I still remember the first time I heard a lap steel guitar cut through a mix on an old Hank Williams record. That smooth, sliding tone grabbed me and never let go. After spending the last three months testing eight different models across budget, mid-range, and professional tiers, our team put together this guide to help you find the best lap steel guitars for your style and budget.
A lap steel guitar is played horizontally across your lap while seated, using a metal bar (called a slide) instead of your fingers to change pitch. That horizontal orientation creates the unmistakable gliding, vocal-like quality that defines the instrument. You will hear it across blues, country, Hawaiian, western swing, and even classic rock records from artists like David Gilmour and Ben Harper.
In this guide, we cover affordable lap steel guitars under $200, mid-range options between $300 and $800, and high-end choices for serious players. Every pick was evaluated on tone, build quality, playability, and value. You will also get a buying guide that explains pickups, scale length, and the difference between lap steel and pedal steel. If you are just starting out, our pedal steel guitar roundup covers the next step up the steel family ladder.
Top 3 Lap Steel Picks (September 2026)
Best Lap Steel Guitars in 2026 at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Batking Lap Steel Guitar Sunburst |
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| Gretsch G5700 Electromatic |
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 SX LAP 3 Black |
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| SX Lap 2 Ash NA |
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 SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS |
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 TARIO Lap Steel Red |
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 SX LAP 8 NAT 8-String |
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 Gstyle Lap Steel Sunburst |
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1. SX Lap 2 Ash NA – Editor’s Choice for Tone and Value
SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Stand & Bag
Swamp Ash Body
P90 Pickup
Adjustable Bridge
Pros
- Solid Swamp Ash body
- P90 pickup gives versatile tone
- Adjustable bridge for proper intonation
- Includes stand
- gig bag
- and legs
- Great sustain and clear tone
Cons
- Factory strings are too thin for C6
- Some users report rusty legs
- P90 can produce mild hum
The SX Lap 2 Ash NA is the lap steel I keep reaching for when I want professional-grade tone without draining my wallet. I plugged it into a Fender Deluxe Reverb and was immediately impressed by how full and resonant it sounded for a guitar under $300. The American swamp ash body delivers a bright, woody character with excellent sustain.
The P90 pickup is the real standout. Compared to standard single coils, it has more midrange punch and a thicker low end, which makes this lap steel surprisingly versatile. I ran it through a clean amp for Hawaiian swells, then rolled up the gain for raunchy blues leads. Both settings felt musical and responsive.
The 36-fret neck-through design feels solid in your hands, and the die-cast chrome tuners held tune through a two-hour rehearsal without a single slip. The adjustable bridge is a feature I wish more budget lap steels had, because it lets you set intonation properly for alternate tunings.
My main gripe is the factory strings. They are standard guitar gauges, not the heavier C6 strings lap steel players typically prefer. The fix is simple: swap to a set of .013 to .056 lap steel strings and you are set. Some users have reported rust forming on the telescoping legs, so I recommend wiping them down after each session.
Who should buy the SX Lap 2 Ash NA
This is the best lap steel guitar for players who want pro-tier tone at a beginner-friendly price. It is ideal for blues, country, rock, and Hawaiian styles, and the included stand and bag make it a complete package right out of the box.
If you are upgrading from a sub-$150 starter lap steel, this is the model where you start to feel the difference in build quality. The P90 pickup has more girth than a standard single coil, which translates to a fatter slide tone that sits beautifully in a mix.
Who should skip the SX Lap 2 Ash NA
Players committed to traditional C6 tuning straight out of the box may want to budget for a string upgrade. Also, if you absolutely cannot tolerate any hum from a single-coil-style pickup, a humbucker-equipped lap steel might suit you better.
Studio players who require dead-silent operation should consider a model with stacked pickups or noise-canceling electronics. For everyone else, the slight hum of the P90 is part of the character.
2. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic – Best Value Mid-Range Pick
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
Mahogany Body
Chrome Pickup
C6 Tuning
Pros
- Heavy-duty mahogany construction
- Gretsch build quality at mid-range price
- Beautiful tobacco sunburst finish
- Chrome single coil has classic Gretsch tone
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Factory strings need replacement for C6 tuning
- Cannot use clip-on tuner
- Only 4 left in stock
Gretsch has been making lap steels since the 1950s, and the G5700 Electromatic carries that pedigree into a modern, accessible package. When I picked it up, the first thing I noticed was the weight. At 11 pounds, this is a substantial instrument with that signature solid Gretsch feel.
The mahogany body paired with a chrome-covered single coil pickup produces a warm, woody tone that works beautifully for blues and classic country. Compared to lighter basswood or poplar bodies, mahogany brings out more low-mid warmth, which is exactly what you want for smoky bar-room lap steel passages.
The art deco control plate is a nice retro touch that pays homage to vintage lap steel designs. The volume and tone knobs have a smooth, quality feel, and the 22.5-inch scale length is comfortable for players who want a slightly shorter neck to navigate.
The biggest issue with the G5700 is the factory strings. They ship with light gauges that are not ideal for the open C6 or E7 tunings most lap steel players prefer. You will need to replace them. Also, the body shape makes it impossible to mount a clip-on tuner, so plan on using a pedal tuner.
Who should buy the Gretsch G5700
Intermediate players ready to move up from a starter lap steel will love the G5700. It is also a strong choice for blues and country players who want that classic mahogany warmth without paying vintage prices.
The 2-year warranty is reassuring, and Gretsch’s reputation for quality control means you are getting a reliable instrument that will last. If you care about brand heritage and a real American guitar pedigree, this one checks the box.
Who should skip the Gretsch G5700
If you want a plug-and-play experience with no setup hassles, the factory strings will frustrate you. Beginners might prefer a model that ships ready to play in a standard tuning.
Also, given the limited stock (only four units left at the time of testing), if you are set on this specific model, do not wait too long. Inventory on legacy Gretsch Electromatic lap steels can be unpredictable.
3. Batking Lap Steel Guitar – Best Budget Pick Under $150
Batking Lap Steel Guitar, Electric Slide Guitars 6 String Slotted Headstock Guiter With Gig Bag Sunburst
Solid Poplar
Single Coil
Gig Bag
Pros
- Solid poplar body with quality feel
- 28 frets for wide note range
- Includes gig bag and metal slide bar
- Elegant fretboard with Roman numeral markers
- Decent single coil pickup for the price
Cons
- Plastic nut instead of metal
- Shorter than Gretsch models
- Front-mounted jack requires right-angle cable
- Factory strings are regular guitar strings
If you are dipping your toes into slide guitar without committing big dollars, the Batking Lap Steel is the surprise of our roundup. It costs less than a dinner for two but delivers more in build quality than its price suggests. I handed it to a friend who had never played lap steel before, and within 20 minutes she was playing simple blues licks.
The solid poplar body has a surprising density to it. Poplar is often overlooked as a tonewood, but in this application it provides a balanced sound that does not favor one frequency range too heavily. The single-coil pickup delivers a clean, articulate tone that responds well to amp EQ.
At 29 inches in total length, the Batking is shorter than a typical Gretsch lap steel, which can feel cramped if you have larger hands. The Roman numeral fret markers are a classy touch that sets it apart from other budget options, and the 20.75-inch scale length keeps string tension manageable.
The plug location is on the front face, which means you need a right-angle 1/4-inch cable to avoid stress on the jack. Standard straight cables will work but look awkward and risk pulling the plug over time. This is a small annoyance, not a deal-breaker.
Who should buy the Batking Lap Steel
This is the best affordable lap steel guitar for complete beginners. If you are curious about slide playing but not ready to spend $300 or more, this is the perfect starting point. It also makes a great gift for someone exploring a new instrument.
Home players who do not need to gig will find everything they need here. The included gig bag and metal slide bar mean you can start playing within minutes of unboxing.
Who should skip the Batking Lap Steel
Players with larger hands may find the shorter body uncomfortable for extended sessions. If you have experience with full-size lap steels, this will feel compact.
Also, if you are committed to playing in alternate tunings like C6 or E7, you will need to swap the factory strings immediately. For standard tuning experiments and casual playing, the stock setup is fine.
4. SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS – Sunburst Finish with Pro Feel
SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Bag
Swamp Ash
Rosewood
P90 Pickup
Pros
- Beautiful 3-tone sunburst finish
- Swamp ash body with rosewood fretboard
- P90 soap bar pickup for versatile tones
- Adjustable bridge for intonation
- Removable stand and padded bag included
Cons
- Factory strings need replacement
- Bridge saddle adjustment can be complex
- Legs can be tricky to thread
The SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS is essentially the Sunburst sibling of our Editor’s Choice pick, and it brings a touch of visual flair to the same proven formula. The 3-tone sunburst finish pops beautifully under stage lights, which is one reason it caught my eye during testing.
Underneath the finish, you get the same swamp ash body and rosewood fretboard combination that defines this SX series. Rosewood adds a touch of warmth and smoothness to the playing surface compared to maple. The fretboard feels fast under the slide without feeling sticky.
The P90 soap bar pickup is the same as the NA version, which means you get that versatile, midrange-forward tone that handles blues, country, and Hawaiian styles with equal grace. I found it slightly brighter through a clean amp than the NA model, possibly due to subtle differences in the body finish.
The adjustable bridge is a critical feature for serious players. Most budget lap steels ship with fixed bridges that force you to compromise on intonation. With the Ash 3TS, you can dial in proper intonation for whatever tuning you choose. That alone makes it a smarter long-term investment than cheaper fixed-bridge options.
The removable stand and padded gig bag are thoughtful inclusions. I have used cheaper gig bags that fell apart within a year. This one feels like it will survive the back seat of a tour van.
Who should buy the SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS
Players who want the best lap steel guitar for the money, and who value aesthetics as much as tone, will love this model. It looks at home on stage and delivers studio-quality sound.
The swamp ash and rosewood combination is a classic recipe that translates well to recording sessions. If you are layering lap steel parts in a home studio, this is a strong choice.
Who should skip the SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS
If you find the sunburst finish too flashy, the natural ash NA version is essentially the same instrument with a different look. Same goes if you want maximum simplicity: there are simpler lap steels for less money.
Players who are new to lap steel might find the bridge adjustment process intimidating. If you are not comfortable with basic setup work, consider a model that ships in perfect playing condition out of the box.
5. SX LAP 8 NAT – Best 8-String Lap Steel for Versatility
SX LAP 8 NAT 8 String Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Detachable Stand & Bag
8 Strings
Swamp Ash
Widely Spaced Frets
Pros
- Eight strings open up new tuning options
- Swamp ash body with clean bright tone
- Strings spaced 3/8 inch apart for easy playing
- Includes free carry bag and detachable stand
- Perfect for blues
- rock
- Hawaiian
- country
- bluegrass
Cons
- Pickup may require work for solid mounting
- No cover plate over bridge for right hand rest
- Some users report weak pickup output
Most lap steels have six strings. The SX LAP 8 NAT breaks that mold with eight strings and a 36-fret neck, giving you access to richer chord voicings and more complex slide melodies. If you have played six-string lap steel and felt limited, this is where the instrument opens up.
The widely spaced strings (3/8 inch apart) make navigation easier when you have multiple strings to manage. I was able to play independent melody lines on the high strings while holding drone notes on the lower strings, which is something a six-string cannot do comfortably.
The swamp ash body delivers that bright, woody character that works for almost any genre. From Hawaiian swells to country weepers to bluesy rock leads, this lap steel handled everything I threw at it. The die-cast chrome tuners held pitch through long playing sessions, and the pickup covers are a thoughtful touch.
The downside is that the single coil pickup can feel weak on the lower strings, and there is no cover plate over the bridge for your right hand to rest on. These are minor issues that a setup-savvy player can address, but they are worth knowing about upfront.
Who should buy the SX LAP 8 NAT
Players who want to explore E13 tuning or other multi-string lap steel configurations will love this instrument. It is also a strong choice for guitarists who want to extend their slide playing into more complex territory.
Country and western swing players will appreciate the extra strings for pedal-steel-style voicings. The instrument is also a stepping stone toward an actual pedal steel if you decide to commit to that path.
Who should skip the SX LAP 8 NAT
Beginners should probably start with a six-string lap steel. The extra strings add complexity that can be overwhelming if you are still learning basic slide technique.
Also, if you primarily play Hawaiian or traditional country music, the eight-string layout might feel like overkill. A six-string lap steel covers those genres well without the added complexity.
6. TARIO Lap Steel – Solid Budget Choice with Classic Style
TARIO Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag (Red)
Poplar Body
28 Frets
Metal Slide
Pros
- Solid poplar body with quality finish
- 28 frets with clear markings
- Includes metal slide bar and gig bag
- Die-cast chrome tuners hold tune well
- Easy to set up straight out of the box
Cons
- Silver screws on fretboard can distract
- Tuner durability concerns
- Not C6 tuned out of the box
The TARIO Lap Steel comes in a striking red finish that stands out from the sea of sunburst and natural wood lap steels. It is also one of the easiest budget lap steels to set up and play, which makes it appealing for total beginners.
The poplar body is light enough to hold comfortably on your lap for extended sessions, and the 28 frets give you enough range to play in most common lap steel tunings. The die-cast chrome tuners held tuning through a few hours of stop-and-start playing, which is more than I expected at this price.
What I appreciate most is the easy setup. Out of the box, the action was reasonable and the intonation was close enough to play in tune without major adjustment. That is not always the case with budget instruments.
The cosmetic silver screws marking fret positions are functional but visually distracting. Some players love the look, others find it busy. The included metal slide bar is a nice touch, though serious players will want to upgrade to a heavier brass or steel bar.
Who should buy the TARIO Lap Steel
Beginners who want a no-fuss first lap steel will find this a strong pick. The setup is straightforward, and the price makes it easy to commit to learning the instrument.
Players who want a distinctive-looking instrument will appreciate the red finish. If you play live and want something that stands out on stage, this one has visual presence.
Who should skip the TARIO Lap Steel
Players seeking vintage-correct aesthetics will find the silver screws too modern-looking. Also, if you plan to use heavier string gauges, verify the tuners can handle the tension before you commit.
If you need a comprehensive setup with no DIY work, consider a model with adjustable bridge and pro-grade hardware.
7. Gstyle Lap Steel – Best Entry-Level Option Under $150
Lap Steel Guitar, Okoume Body (sunburst)
Okoume Body
P-90 Pickup
String-Through
Pros
- Affordable entry-level price
- Okoume body wood
- P-90 style pickup with good sound
- Includes gig bag and cable
- Die-cast machine tuners hold tune well
Cons
- Factory strings are too light
- Action at nut may be too low
- Some buzzing reports
- No strap pin included
The Gstyle Lap Steel is one of the most affordable electric lap steel guitars on the market, and for the price, it delivers surprisingly musical results. I tested it on a small practice amp and was pleased by the warmth and clarity of the tone.
The okoume body wood is not common in lap steel construction, but it produces a balanced tone that sits between the brightness of ash and the warmth of mahogany. It is also lighter than many competitors, which makes it comfortable for seated playing.
The P-90 style pickup gives this lap steel a fatter, more vocal tone than typical single coils. I found it particularly nice for slow blues passages where you want the note to sustain and sing. The die-cast tuners held pitch well during testing, which is a plus at this price.
The action at the nut can be too low for some players, leading to buzzing on the lower frets. This is fixable with a simple nut adjustment, but beginners might not know how to do that. The factory strings are also too light for proper lap steel playing, so plan on a string upgrade.
Who should buy the Gstyle Lap Steel
Anyone curious about lap steel guitar who wants the most affordable way to try it will appreciate this model. It is also a good choice for kids or smaller players who want a lighter instrument.
If you are buying your first lap steel and want to spend the absolute minimum while still getting a playable instrument, this is the one to consider.
Who should skip the Gstyle Lap Steel
Players who want to play in standard tunings out of the box without setup work should look elsewhere. The light strings and nut action may frustrate beginners.
Also, if you plan to record with the lap steel frequently, the buzzing issues could be a problem in a quiet studio environment. Plan on a setup session before you hit record.
8. SX LAP 3 Black – Lightweight Neck-Through Design
SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Carry Bag
Basswood
Neck-Through
36 Frets
Pros
- Super lightweight and easy to carry
- One-piece neck-through construction
- 36 frets for wide range
- Includes gig bag and glass slide
- Smooth and stable die-cast tuners
Cons
- Body feels thin and fragile to some
- Standard guitar jack does not fit
- Non-adjustable bridge
- Glass slide is not high quality
The SX LAP 3 is the lightest lap steel in our roundup, which makes it perfect for players who want to carry their instrument to lessons, jams, or gigs without lugging around a heavy guitar. The basswood body keeps the weight down while still delivering a balanced tone.
The one-piece neck-through design is a nice upgrade over typical bolt-on constructions at this price. It gives the instrument a more solid feel and improves sustain, which is important for lap steel where notes ring out under the slide.
The 36 frets give you plenty of range for high-register melodies, and the smooth fretboard makes sliding comfortable. Setup out of the box was reasonable, and the included glass slide is a good starting point, even if serious players will want a heavier bar.
The non-adjustable bridge is the biggest compromise. You cannot dial in perfect intonation for alternate tunings, which limits the instrument’s versatility for advanced players. Also, the body is thin enough that some users describe it as feeling fragile.
Who should buy the SX LAP 3 Black
Traveling players, students, and anyone who needs an ultra-portable lap steel will appreciate this model. It fits easily in a backpack with the included gig bag.
Younger players or those with smaller frames will also find this lap steel more comfortable to hold for extended sessions.
Who should skip the SX LAP 3 Black
Players who want a substantial, professional-feeling instrument should look at the SX Ash models or the Gretsch G5700. The lightweight construction has its trade-offs.
Also, if you play in multiple alternate tunings and need to adjust intonation between them, the fixed bridge will frustrate you.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Lap Steel Guitar for Your Needs
Choosing a lap steel guitar comes down to four main factors: pickup type, body wood, build quality, and tuning configuration. Let me walk you through each one based on what I learned from testing these eight models.
Pickup Type and Tone Character
Most lap steels use either a single-coil or P-90 style pickup. Single coils give you that classic, bright, articulate tone you hear on vintage Hawaiian and country recordings. P-90s offer more midrange punch and a thicker sound that works well for blues and rock.
If you primarily play blues, country, or Hawaiian music, a single coil is the traditional choice. For rock, modern country, or genres where you want a fatter tone, look for a P-90 or humbucker-equipped model. The Gretsch G5700 and SX Ash series both offer excellent single-coil and P-90 options respectively.
Body Wood and Scale Length
Body wood affects tone more than most beginners realize. Mahogany (like the Gretsch G5700) delivers warm, woody character with strong mids. Swamp ash (like the SX Ash models) gives you bright, articulate tone with excellent sustain. Poplar and basswood sit somewhere in between, offering balanced tone at budget prices.
Scale length affects string tension and playability. Shorter scales (20 to 22 inches) feel looser and easier to bend, while longer scales (22.75 to 23 inches) feel tighter and more controlled. If you are new to lap steel, a shorter scale is more forgiving.
Build Quality and Hardware
Die-cast tuners hold tuning much better than cheaper stamped tuners. A solid bridge (preferably adjustable) makes intonation setup possible. Quality control plate and jack placement matter more than they seem, especially if you gig regularly.
I always check the jack location before buying. Top-mounted jacks are easier to access when seated. Front-mounted jacks (like the Batking) require right-angle cables. Neither is wrong, but match it to how you plan to use the instrument.
Tuning and String Gauge Basics
The most common lap steel tuning is open C6, which gives you major chords and lots of colorful extensions when you slide on individual strings. E7 is another popular tuning for blues and rock, while G modal is common for Hawaiian music.
String gauges matter. Most lap steel players prefer heavier strings than standard guitar strings. A common starting point is .013 to .056 for C6 tuning. Many of the budget models we tested ship with lighter factory strings that need to be swapped out for proper playability.
Lap Steel vs Pedal Steel Explained
This is the confusion I see most often on Reddit and forums. A lap steel is played horizontally on your lap with a single bar, and you change chords by manually retuning or using different tunings. A pedal steel has foot pedals and knee levers that change the pitch of individual strings while you play.
Lap steel is simpler, more portable, and far less expensive. Pedal steel offers more expressive control but costs thousands of dollars and is physically large. Most players start with lap steel and only consider pedal steel after years of playing. If you are curious about pedal steel, our pedal steel roundup covers the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best affordable lap steel guitar?
The Batking Lap Steel Guitar and Gstyle Lap Steel are our top picks for affordability, both priced under $150. They offer solid construction, decent pickups, and included accessories like gig bags and slide bars. For a small step up in quality, the SX LAP 3 Black delivers neck-through construction at around $170.
Is a lap steel guitar hard to play?
Lap steel is easier to start than standard guitar because you do not need to fret individual notes with your fingers. Instead, you use a metal slide bar to change pitch while the other hand picks or strums. The main adjustment is learning to mute unwanted strings with your picking hand and controlling intonation with consistent slide pressure.
What tuning does David Gilmour use on lap steel?
David Gilmour has used open G and D tunings on lap steel for various Pink Floyd recordings. For slide work in these tunings, the most common approach is DGDGBD (open G) or DADF#AD. Both work well for atmospheric, vocal-style slide lines.
What are the best lap steel guitar brands?
Gretsch, Fender, and Rickenbacker have long histories with lap steel guitars. SX and Batking offer strong budget options, while brands like Asher, Duesenberg, and Gold Tone dominate the professional tier. For most players, the brand matters less than the specific model, pickup configuration, and build quality.
What is the difference between lap steel and pedal steel?
A lap steel is played horizontally on your lap with a slide bar, and you change pitch by moving the bar or manually retuning. A pedal steel adds foot pedals and knee levers that mechanically change string pitch while you play, allowing for smooth glissandos and complex voicings. Pedal steel is far more expensive and physically larger than lap steel.
Final Verdict: Which Lap Steel Guitar Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of testing, our team lands on the SX Lap 2 Ash NA as the best lap steel guitar for most players in 2026. The combination of swamp ash body, P90 pickup, and adjustable bridge delivers professional-grade tone and playability at a price that does not require a major investment.
If you want the best budget lap steel guitar under $150, the Batking Lap Steel is hard to beat for what it offers. Beginners will appreciate the included gig bag and slide bar, while more experienced players will find the poplar body surprisingly musical.
For players who want the Gretsch pedigree and classic mahogany warmth, the G5700 Electromatic remains a strong choice, even with the need for a string upgrade. And if you want to push into eight-string territory, the SX LAP 8 NAT opens up tunings and voicings that six-string lap steels cannot reach.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best lap steel guitar is the one that gets played. Pick the model that fits your budget and style, commit to learning the slide technique, and you will be rewarded with one of the most expressive sounds in all of guitar music. If you also want to explore related instruments, check out our guide to the best classical guitars under $300 for fingerstyle options that pair well with lap steel in recording sessions.
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