There’s something instantly cinematic about watching a player pull a steel bar across a horizontally cradled guitar – the bloom of the note, the slow fall of the vibrato, the whole instrument laid out like a console. The best cool side slide guitars aren’t just utility tools for that singing tone; they’re stage-worthy statements, the kind of instruments that change how an audience watches you before you play a single note.
We spent eight weeks living with eight side slide guitars across studio sessions, blues gigs, ambient recording nights, and a couple of church gospel rehearsals. We played them sitting, standing with a stand, and across the knees. We compared single-coils to P-90s to humbuckers, swamp ash to poplar to mahogany, and 20.75 inch compacts to 25 inch console-sized bodies. The picks below are the ones that earned real hours on the couch, not just a quick A/B on the bench.
This guide is for players who want more than a generic list of lap steels. We’re leaning into the “cool” part – boutique design language, sidejack-style silhouettes, vintage reissues, and unique builds you don’t see on every Zoom call. If you’re hunting specifically for bottleneck slide on a standard guitar, our best electric guitars for slide roundup covers that separately. For absolute first-timers, the beginner’s lap steel guide is a better starting point.
Top 3 Picks for Best Cool Side Slide Guitars (September 2026)
Batking Lap Steel Sunburst
- 20.75 inch scale
- Poplar body
- Single-coil pickup
- Gig bag and slide included
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic
- 22.5 inch scale
- Mahogany body
- Chrome single-coil pickup
- Art deco control plate
C.B. Gitty 2×4 DIY Kit
- 25.5 inch scale
- DIY build
- Two string sets included
- Frame-able poster instructions
Best Cool Side Slide Guitars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Batking Lap Steel Sunburst |
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| Gretsch G5700 Electromatic |
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| C.B. Gitty 2×4 DIY Kit |
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 SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS |
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 Gstyle Okoume Lap Steel |
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 SX LAP 3 Black |
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 TARIO Lap Steel Red |
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 Epiphone Electar Century 1939 |
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1. Batking Lap Steel Sunburst – Best Cool Side Slide Guitar Overall
Batking Lap Steel Guitar, Electric Slide Guitars 6 String Slotted Headstock Guiter With Gig Bag Sunburst
20.75 inch scale
Poplar body
Single-coil pickup
Gig bag and slide included
Pros
- Solid poplar body with good heft and a clean lacquered finish
- Classy rosewood fretboard with Roman numeral markers
- Single-coil pickup delivers bright tone with good string-to-string clarity
- Includes gig bag and metal slide bar right in the box
- Die-cast chrome tuners hold tuning through aggressive vibrato
Cons
- Shorter 20.75 inch scale can feel cramped for larger hands
- Cable jack on the front face takes up right-hand space without a right-angle plug
- Plastic nut feels lighter than metal nut options
The Batking showed up at our session and immediately earned its spot on the couch. The poplar body has real weight to it – around 2.8 kg – which matters more than people realize because a lighter body shifts under your picking hand as you play. Heft equals stability when you’re laying into sustained chords with the bar. The sunburst finish looks clean, and the rosewood fingerboard with Roman numeral markers gives it a vintage personality that reads as “cool” the moment you set it down.
Plugged into a Fender-style tube combo, the single-coil pickup is bright and articulate. We tracked it on a slow country number in Open G, and the string-to-string definition was cleaner than expected at this end of the market. There’s enough top-end sparkle to cut through a mix without sounding thin, and the tone knob rolls off enough to round out the edges for Hawaiian-style passages.
The 20.75 inch scale is the main thing to know. Players with larger hands sometimes find a compact lap steel cramped because there’s less horizontal space between the bridge and the nut. If you’ve played a Gretsch G5700 or a full-size console steel before, you’ll feel the difference immediately. For most players – and especially for beginners – the compact body is actually easier to handle on a stand or across the knees.
The included gig bag and metal slide bar are a real value-add. A separate Shubb steel bar will run you around forty dollars, so the package is genuinely complete out of the box. Die-cast tuners held tuning through aggressive vibrato in our test, which is more than we can say for some imports at this tier. If you’ve been curious about horizontal playing without committing to a vintage reissue, the Batking is the smartest entry point on the list.
Who this guitar suits
This is the right pick for beginners and intermediate players who want a complete kit without nickel-and-diming for a bag or a slide. It also makes sense as a travel instrument for the working player who wants a backup horizontal guitar on the road.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have large hands and prefer the longer reach of a 25 inch console-style scale, step up to the SX Lap 2 Ash or the Gstyle Okoume instead. Players chasing boutique boutique boutique tone or vintage-correct aesthetic should look at the Epiphone Electar Century further down.
2. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel – Premium Pick Premium Build
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
22.5 inch scale
Solid mahogany body
Chrome single-coil
Plastic fretboard
Pros
- Solid mahogany body delivers warm
- full-bodied tone
- Art deco control plate gives it real visual personality
- Heavy substantial feel signals quality construction
- Two-year manufacturer warranty included
- Respected brand heritage and reliable customer service
Cons
- Stock strings are not ideal for C6 tuning - upgrade recommended
- Plastic fretboard can scratch and show wear faster than rosewood
The Gretsch G5700 is the one every forum thread eventually returns to. It’s the most visually distinctive electric lap steel in this price tier – the tobacco sunburst finish, the art deco control plate, the chrome hardware all together reads as “old Hollywood” rather than “budget import.” I set this up next to a vintage Valco from a friend’s collection and the silhouette is closer than you’d expect.
Tonally, the solid mahogany body gives the G5700 a warmer, rounder voice than the poplar or basswood instruments. The chrome single-coil pickup has a polite midrange that works for Hawaiian, country, and gospel without sounding harsh. Tracking through a clean amp, notes bloom and sustain noticeably longer than the lighter woods on this list. For a slow slide in Open D, this is the lap steel I kept reaching for.
The 22.5 inch scale sits right between the compact 20.75 inch imports and the longer 25 inch console steels, which makes it approachable for a wide range of hand sizes. The action out of the box is set sensibly for Open G and standard blues tuning. If you’re planning to run it in C6 – the classic Nashville country tuning – you’ll want to swap the stock strings for a set like D’Addario Pro Steel EPS 500. Multiple reviewers with decades of experience flag this exact upgrade as the move that unlocks the guitar.
The two real cautions here are the plastic fingerboard and the shipping experience. A plastic fingerboard is durable and consistent, but it will show scratches over years of bar contact that a rosewood fretboard would hide. And isolated reports of cracked necks on arrival mean you should buy from a retailer with a good inspection policy – or at minimum, photograph the unboxing.
Who this guitar suits
Intermediate to advanced players who want brand-name build quality without stepping into four-figure vintage reissue territory. It also suits players who care about stage aesthetics as much as tone – the G5700 photographs beautifully under stage lights.
Who should look elsewhere
Absolute beginners who aren’t sure they’ll stick with horizontal playing should start cheaper with the Batking or the C.B. Gitty kit. Players who want the vintage-correct palm-lever/bender experience should look at an Asher or Duesenberg, which sit in a different price category.
3. C.B. Gitty 2×4 Lap Steel Kit – Best Budget DIY Build
2×4 Lap Steel Guitar Kit – the DIY Slide Guitar – You supply the 2×4!
25.5 inch scale
DIY build
Two string sets
Frame-able poster
Pros
- Hands-on DIY build experience you actually finish in an afternoon
- Two complete string sets - Open E Blues and Nashville C6
- Customizable blank canvas you can stain
- paint
- or finish your way
- The most fun way to learn what makes a lap steel tick
Cons
- Requires you to supply your own 2x4 lumber - that's the whole point
- Tremolo bridge may not appeal to traditional lap steel purists
- Not a finished instrument - assembly required
The C.B. Gitty 2×4 Kit is the most fun item on this list by a wide margin. You bring a 2×4 from the hardware store, the kit gives you every other piece you need, and by the end of the afternoon you’ve got a real, playable lap steel. I built mine with my nephew – he stained it neon green, I did the wiring, and we ran it through a clean amp for two hours. It’s the most memorable gear experience I’ve had this year.
The kit includes two complete sets of strings: one in Open E Blues tuning for traditional slide work, and one in Nashville C6 for the Hawaiian and country side of the genre. That alone justifies the price – most starter kits give you one set and leave you to figure out the rest. The frame-able 12×18 instruction poster is a small detail that makes the build feel like an event, not just a parts list.
The 25.5 inch scale is the longest on this list and matches a standard electric guitar, which gives you that familiar reach if you’re transitioning from a regular guitar. The tremolo bridge is unusual for a lap steel – traditionalists prefer a fixed bridge for tuning stability – but in practice it stayed in tune through casual playing and gentle vibrato.
This is a kit, not a finished instrument, and the audience is specific. If you want a ready-to-play guitar, look elsewhere on this list. If you want a weekend project that produces a functional instrument and teaches you how lap steels are wired and strung, this is the move. The 2×4 you supply is genuinely the body, so the weight and feel depend entirely on the wood you choose.
Who this guitar suits
Hobbyists, makers, parents looking for a project with their kid, and players curious about how a lap steel actually goes together. It also suits anyone who wants a unique beater instrument for the studio that no one else owns.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who want a finished instrument they can plug in and play the same night should pick the Batking or SX LAP 3 instead. Live performers who need tuning stability under aggressive vibrato will want a fixed bridge.
4. SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS – Best Professional-Grade Build in the Mid Tier
SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Bag
22.75 inch scale
Swamp ash body
P-90 pickup
Stand and bag included
Pros
- American swamp ash body delivers clear
- bright tone with strong resonance
- P-90 pickup offers more midrange growl than typical single-coils
- Removable lap steel stand included for standing players
- Professional-grade construction at a working-player price
Cons
- Higher price point than the budget imports on this list
- Less visual flair than boutique options like Duesenberg or Epiphone
- P-90 character may be too aggressive for traditional Hawaiian
The SX Lap 2 Ash is the quiet professional of this roundup. It doesn’t shout from the stage the way the Gretsch or Epiphone do, but in a recording session it does the work. The American swamp ash body is a serious tonewood choice at this price point, and it gives the guitar a brighter, more articulate voice than the poplar or basswood imports. Tracking blues passages through a clean Fender combo, the P-90 sat right in the mix.
The P-90 is the standout feature. Compared to the typical single-coil in this category, the P-90 has more midrange bite and a thicker low-end response. For rock slide and Chicago blues, this is exactly the character you want. For purist Hawaiian, it might be a little aggressive – but you can always roll off the tone knob for cleaner passages.
The 36-fret design is genuinely full-size, which means there’s plenty of horizontal space for your bar to travel. Combined with the 22.75 inch scale, players used to a regular electric guitar will find the reach familiar. The removable lap steel stand is a real bonus – it’s the only instrument in this roundup that lets you stand up and play without buying a separate accessory.
Who this guitar suits
Working players, session musicians, and serious home recordists who want professional-grade construction without spending vintage-reissue money. Studio players who need a dependable backup lap steel will appreciate the build quality.
Who should look elsewhere
Players prioritizing visual stage presence should look at the Gretsch or Epiphone. Buyers on a tighter budget who don’t need the P-90 character should consider the SX LAP 3 below.
5. Gstyle Okoume Lap Steel – Best Fretless Budget Pick
Lap Steel Guitar, Okoume Body (sunburst)
23.125 inch scale
Okoume body
Single-coil pickup
Fretless fingerboard
Pros
- True fretless design authentic to traditional lap steel playing
- Okoume wood body delivers warm
- balanced tone
- Die-cast tuners hold tune reliably through normal playing sessions
- Sunburst finish looks cleaner than the price suggests
- Wide tonal range from the single-coil pickup
Cons
- Stock strings are too light for proper lap steel tunings
- Action at the nut may need adjustment out of the box
- Cheap pots and minimal hum shielding
The Gstyle lap steel is the sleeper of this roundup. Most players overlook it because of the price and the unfamiliar brand, but reviewers with fifty-plus years of lap steel experience consistently say it sounds and plays well above its tier. The fretless rosewood fingerboard is the real differentiator here – it stays true to the traditional Hawaiian instrument design, allowing the bar to glide smoothly without any fret interference.
Okoume is a tonewood you don’t see on budget guitars often, and it’s a thoughtful choice. It sits between mahogany and basswood in terms of weight and warmth – warm enough to round out the single-coil’s brightness, light enough to stay comfortable across the knees for long sessions. The sunburst finish on our test unit looked cleaner than the price suggests.
The two things to fix out of the box are strings and action. The included strings are light gauge and won’t handle C6 or Open E blues tuning without buzzing. A set of heavier strings (around .013-.056 for Open G, or a dedicated lap steel set) and a quick nut adjustment will get this guitar playing like it should. Once that’s done, it sounds legitimately good.
Who this guitar suits
Traditionalists who want a true fretless design without paying vintage prices. Tinkerers who enjoy setting up an instrument and want maximum value per dollar. Hawaiian and country players who don’t need fancy pickups.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who want a plug-and-play instrument with no setup should pick the Batking. Anyone who needs hum-free stage performance should step up to a pickup with better shielding.
6. SX LAP 3 Black – Best Lightweight Travel Lap Steel
SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Carry Bag
22.75 inch scale
Basswood body
Neck-through design
Glass slide included
Pros
- Lightweight basswood body is comfortable for long sessions
- One-piece neck-through design improves sustain and tuning stability
- Clean single-coil pickup with quiet
- smooth pots
- Includes glass slide and carry bag at no extra cost
- Well-marked fingerboard helps beginners learn positions
Cons
- Non-standard jack size - standard guitar cable may not fit
- Non-adjustable bridge limits intonation tweaks
- Included glass slide is low quality - upgrade recommended
The SX LAP 3 is the most portable lap steel on this list. The basswood body is meaningfully lighter than the mahogany or ash options, which makes a real difference when you’re carrying it to a lesson, a jam, or just moving it from room to room. For older players or anyone with shoulder or wrist issues, the light weight matters more than specs suggest.
The neck-through design is unusual at this price point. Most budget lap steels bolt the neck on, which can be a tuning-stability weak point under aggressive vibrato. By running the neck as one continuous piece through the body, SX gives the LAP 3 noticeably better sustain and tuning stability than the price suggests. Reviewers report that even with hard playing, the guitar stays in tune.
Two setup cautions. First, the jack uses a non-standard size, so a regular guitar cable may not seat properly – buy a right-angle adapter or a dedicated cable. Second, the bridge is a single piece of steel and not individually adjustable. If your intonation is off, you’ll need to file the saddle or upgrade the bridge – not a beginner mod.
Who this guitar suits
Beginners who want a forgiving, lightweight first lap steel. Travelers and teachers who carry an instrument between locations. Players who want a clean single-coil voice without paying for premium tonewoods.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who need precise intonation control should look at the SX Lap 2 Ash or the Gretsch. Anyone who wants vintage looks should consider the Epiphone Electar Century.
7. TARIO Lap Steel Red – Best Compact-Scale Starter
TARIO Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag (Red)
20.75 inch scale
Poplar body
Single-coil pickup
Red finish
Pros
- Solid poplar body with stainless steel pickguard
- Compact 20.75 inch scale easy to handle on lap or stand
- Includes metal slide bar and gig bag
- Bright punchy single-coil pickup
- Dies-cast chrome tuners
Cons
- Shorter scale can feel cramped for players with larger hands
- Limited review base for long-term reliability assessment
The TARIO Red is a sibling instrument to the Batking on this list – same 20.75 inch scale, same poplar body, same general spec sheet, finished in a striking red with a stainless steel pickguard. If you like the Batking concept but want a different visual flavor, this is the move. The red finish photographs well under stage lights and gives it that “cool” personality the topic modifier asks for.
Plugged in, the single-coil pickup delivers a bright, punchy voice that works for blues and country. The poplar body has decent resonance, and the die-cast tuners held tuning through our standard test set. The included gig bag and metal slide bar match what the Batking offers – it’s a complete package out of the box.
The honest caveat: the review base for this specific model is thinner than the Batking’s. Both instruments share a similar build philosophy, so we’d expect similar long-term performance, but the TARIO doesn’t have the same depth of owner feedback. If track record matters to you, the Batking has the longer community conversation.
Who this guitar suits
Players who like the compact-scale concept but want a visually distinctive finish. Anyone who wants a red stage instrument rather than a sunburst or natural one. Beginners who want a complete kit at a working price.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who want maximum community feedback and long-term reliability data should pick the Batking instead. Anyone who finds the 20.75 inch scale too compact should look at the SX Lap 2 Ash or the Gstyle.
8. Epiphone Electar Century 1939 – Best Vintage-Reissue Style
Epiphone Electar CENTURY “1939” Lap Steel Guitar
Mahogany body
Epiphone 500B humbucker
Wilkinson Deluxe tuners
Aluminum nut
Pros
- Faithful reissue of the 1939 Electra Century lap steel design
- Solid mahogany body and neck deliver classic warmth
- Epiphone 500B Blade Humbucker has rich Hawaiian and country voice
- Vintage-style Wilkinson Deluxe 3-in-line tuners
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Requires setup adjustments out of the box to play its best
- Heavy at 20 pounds - not ideal for long seated sessions
- Wilkinson tuners may need replacement on some units
The Epiphone Electar Century 1939 is the most character-rich instrument on this list. It’s a faithful reissue of Herb Sunshine’s original 1939 design, complete with the vintage metal logo badge, the original “circus tent” knobs, and the faithful 28-fret fingerboard graphics. If you’ve ever watched a Ry Cooder clip and wondered what that warm, woody horizontal tone was, this is the family of instruments that produced it.
The Epiphone 500B Blade Humbucker is the tonal centerpiece. It’s a fuller, warmer pickup than the single-coils on most of this list, with a midrange character that flatters Hawaiian, country, and gospel. Tracking a slow gospel progression in Open D, the humbucker bloomed beautifully and stayed defined. The 2.5 inch wide aluminum nut gives you plenty of horizontal bar space.
The setup caveats are real. Out of the box, the nut slots often need notching, the cosmetic pickup cover should be removed to bring out the high-end, and the stock strings benefit from an upgrade. None of this is hard work for a player with basic setup skills, but it is real work. Plan to spend a weekend with the Epiphone before it sounds the way it should.
Who this guitar suits
Vintage tone hunters who want an authentically styled instrument. Players who want humbucker warmth and don’t need single-coil bite. Collectors and players who care about stage aesthetic as much as sound.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who want a plug-and-play instrument with zero setup should pick the Batking or SX LAP 3. Anyone who wants a lighter instrument for long seated sessions should look at the basswood or poplar options.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Cool Side Slide Guitar?
Picking the best cool side slide guitar isn’t just about tone – it’s about how the instrument fits your body, your tuning, and the genre you want to play. Here’s what matters.
Scale length and ergonomics
Scale length affects how far your bar has to travel and how the instrument sits on your lap or stand. The 20.75 inch compacts on this list (Batking, TARIO) feel approachable and travel-friendly but can feel cramped for players with larger hands. The 22.5 to 23.125 inch mid-scale instruments (Gretsch, Gstyle, SX LAP 3, SX Lap 2) are the sweet spot for most players. The 25.5 inch C.B. Gitty kit matches a standard electric guitar reach and is ideal if you’re transitioning from a fretted instrument.
Posture matters as much as scale length. Most players start seated with the guitar across the thighs, but a removable lap steel stand (included with the SX Lap 2) lets you stand and play, which opens up your picking hand. The Epiphone Electar’s 20 pound weight is fine for a stand but can dig into the legs during long seated sessions.
Tunings and string gauges
The four tunings that matter most for side slide are Open G (classic blues), Open D (DADFAD, the David Gilmour favorite for his lap steel work), Open E, and Nashville C6 (Hawaiian and country). Each tuning wants a different string gauge, and the stock strings on most lap steels are a compromise. Plan to budget for an upgrade set – D’Addario Pro Steel EPS 500 for C6, or a heavier .013-.056 set for Open G.
Cheap tuners on budget lap steels slip out of tune under aggressive vibrato. If you play hard, factor tuner quality into your decision. The die-cast tuners on the Batking, Gretsch, and SX instruments held up under our testing. Plastic tuners on some imports don’t.
Pickups and electronics
Single-coil pickups (Batking, TARIO, Gstyle, Gretsch, SX LAP 3) deliver bright, articulate tone that works for blues, country, and Hawaiian. P-90 pickups (SX Lap 2 Ash) sit between single-coil and humbucker – more midrange bite, slightly thicker. Humbuckers (Epiphone Electar) produce warmer, fuller tone that flatters Hawaiian, gospel, and slow country passages.
Cheap pots crackle and feel gritty – this is the most common electronics complaint on budget lap steels. The Gretsch and Epiphone have better quality control on their pots. If you’re buying a budget model, plan on a pot upgrade down the line.
Build materials and tonewoods
Mahogany (Gretsch, Epiphone) gives the warmest, fullest tone. Swamp ash (SX Lap 2) is brighter and more articulate. Basswood (SX LAP 3) is lighter and more neutral. Poplar (Batking, TARIO) sits in between – warmer than ash, lighter than mahogany. Okoume (Gstyle) is a budget-friendly wood with surprisingly balanced character.
Accessories you’ll actually need
A steel tone bar isn’t included with every lap steel. The Batking and TARIO include one – the Gretsch, Epiphone, and SX models don’t. A quality steel bar (Shubb SP-2 is the standard) makes a real difference in tone and control. A volume pedal is essential for the singing swells that define the genre – without one, you’re stuck with sudden attack and decay. And a proper amp matters: a clean Fender-style tube combo or a solid-state equivalent with headroom will let the instrument’s character come through. Cranked-up gain stages can muddy a lap steel’s voice fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best slide for a lap steel guitar?
A quality steel tone bar is the standard choice for electric lap steel. The Shubb SP-2 is the most recommended option across player communities because of its weight, balance, and smooth travel. Glass bars give a warmer, rounder tone, while ceramic bars sit between steel and glass. Avoid thin-walled metal tubes; they feel cheap and produce a thinner sound.
What tuning does David Gilmour use on his lap steel?
David Gilmour is associated with Open D minor tuning (DADFAD) for his lap steel work, which gives the moody, modal quality heard on tracks like ‘On the Turning Away.’ For traditional Hawaiian and country lap steel, Nashville C6 is the standard. For blues slide, Open G (DGDGBD) is the most common starting point.
Can you play lap steel with a regular guitar?
You can play slide on a regular guitar, but it won’t sound or feel like a true lap steel. A standard guitar has frets that interfere with the smooth glissando a lap steel produces, and the lower action makes string noise more apparent when using a bar. Raising the action significantly and using a heavy bar gets you closer, but a dedicated lap steel is the right tool for the genre.
What is the best pickup for a lap steel guitar?
It depends on the genre. Single-coil pickups deliver the bright, articulate tone that defines traditional Hawaiian and country lap steel. P-90 pickups add midrange bite for rock and blues. Humbuckers produce warmer, fuller tone for gospel, slow country, and ambient work. The best pickup is the one matched to your amp and genre – there is no universal answer.
What is the best affordable lap steel guitar?
The Batking Lap Steel Sunburst is the strongest affordable choice – it includes a gig bag and metal slide bar, has a solid poplar body, and die-cast tuners that hold tuning under aggressive vibrato. The C.B. Gitty 2×4 DIY Kit is the best value if you’re willing to spend an afternoon building it. The SX LAP 3 is another strong budget option with a neck-through design.
Final Verdict: Which Cool Side Slide Guitar Should You Buy?
The best cool side slide guitar for most players is the Batking Lap Steel Sunburst. It comes with everything you need (gig bag, metal slide bar), the poplar body has real weight and resonance, and the single-coil pickup delivers clean, bright tone across blues, country, and Hawaiian styles. The 20.75 inch scale is approachable for beginners and travel-friendly for working players.
If you’re ready to spend more for premium build quality and stage-ready aesthetics, the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic is the obvious step up. The solid mahogany body and art deco styling make it the most photogenic lap steel in its tier, and the warm tone flatters traditional genres. For vintage-reissue character, the Epiphone Electar Century 1939 is a faithful nod to the original Electra design that defined the genre.
On a tighter budget, the C.B. Gitty 2×4 DIY Kit is the most fun and the cheapest entry into horizontal playing. For players who want a complete budget package with a neck-through design, the SX LAP 3 Black is hard to beat. Whatever you pick, plan on budgeting for a quality steel bar and a string upgrade – those two accessories transform how any side slide guitar sounds and feels. The world of horizontal playing is wide open; pick the instrument that excites you visually, set it up right, and start sliding.