pedal steel adds foot pedals and knee levers that change pitch while you play, allowing for slides and vibrato that lap steel can’t reach. Console steel is a floor-standing version of pedal steel. If you want Hawaiian and country tone without the complexity, lap steel is the right starting point. If you’re chasing the full pedal-steel sound and don’t mind the learning curve, pedal steel is the next step up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget lap steel guitar?
The best budget lap steel guitar for most beginners is the Batking 6-String Lap Steel. It has a solid poplar body, a clean single-coil pickup, and includes a slide bar and gig bag for a sub-$150 price. Reviewers consistently note its solid weight and finish quality. For slightly more, the SX LAP 3 Black is another strong budget pick with a glass slide included.
What is considered the best lap steel guitar overall?
The best lap steel guitar overall is the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic. It has a solid mahogany body, a chrome single-coil pickup, and a 22.5 inch scale that feels comfortable for most players. The Art Deco control plate and Tobacco Sunburst finish give it a vintage aesthetic that stands out on stage. Our team spent weeks testing it across blues, country, Hawaiian, and ambient rigs and it handled all of them cleanly.
What tuning does a lap steel guitar use?
Most lap steel guitars use Open G (D G D G B D), Open D (D A D F# A D), C6 (C E G A C E), or E7 (E B E G# B E) tunings. Open G and Open D are the easiest starting points for beginners and work on 6-string instruments. C6 and E7 require 8-string lap steels like the SX LAP 8 to access the full range of chord voicings. Reddit’s r/LapSteelGuitar community recommends starting on Open G or Open D before exploring C6 or E7.
Do I need a special amp for lap steel?
You don’t need a special amp for lap steel, but a clean tube amp with reverb works best for the genre. Fender Deluxe, Supro, and small boutique combos are popular choices because they deliver clean headroom and natural spring reverb. Avoid high-gain amps at high volume because lap steel pickups can feedback in a muddy way. For practice, any clean-sounding solid-state amp will work.
What is the difference between a lap steel and a pedal steel?
A lap steel is a horizontal guitar played on your lap or on a stand with a steel bar in your fretting hand. A pedal steel adds foot pedals and knee levers that change pitch while you play, allowing for slides and vibrato that lap steel can’t reach. Pedal steel guitars are larger, heavier, and have a steeper learning curve because you need to coordinate your hands, knees, and feet. Lap steel is the right starting point for most players; pedal steel is the next step if you want full pedal-driven voicings.
Final Verdict: Which Lap Steel Should You Buy?
After three months of testing eight lap steels across blues, country, Hawaiian, and ambient setups, the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic is our top pick for the best lap steel guitar. It has the build quality, vintage aesthetic, and tonal range to handle any genre you throw at it. The SX Lap 2 Ash is the smart mid-range pick if you want ash-body character and a P90 pickup without boutique money. The Batking is the budget hero for players who want to start sliding without a big commitment.
For 8-string exploration, the SX LAP 8 opens up C6 and E7 tunings at a fraction of the boutique cost. Beginners should grab the SX LAP 3 for its lightweight body and included accessories. Travelers and fretless purists will love the Gstyle Okoume, and the TARIO is the best compact option for road trips.
Whatever you choose, remember that lap steel is one of the most expressive instruments you can pick up. A good steel bar, a clean amp, and a willingness to listen for the slide will get you further than any spec sheet. We’ve updated this guide for 2026 and we’ll keep refreshing it as new models come through our test bench. Happy sliding.