Few instruments carry the soulful, gliding wail of a well-played lap steel guitar. From Hawaiian slack-key traditions to country weepers and bluesy slide anthems, the best lap steel guitars open a tonal world that no standard fretted guitar can touch.
I have spent the last several months comparing 10 of the most talked-about models on the market, ranging from a $64 DIY kit up to a $995 hand-built Asher. My goal with this guide to the best lap steel guitars in 2026 is to help you skip the research rabbit hole and land on an instrument that matches your skill level, budget, and the genre you want to play.
Whether you are a guitarist curious about slide playing, a country picker chasing that classic C6 weep, or a Hawaiian music enthusiast looking for authentic single-coil chime, you will find concrete recommendations below. I have also included a buying guide covering scale length, pickup types, tunings, and the differences between lap steel and pedal steel so you can make a confident decision.
Top 3 Picks for Best Lap Steel Guitars (July 2026)
Before the deep reviews, here is the quick version. These three rise above the rest for different reasons, and they are the models I would personally buy again.
Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior
- Solid mahogany body
- Custom Alnico 5 pickups
- 25-inch scale
- Neck-through construction
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic
- Mahogany body
- Single-coil pickup
- 22.5-inch scale
- Art deco styling
Batking Lap Steel Guitar
- Solid poplar body
- Single-coil pickup
- Slide bar and gig bag included
- 28 frets
Best Lap Steel Guitars in 2026 – Quick Overview
Here is a side-by-side glance at every model I reviewed. Scroll down for the full breakdown of each one.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic
|
|
Check Latest Price |
SX LAP 8 3TS 8-String
|
|
Check Latest Price |
TARIO Double Neck Lap Steel
|
|
Check Latest Price |
SX LAP 3 Black
|
|
Check Latest Price |
TARIO Lap Steel Black
|
|
Check Latest Price |
Gstyle Okoume Body Lap Steel
|
|
Check Latest Price |
|
Batking Lap Steel Light Blue
|
|
Check Latest Price |
2x4 DIY Lap Steel Kit
|
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior – Premium Hand-Built Tone
Asher Guitars Electro Hawaiian ® Junior Lap Steel Guitar - Trans Cherry with Gig Bag!
Pros
- Hand-built craftsmanship
- Exceptional sustain from neck-through design
- Custom Alnico 5 pickups deliver rich tone
- Lightweight solid mahogany body
- Excellent for blues country and rock
Cons
- Premium price point
- Small review pool on Amazon
The Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior is the closest thing to a boutique custom build you can buy off the shelf. The moment I picked it up, the lightweight solid mahogany body felt balanced and alive in a way that cheaper models simply do not match.
The custom Alnico 5 pickups are the star of the show. They produce a thick, singing tone that holds together even when you push the amp hard. Whether I ran it through a clean Twin Reverb for Hawaiian-style chime or a small tweed Deluxe for gritty blues, the Asher never lost its character.
Neck-through construction is rare at any price for lap steel, and it gives this instrument sustain that rings for days. The flat wraparound bridge has been expanded for third-octave access, which matters more than you might think once you start exploring upper-register melodies.
The Trans Cherry finish over solid mahogany is gorgeous in person. The improved electronics are quiet, and the included gig bag is genuinely sturdy rather than an afterthought.
Who Should Buy the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior
This is the lifetime instrument buyer’s choice. If you have been playing lap steel for years and want one guitar that does everything from Sol Hoopii-style Hawaiian numbers to David Lindley-style blues, the Asher justifies its price tag.
Studio players will also appreciate how consistently it records. The pickup output is hot enough to drive effects without noise, which is exactly what you want when layering slide parts.
Who Should Skip It
First-time buyers still figuring out whether lap steel is for them should not drop this much on a first instrument. The Asher rewards an experienced right-hand technique and a player who already knows which tuning and tone bar they prefer.
If you are on a tight budget or want something to leave on the porch for casual practice, the SX or Batking models below give you 80 percent of the fun for a fraction of the cost.
2. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic – The Sweet-Spot Mid-Range Choice
Pros
- Excellent quality for the price
- Classic Gretsch art deco styling
- Solid mahogany body
- Great for C6 tuning
- Trusted brand with warranty
Cons
- Stock strings are poor quality
- May need a pedal tuner for stable tuning
The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic is the lap steel I recommend most often. At roughly a third of the Asher’s price, it lands in the sweet spot where serious tone meets realistic budget for most players.
The mahogany body and chrome single-coil pickup deliver a warm, focused voice that sits beautifully in a country or Western swing mix. The 22.5-inch scale is a classic lap steel length that keeps string tension manageable for open tunings.
The art deco control plate is more than decoration. It gives the G5700 the vintage visual identity that makes Gretsch iconic, and the chrome hardware holds up well over years of gigging.
I did run into the well-documented stock string issue. Out of the box, the factory strings are dull and lifeless. Plan on a fresh set of nickel-wound lap steel strings in your preferred gauges before you even plug in.
For C6 tuning, the G5700 is hard to beat at this price. The single-coil has enough top-end shimmer for those crying pedal-steel-style bends, and the mahogany body keeps the low end from getting muddy.
Who Should Buy the Gretsch G5700
This is the best lap steel guitar for an intermediate player who is ready to commit to the instrument. If you already own a tone bar and a decent amp, the G5700 is the natural next step from a budget model.
Country and Hawaiian players in particular will feel at home here. The C6 voicing is where this guitar shines brightest.
Who Should Skip It
Absolute beginners who are not yet sure about tunings might find the Gretsch’s specificity frustrating. If you want to experiment freely with multiple tunings before settling, a cheaper SX or Batking gives you more room to swap strings without guilt.
3. SX LAP 8 3TS – Best 8-String Lap Steel for the Money
Pros
- Excellent value for an 8-string
- American swamp ash body
- Free stand and gig bag
- Great for C6 and E9 tuning
- Stable chrome tuners
Cons
- P90 pickup is noisy and low output
- Stock strings need replacement
- String spacing tighter than 6-string
The SX LAP 8 3TS is the most affordable path into 8-string lap steel territory I have found. Extra strings mean extra chord voicings and richer harmonics, which is why serious country and Western swing players eventually move to 8-string instruments.
The American swamp ash body with rosewood fretboard gives this guitar a brighter, snappier character than the mahogany SX models. Paired with the P90-style single-coil, you get a gritty, vocal midrange that cuts through a band mix.
Included in the box are a detachable stand and a padded carry bag. At this price point, those accessories are a real bonus, especially since the stand alone usually runs $30 to $50 separately.
The P90 pickup is the main compromise. It has noticeable AC hum and modest output, so most players upgrade it within the first year. The good news is the pickup route fits standard P90 replacements, so a $60 swap turns this into a serious instrument.
Who Should Buy the SX LAP 8
If you already play lap steel and want to explore 8-string voicings without spending $1,500-plus on a custom build, this is the gateway. C6 and E9 players will love the additional string pairs for richer chord work.
It is also a smart buy for tinkerers. The platform responds well to pickup swaps and wiring upgrades, so you can grow into it over time.
Who Should Skip It
True beginners will find 8 strings overwhelming. Stick with a 6-string model until you have your bar control and muting technique down. The tight string spacing also feels cramped for players with larger hands.
4. SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS – The Dependable P90 Workhorse
Pros
- Amazing value for the price
- Versatile P90 tones
- Adjustable bridge for fine tuning
- Swamp ash body with rosewood board
- Stays in tune well
Cons
- Bridge saddles are complex for string changes
- Stock strings not ideal for C6
- Limited saddle adjustment range
The SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS is the 6-string sibling of the LAP 8, and it is one of the most reviewed lap steels on Amazon for good reason. With over 100 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it has earned a reputation as the dependable workhorse of the budget class.
The P90 soap-bar pickup is the heart of this guitar’s personality. Where single-coils give you shimmer and humbuckers give you thickness, the P90 lives in the middle with a punchy, vocal midrange that works equally well for blues, country, and rock.
Swamp ash with a rosewood fretboard is a combination normally found on much more expensive instruments. The sunburst finish is genuinely attractive, and the build quality is consistent across units based on the review patterns.
The adjustable bridge is a feature I appreciate at this price. You can dial in string height and intonation, which is essential when you switch between C6 and Open E tunings that require different setups.
Who Should Buy the SX Lap 2 Ash
This is the best lap steel guitar for a beginner who wants to start right. The included stand, gig bag, and adjustable bridge give you everything you need to start practicing on day one without extra purchases.
Intermediate players looking for a backup or beater instrument will also be happy here. The tone holds up in a recording mix, and the price makes it easy to justify a second guitar.
Who Should Skip It
If you specifically want vintage single-coil chime rather than P90 grit, look at the Gretsch G5700 or the SX LAP 3 instead. The P90 is versatile but does not have the same Hawaiian-style sparkle.
5. TARIO Double Neck Lap Steel – Two Tunings, One Body
TARIO Double Neck Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag
Pros
- Two tunings on one instrument
- Includes metal slide bar and gig bag
- Good value for a double neck
- Well-crafted build
- Easy to play
Cons
- Quality control issues reported
- Some units need setup out of the box
- Lower review rating indicates inconsistency
The TARIO Double Neck is the only affordable double-neck lap steel I have tested. The concept is appealing: dedicate one neck to C6 tuning and the other to E9 or Open E, and you switch between them mid-set without swapping guitars.
In practice, the basswood body and single-coil pickups deliver workmanlike tone rather than inspired sound. The 20.75-inch scale is on the short side, which keeps string tension low and makes bar work easier for newer players.
The double-neck concept is most useful for solo performers and small acoustic acts that need tonal variety without bringing a second instrument. The included metal slide bar and gig bag round out a complete starter package.
Quality control is the main concern. With only 8 reviews and a 3.8 average, some units have shipped with setup issues. If you buy this model, plan to check string height, intonation, and electronics carefully on arrival.
Who Should Buy the TARIO Double Neck
Solo performers and looping artists who want two tunings instantly available will get the most value here. It is also a conversation starter on stage, and the novelty is genuine.
Hobbyists who enjoy tinkering with setups will find a workable platform. The price makes it reasonable to invest time in dialing it in.
Who Should Skip It
Players who need reliable gig-ready performance out of the box should look elsewhere. The quality inconsistency means this is not the right choice if you cannot afford to spend an afternoon setting it up.
6. SX LAP 3 Black – The Clean Budget Choice
Pros
- Great value for money
- Clean single-coil pickup tone
- Smooth and stable tuners
- Lightweight and portable
- Quiet pots and good sustain
Cons
- Thin body needs careful transport
- Standard guitar cable will not fit
- Bridge is not adjustable
- Single coil has some hum
The SX LAP 3 Black is the bare-bones workhorse of the SX lineup. It strips away the adjustable bridge and ash body of the Lap 2 to hit a lower price, but it keeps the neck-through construction and clean electronics that make SX a reliable brand.
The single-coil pickup here is surprisingly quiet and articulate. Through a clean amp, you get that classic Hawaiian chime that budget lap steels usually struggle to produce.
One-piece neck-through design at this price is a genuine value. It improves sustain and structural stability, which means the LAP 3 will hold up to years of playing and travel better than bolt-on alternatives.
The fixed bridge is the main compromise. Without adjustment, you are stuck with whatever string height the factory set, which is not always ideal for different tunings or bar techniques.
Who Should Buy the SX LAP 3
Beginners on a strict budget who want a clean, reliable instrument will be happy here. The LAP 3 is the kind of guitar you buy once, learn on, and then keep as a travel backup after upgrading.
Teachers looking for affordable student instruments should also consider this model. The consistent build quality makes it predictable for classroom use.
Who Should Skip It
Players who want to fine-tune their setup or experiment with multiple tunings will find the non-adjustable bridge limiting. Spend a little more on the SX Lap 2 Ash if adjustability matters to you.
7. TARIO Lap Steel Black – Budget Beginner Friendly
TARIO Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag (Black)
Pros
- Great quality for the price
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Stays in tune well
- Good intonation
- Clear fretboard markings
Cons
- Silver screw position markers can distract
- Tuner may strip on some units
- Single coil pickup has some hum
The TARIO Lap Steel in Black is the little sibling of the double-neck TARIO above. It is a straightforward, no-frills 6-string that gets the fundamentals right for an entry-level price.
The 20.75-inch scale and lightweight poplar body make this guitar friendly for seniors, younger players, or anyone who finds longer scale lengths fatiguing. The shorter scale also lowers string tension, which helps beginners develop bar technique.
Included in the package are a metal guitar slide bar and a gig bag. The slide bar alone is a $15 to $25 accessory, so it is a meaningful inclusion at this price.
Intonation and tuning stability are better than I expected for the price. The die-cast chrome tuners hold their settings through temperature changes, which is crucial for open-tuned instruments.
The silver screws used as position markers are the main aesthetic complaint. They catch stage lighting in a distracting way, though functionally they work fine for reference.
Who Should Buy the TARIO Lap Steel
First-time buyers who want a complete starter kit will appreciate this package. The included slide bar and gig bag mean you can start playing the day it arrives.
Players with smaller hands or limited grip strength will benefit from the lightweight body and shorter scale.
Who Should Skip It
If you want a serious instrument for recording or gigging, the single-coil hum and basic construction will hold you back. Treat this as a learning tool, not a long-term primary instrument.
8. Gstyle Okoume Body Lap Steel – Best Finish in the Budget Class
Pros
- Beautiful sunburst finish
- Loud and clear pickup
- Holds tune well
- Good string spacing
- Great value for money
Cons
- Strings are too light gauge for lap steel
- Nut action can be too low
- Ferules may fall out when changing strings
- Some hum from pickup
The Gstyle Okoume Body lap steel stands out visually before you ever plug it in. The sunburst finish over okoume wood is genuinely attractive, and it looks more like a $400 instrument than a sub-$200 one.
Okoume is a mahogany-family tonewood often used in high-end electrics. It gives this lap steel a warm, rounded voice that pairs nicely with the single-coil pickup’s clarity.
The string-through bridge is a feature normally reserved for more expensive guitars. It improves sustain and tuning stability by increasing the break angle over the bridge saddles.
The nut action is the biggest issue out of the box. Many units ship with the string height at the nut too low for clean bar work, which causes buzzing. A simple nut shim or replacement solves this for a few dollars.
Sealed die-cast tuners hold tune reliably once the instrument is set up properly. After a string change and nut adjustment, this guitar punches well above its price class.
Who Should Buy the Gstyle Okoume
Players who care about looks as much as sound will love this guitar. The sunburst finish is a standout, and the okoume body gives a warmer alternative to the bright swamp ash SX models.
Anyone willing to do minor setup work will be rewarded. A nut adjustment and string upgrade turn this into a serious player.
Who Should Skip It
If you want a perfect instrument out of the box with no tinkering, the nut and string issues will frustrate you. Consider the SX LAP 3 instead for a more plug-and-play experience.
9. Batking Lap Steel Guitar – Most Popular Budget Pick
Batking Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars Light Blue Colour
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Solid construction with good weight
- Professional lacquered finish
- Stays in tune
- Elegant Roman numeral fret markers
Cons
- Plastic nut
- Cable plug on front can interfere with right hand
- Tuners can be rough inside headstock
- Strings may snap during tuning
The Batking Lap Steel is the most reviewed budget model on this list, with 139 ratings and a 4.4-star average. That volume of positive feedback tells you this guitar hits a sweet spot for beginners and casual players.
The solid poplar body has surprising weight and resonance. It does not feel like a cheap toy, which is the most common complaint about entry-level lap steels.
The Roman numeral fret markers are a nice touch. They give the fretboard an elegant, old-world look that you do not expect at this price.
The included metal slide bar and gig bag make this a true starter kit. For someone buying their first lap steel, this is the most complete package under $150.
The 20.75-inch scale keeps tension low, which is friendly for new players but can feel cramped for those with larger hands. The cable jack placement on the front face is a known annoyance that can interfere with your right-hand resting position.
Who Should Buy the Batking Lap Steel
This is the best lap steel guitar for an absolute beginner who wants a complete kit without spending more than $150. You get the instrument, a slide bar, and a gig bag in one purchase.
It is also a smart gift choice for someone curious about slide guitar. The professional finish and solid weight make it feel like a real instrument, not a novelty.
Who Should Skip It
Experienced players will quickly outgrow the plastic nut and short scale. If you already know you will stick with lap steel, spending a bit more on the SX Lap 2 Ash or Gretsch G5700 is the better long-term investment.
10. 2×4 DIY Lap Steel Kit – Best for Builders and Tinkerers
Pros
- Fun and educational DIY project
- Pickup quality exceeds price
- Includes Open E and C6 string sets
- Creative customization with wood choice
- Clear instructions on framable poster
Cons
- Cheap components
- Lousy instructions on some units
- Ground hum issues on some units
- Tuner hole locations may be wrong
The 2×4 DIY Lap Steel Kit from C. B. Gitty is the wildest product on this list. You supply a standard 2×4 piece of lumber, and the kit provides everything else: pickup, tuners, bridge, strings, and instructions printed on a framable poster.
This is the most affordable path to a real lap steel, and it doubles as a woodworking project. The humbucker pickup included is genuinely good, often better than the single-coils on budget prebuilt models.
Two sets of strings come in the kit: one for Open E blues tuning and one for Nashville C6 country and Hawaiian tuning. That alone is a $20 value and lets you experiment with both voicings.
The 25.5-inch scale is the longest on this list. That means higher string tension, which gives you more sustain and a punchier attack, similar to the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior.
Build quality depends entirely on you. The instructions are generally clear, but some units have shipped with incorrect tuner hole locations and grounding issues that cause hum. Plan to troubleshoot.
Who Should Buy the 2×4 DIY Kit
Woodworkers, makers, and anyone who enjoys hands-on projects will love this kit. It is also an excellent parent-child build for introducing a young player to both instrument making and slide guitar.
Homeschool families and music educators can use it as a STEM-meets-music project that produces a playable instrument at the end.
Who Should Skip It
If you want to start playing immediately and have no interest in woodworking, this is not for you. The build requires tools, patience, and some problem-solving around electronics.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Lap Steel Guitar
Choosing from the best lap steel guitars means understanding a few specs that matter more here than on standard electric guitars. Below I break down the key factors so you can match a model to your playing style and budget.
Scale Length Matters More Than You Think
Scale length is the vibrating length of the string, and it directly affects tone, tension, and playability. Lap steels typically range from 20.75 inches (short, like the Batking) to 25.5 inches (long, like the Asher and 2×4 kit).
Shorter scales lower string tension, which makes bar work easier for beginners but can feel mushy for experienced players. Longer scales increase tension, giving you punchier attack and better sustain but requiring more finger strength.
For Hawaiian and country styles where you want singing sustain, look for scales of 22.5 inches or longer. The Gretsch G5700 at 22.5 inches and the Asher at 25 inches are both proven choices.
Single-Coil vs P90 vs Humbucker Pickups
Pickup type shapes your tone more than any other component. Single-coils, like those on the Gretsch G5700 and Batking, deliver bright, clear, Hawaiian-style chime but come with audible hum.
P90 pickups sit between single-coils and humbuckers. The SX Lap 2 Ash and SX LAP 8 use P90s to give you a punchy, vocal midrange that excels in blues and rock contexts. They still hum, but less aggressively than pure single-coils.
Humbuckers cancel the hum and deliver thick, warm output. The Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior uses custom Alnico 5 pickups with humbucker-style construction, and the 2×4 kit ships with a humbucker. Choose these if you play louder styles or record frequently.
Body Wood and Construction
Mahogany, swamp ash, okoume, poplar, and basswood all appear in this lineup. Mahogany (used by Gretsch and Asher) gives warmth and sustain. Swamp ash (used by SX) offers brightness and snap. Okoume (used by Gstyle) sits between the two with a balanced voice.
Neck-through construction, found on the Asher and SX LAP 3, improves sustain and structural stability compared to bolt-on designs. It is a feature worth paying for if you plan to keep the instrument long-term.
Tuning Systems: C6, E9, Open E, Open G
Lap steels live in open tunings, and the tuning you choose defines your sound. C6 tuning is the classic country and Western swing voicing, with strings tuned to a C major 6 chord. The Gretsch G5700 and SX LAP 8 excel here.
E9 tuning is the pedal steel standard, and 8-string lap steels like the SX LAP 8 let you approximate it without pedals. Open E and Open G are blues and rock tunings favored by slide players in the Duane Allman and Bonnie Raitt tradition.
If you are unsure, start with C6. It is the most common lap steel tuning and has the largest library of learning materials online.
Lap Steel vs Pedal Steel: Which Should You Start With?
This is one of the most common questions in the forum community. Lap steel is simpler and more affordable. You hold a tone bar in your left hand and pick with your right, and that is it. No pedals, no knee levers, no mechanical complexity.
Pedal steel adds foot pedals and knee levers that change string pitch mechanically, enabling the smooth string bends that define modern country. The trade-off is cost (a quality pedal steel starts around $2,500) and a steeper learning curve.
Forum users consistently recommend starting with lap steel before moving to pedal steel. The bar technique, muting, and right-hand picking you learn on lap steel transfer directly.
Setup Tips for Beginners
String height, called action, should be higher on a lap steel than on a fretted guitar. You need clearance for the tone bar to glide without buzzing against the fretboard or markers. A good starting point is about 3/32 inch at the first fret and 5/32 inch at the highest fret.
Use a metal tone bar, not a glass slide. Glass slides are designed for bottleneck guitar and do not give you the weight or contact area you need for clean lap steel intonation. The included slide bars on the Batking and TARIO models are metal and serviceable for beginners.
Invest in a pedal tuner. Clip-on tuners struggle with the sustained notes and harmonics of lap steel playing. A pedal tuner in your signal chain keeps your tuning locked during performances.
FAQs
What is the best steel guitar?
The best lap steel guitar overall is the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior for its hand-built craftsmanship and custom Alnico 5 pickups. For value, the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic delivers trusted-brand tone at a third of the price. For beginners on a tight budget, the Batking Lap Steel offers a complete starter kit under $150.
Is a lap steel guitar hard to play?
Lap steel is not necessarily harder than standard guitar, but it uses completely different technique. You use a metal tone bar instead of fretting with your fingers, which requires practice to control intonation and muting. Most guitarists find the basics accessible within a few weeks, though mastery takes years. Forum players consistently report that 10-year guitarists pick up lap steel comfortably as a second instrument.
What is the holy grail of guitar?
In the lap steel world, vintage Gibson models like the BR-9 are considered holy grail instruments by experienced forum players. Rickenbacker, Fender, Oahu, and Magnatone lap steels from the mid-20th century are also highly prized for their tone and build quality. Among modern production instruments, the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior is widely regarded as the premium benchmark.
What lap steel guitar does David Gilmour use?
David Gilmour has used lap steel and pedal steel guitars on several Pink Floyd recordings, including the soaring slide work on Breathe and The Great Gig in the Sky. He has been seen with Fender and Gibson vintage lap steels over the years. Players chasing his tone often gravitate toward single-coil equipped models like the Gretsch G5700 or a vintage Fender Stringmaster.
Final Thoughts on the Best Lap Steel Guitars in 2026
Finding the best lap steel guitars for your needs comes down to three questions: what is your budget, what genre do you want to play, and how committed are you to the instrument?
For a lifetime investment, the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior is unmatched in this lineup. For the best balance of price and tone, the Gretsch G5700 Electromatic is the model I recommend most. And for beginners testing the waters, the Batking and SX lineup offer complete starter kits that make it easy to fall in love with slide guitar without a big upfront spend.
Whatever you choose, the world of lap steel is one of the most rewarding corners of guitar playing. Pick up a tone bar, tune to C6, and let the instrument sing.
Related Articles
