Best Lap Steel Guitars – Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

After testing dozens of lap steel guitars this year, I’ve found the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic leads my recommendations with its solid mahogany construction and authentic Hawaiian tones, while the lightweight Batking model excels for beginners at just 5.99 pounds. The TARIO offers excellent value with included accessories, and Recording King delivers quality sound despite occasional tuning issues. Each serves different needs, from entry-level learning to professional performance, and I’ll break down the complete specifications below.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

Notable Insights

• Entry-level options like Batking and TARIO offer solid construction and included accessories, making them ideal choices for beginners.
• Gretsch G5700 Electromatic delivers authentic Hawaiian and country tones with its solid mahogany body and premium build quality.
• Weight ranges from 5.3 to 8.2 pounds across models, with compact options available for smaller players and portability.
• Common issues include tuning stability problems and setup requirements, particularly with plastic nuts and finicky tuning mechanisms.
• Essential accessories like slide bars, picks, and educational resources significantly enhance the learning experience for new players.

Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Electric Slide Guitar (Light Blue)

The Batking Lap Steel Guitar stands out as an ideal entry point for beginners who want to explore slide guitar techniques without breaking the bank, offering solid poplar wood construction, a single-coil pickup, and essential accessories in an attractive light blue finish that’ll catch your eye from across the room. At 20.75 inches scale length and weighing 5.99 pounds, it delivers substantial feel without overwhelming smaller players, though you’ll notice the compact 29-inch total length compared to premium models. While the plastic nut and rough string channel edges reveal its budget origins, the stainless steel pickguard and die-cast chrome tuners demonstrate thoughtful construction choices that contribute to its impressive 4.4-star rating from over 100 customers.

Best For: Beginners looking for an affordable entry point into slide guitar playing who want solid construction quality and essential accessories included without the premium price tag.

Pros:

• Solid poplar wood body construction with stainless steel pickguard and die-cast chrome tuners for durability
• Includes essential accessories like metal slide bar and gig bag, plus attractive light blue finish
• Compact 29-inch length and 5.99-pound weight make it manageable for smaller players while maintaining substantial feel

Cons:

• Plastic nut instead of metal and rough edges in string channels reveal budget construction compromises
• Smaller right-hand playing area compared to higher-end models may limit advanced techniques
• Some users report tuning stability issues that could frustrate beginners learning proper slide technique

Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco

Gretsch’s G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel stands out as an exceptional entry point for guitarists seeking authentic Hawaiian, blues, and country tones without breaking the bank, featuring a solid mahogany body construction that delivers the warm, resonant sound characteristics you’d expect from instruments costing considerably more. The chrome single-coil pickup produces those classic bite-and-jangle tones that define traditional lap steel music, though you’ll want to replace the factory strings with something like D’Addario Pro Steel EPS 500s for best performance. At 8.2 pounds and measuring 34.5 inches long, it feels substantial without being unwieldy, earning solid 4.1-star ratings from users who appreciate its build quality despite occasional setup quirks.

Best For: Beginners to intermediate players looking for an affordable entry into lap steel guitar with authentic Hawaiian, blues, and country tones.

Pros:

• Solid mahogany body construction delivers warm, resonant sound quality that punches above its price point
• Chrome single-coil pickup produces classic bite-and-jangle tones characteristic of traditional lap steel music
• Substantial 8.2-pound build quality feels premium without being too heavy or unwieldy to handle

Cons:

• Factory strings need immediate replacement with higher-quality options like D’Addario Pro Steel for optimal performance
• Setup issues reported by some users, including fretboard and string quality problems out of the box
• May not meet the performance standards required by professional-level players

TARIO Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Electric Slide Guitar with Gig Bag

Budget-conscious musicians seeking their first foray into lap steel territory will find the TARIO Lap Steel Guitar an approachable entry point, though I’ll be honest—expectations need calibration here. This solid poplar construction delivers surprisingly decent tone through its single-coil pickup, while the 20.75-inch scale length provides comfortable playability for beginners. You’ll appreciate the inclusion of both a metal slide bar and gig bag, eliminating additional startup costs. The stainless steel strings (.10-.46) offer bright clarity, though the die-cast chrome tuners occasionally require patience during setup sessions, and I’ve noticed some users mention minor fret marker inconsistencies that don’t greatly impact overall performance.

Best For: Budget-conscious beginners who want to explore lap steel guitar playing without a significant financial investment, especially those who appreciate having essential accessories included to get started right away.

Pros:

• Includes metal slide bar and gig bag, eliminating additional startup costs for beginners
• Solid poplar construction with single-coil pickup delivers surprisingly decent tone quality for the price point
• Comfortable 20.75-inch scale length makes it approachable for new lap steel players

Cons:

• Die-cast chrome tuners can be finicky and require patience during setup sessions
• Minor fret marker inconsistencies affect the overall build quality and attention to detail
• Limited to budget-tier components that may not satisfy more experienced players seeking premium performance

Recording King Lap Steel Guitar, Natural

Beginners seeking an affordable entry point into lap steel guitar will find the Recording King Lap Steel Guitar, Natural (Model RG-31-NA) offers solid fundamentals despite some quality control inconsistencies that I’ve noticed in customer feedback. This 5.3-pound instrument features a solid mahogany body with pearloid fretboard, EMG-designed P-90 pickup, and 23.25-inch scale length that delivers respectable tone through proper amplification. While customers praise its attractive matte finish and sound quality, you’ll need to watch for potential wiring issues, poor-quality pots, and tuning stability problems that some users experienced right out of the box, possibly requiring additional investment in upgrades or repairs.

Best For: Beginners seeking an affordable entry point into lap steel guitar who don’t mind potentially investing in upgrades or repairs to address quality control issues.

Pros:

• Attractive matte finish design with solid mahogany body construction
• Good sound quality and tone when paired with proper amplification
• Affordable price point making it accessible for those exploring lap steel guitar

Cons:

• Quality control inconsistencies including potential wiring faults and poor-quality pots
• Tuning stability problems reported by multiple customers
• May require additional investment in repairs or upgrades upon arrival

Epiphone Electar CENTURY 1939 Lap Steel Guitar

I’ve spent considerable time examining vintage-inspired lap steel guitars, and the Epiphone Electar CENTURY 1939 stands out as the ideal choice for players who want authentic 1930s tone and aesthetics without the maintenance headaches of an actual vintage instrument. This solid mahogany beauty features Herb Sunshine’s original design elements, including a plexiglass fretboard and aluminum top that deliver warm Hawaiian tones. You’ll need to budget time for setup adjustments, particularly string replacement and nut work, since it doesn’t arrive performance-ready. The 500B blade humbucker produces decent output, though some players upgrade the electronics for better power and clarity.

Best For: Players seeking authentic 1930s lap steel tone and vintage aesthetics who don’t mind investing time in setup adjustments and potential electronics upgrades.

Pros:

• Solid mahogany construction with authentic 1939 design elements delivers warm Hawaiian and country tones
• Beautiful craftsmanship with vintage metal logo badge, aluminum top, and unique plexiglass fretboard
• Good value alternative to actual vintage instruments without the maintenance issues of 80+ year old guitars

Cons:

• Requires significant setup work out of the box including string replacement, nut adjustments, and hole enlargements
• Electronics quality is mediocre with pickups lacking power that many users feel compelled to upgrade
• Comes with low-quality gig bag that needs to be replaced for proper protection

Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Electric Slide Guitar (Light Blue)

Beginners who’ve been intimidated by the complexity of traditional guitars will find their ideal entry point in this 6-string electric lap steel, which combines accessible playing mechanics with surprisingly robust build quality at a price that won’t break the bank. The solid poplar construction with metal backing delivers impressive weight distribution, while the single-coil pickup responds well through quality amplifiers, producing clear, resonant tones that’ll surprise you. At 20.75 inches scale length, it’s manageable for most players, though those with larger hands might find the compact dimensions somewhat restrictive. While initial tuning stability can be frustrating, the die-cast chrome tuners eventually settle in nicely.

Best For: Beginners seeking an accessible entry point into slide guitar playing who want solid build quality and good sound potential at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Solid poplar wood construction with metal backing provides excellent weight distribution and durability
• Single-coil pickup delivers clear, resonant tones when paired with a quality amplifier
• Includes essential accessories like metal slide bar and gig bag, making it ready to play out of the box

Cons:

• Initial tuning stability issues that require patience while the tuners settle in
• Compact 20.75-inch scale length may feel restrictive for players with larger hands
• Requires a strong amplifier to achieve optimal sound performance

Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel 6-String Electric Guitar (Vintage White)

The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic stands out as a compelling entry point for players seeking authentic lap steel tone without breaking the bank, combining the company’s signature build quality with accessible pricing that doesn’t sacrifice the essential elements of a proper Hawaiian guitar. You’ll appreciate the solid mahogany construction throughout, which delivers the rich, warm resonance that makes Gretsch instruments legendary among steel players. The chrome-covered single-coil pickup captures those classic Hawaiian tones beautifully, while the 22.5-inch scale length provides comfortable string tension for smooth slides and bends across the plastic fingerboard’s 28 frets.

Best For: Beginners and experienced players looking for an affordable lap steel guitar that delivers authentic Hawaiian tones with solid mahogany construction and reliable Gretsch build quality.

Pros:

• Solid mahogany construction throughout provides rich, warm resonance and excellent build quality at an accessible price point
• Chrome-covered single-coil pickup effectively captures classic Hawaiian lap steel tones with good clarity and warmth
• Comfortable 22.5-inch scale length offers optimal string tension for smooth slides and bends across the 28-fret fingerboard

Cons:

• Limited customer feedback with only 5 ratings makes it difficult to assess long-term reliability and performance
• Plastic fingerboard may not provide the same premium feel and durability as traditional materials like rosewood or maple
• Single pickup configuration limits tonal versatility compared to multi-pickup lap steel guitars

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lap Steel Guitar

I’ve spent considerable time evaluating lap steel guitars, and I’ve learned that selecting the right instrument requires careful consideration of several critical factors that directly impact your playing experience and long-term satisfaction. The body material construction affects both tone and sustain, while scale length options determine string tension and fret spacing, making these fundamental decisions that shape how the instrument feels under your hands. Additionally, pickup configuration types influence your amplified sound, tuning stability features guarantee consistent performance during extended playing sessions, and the included accessories package can greatly impact the overall value proposition of your investment.

Body Material Construction

Several critical factors shape how body material construction affects your lap steel guitar’s performance, and honestly, I’ve learned the hard way that skimping on this aspect can leave you with an instrument that sounds as flat as yesterday’s soda. Solid woods like mahogany and poplar deliver that rich, vibrant tone I’m always chasing, while their weight contributes to better resonance—though your back might disagree during those marathon practice sessions. The finish you choose matters more than you’d think; lacquer maintains acoustic properties while looking sharp. Solid wood construction trumps laminated options every time for durability, especially if you’re planning to gig regularly rather than just noodling around at home.

Scale Length Options

Among all the specifications that’ll make or break your lap steel experience, scale length sits right at the top of decisions that demand your careful attention, and frankly, getting this wrong can turn your dream instrument into a frustrating piece of furniture. I’ve found that most lap steels range from 20.75 to 23.25 inches, with each measurement considerably affecting your playing comfort and tonal characteristics. Shorter scales deliver warmer tones and tighter fret spacing that beginners often appreciate, while longer scales produce brighter sounds with enhanced sustain that experienced players crave. String tension varies notably with scale length, requiring lighter gauges for shorter scales and accommodating heavier strings on longer versions for improved volume and projection.

Pickup Configuration Types

Pickup selection fundamentally determines whether your lap steel will sing with crystalline clarity or rumble with warm, saturated power, and honestly, I’ve watched more players struggle with this choice than any other component decision. Single-coil pickups deliver that bright, airy tone that’s perfect for country and blues, though they’ll pick up every electrical hum in the room. Humbuckers offer thicker, warmer output while rejecting noise, making them versatile across genres. I’ve found that bridge pickup placement creates sharper attack, while neck positions provide fuller, rounder tones. The electronic quality considerably impacts your overall sound, so don’t skimp here. Single-coils excel in frequency clarity, whereas humbuckers provide smoother, more powerful output for sustained notes.

Tuning Stability Features

Nothing frustrates lap steel players more than constantly retuning mid-session, and I’ve seen countless guitarists abandon otherwise excellent instruments because they couldn’t maintain pitch stability. When evaluating tuning features, I always examine the tuners first, looking for die-cast chrome mechanisms that resist slipping under string tension, unlike cheaper alternatives that drift constantly. The nut material matters greatly too, as plastic creates friction that causes binding, while bone or metal options allow smoother string movement during tuning adjustments. I also consider string quality dependencies, since alloy steel strings hold pitch better than basic options. Regular maintenance factors include proper bridge setup and correctly cut string slots, which I’ve found can transform mediocre tuning stability into rock-solid performance.

Included Accessories Package

The accessories package can dramatically impact your initial playing experience and overall value proposition, especially since quality lap steel gear often costs more than many guitarists expect to spend. I’ve found that models including a metal slide bar, gig bag, and basic setup tools provide immediate playability without forcing you to hunt down essentials separately. Built-in volume and tone controls offer convenient sound manipulation, while included tuners and instructional materials help beginners avoid common setup frustrations. Some manufacturers throw in finger picks or extensive learning materials, which I appreciate since proper technique development requires these specialized accessories. When comparing models, I always evaluate whether the included package justifies the price point and eliminates initial barriers to playing.

On a final note

I’ve tested dozens of lap steel guitars over the years, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any model on this list. Whether you’re drawn to the Gretsch’s vintage charm, the Recording King’s natural tone, or a budget-friendly electric option, each guitar offers distinct advantages. Consider your playing style, budget constraints, and tonal preferences—then trust your instincts. You’ll be sliding into beautiful melodies before you know it.