Best Lap Steel Guitar & Best Lap Steel Guitar Brands
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Guitar stands among the most popular musical instruments and it comes in various different types. From the range of guitars, the one that we are going to discuss here is the steel guitars that are played in the horizontal position by placing on the lap.
Because of this positioning, these are called lap steel guitars. Considering the playability these are different from the traditional guitars. In lap steel guitar, you won’t have to use your fingertips for pressing the guitar strings. Instead, you will have to use glass or metal bar against strings to change the pitch. The strings of lap guitars are raised to about half inch height against the fingerboard from the nut and bridge.
What are the Best Lap Steel Guitars to Buy?
It is a wonderful instrument and comes in three different types.
National Guitars: These dobro-type guitars have square necks and possess a resonator which is a big aluminum cone for increasing volume.
Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar: The body is similar to that of traditional Spanish guitars and these are also known as Hawaiian guitars. Their design is specially made for horizontal playing.
Electric Lap Steel Guitar: The electric lap steel guitars are made for the horizontal play. They don’t have any resonant chamber as they have an electric pickup.
If you are planning to buy one, you should do some research first and make sure that you are investing your money in the right place. The number of factors that you should consider while choosing a suitable lap steel guitar is:
Level of skills
For buying any kind of musical instrument including the lap steel guitar, the first and foremost thing that you should consider is how capable you are. The lap guitars come in a very diverse range and not all of these are suitable for you.
First, you should keep your playing capabilities in mind and then look for the appropriate options. For instance, if you are just thinking to purchase your very first lap guitar, you should select from the models that are specifically built for the beginners.
There are exclusive options for new players, growing students, and the pro players. Therefore, identifying your skills first would narrow down your search and make the selection easier for you.
Budget
Along with your skills, a major considerable factor while making a buying decision is your budget. You should be very careful in this regard. If you are a newbie, you should never purchase a very expensive model at the start. Always go for a more affordable option, to begin with. Even if you are a pro but you cannot afford to spend a fortune, there are many good quality lap guitars that are available at very fair rates.
For your assistance, we have come up with a list of top lap steel guitars. Take a quick look at their functional features and select an appropriate one.
14 Best Lap Steel Guitar Reviews and the Best Lap Steel Guitar Brands
1) Rogue RLS-1 Lap Steel Guitar with Stand and Gig Bag Metallic Red
Rogue guitars are popular for the commendable strength of the structure, easy functionality, and low rates. If you are a new player, starting with this one would be very fruitful for you. Besides, it has a striking appearance and the metallic red finish adds to its aesthetics.
It is designed to produce first-class blues, Hawaiian, and classic country tone and the smooth operation makes the play effortless for the starters. The intermediate players would also find it a great sounding instrument. It carries 11.6 pounds of weight and the size measurements are 31.2 x 9.4 x 5.5 inches.
This affordable lap steel guitar has solid construction. It comprises hardwood body and neck. For your ease, the neck has position markers as well. The single coil pickup gives a very vibrant sound. Just like other models, it also has tone and volume control knobs.
Other features are geared tuners, chrome hardware and pickguard of stainless steel. Last but not the least, a good quality gig bag is also included which offers easy portability and enhanced protection.
2) SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel Guitar
For all those players who are in search of an eminent quality lap sleet guitar at a low budget, here is a wonderful option. It is made to help the growing players play more conveniently. The structure comprises a robust body to ensure enhanced longevity and the simple design gives it a decent outlook.
It is also very easy to carry and the light weight makes it more comfortable for the players to play it while placing on the lap. This carries only 9 pounds weight and the size measurements are 8.2 x 2.4 x 33.5 inches.
This is a full-sized lap steel guitar that contains 36 frets. It has a very beautiful craftsmanship and is made with exclusive attention to strong structure. The electric lap steel guitar has American Swamp ash body and the fretboard comprises solid maple wood.
The two control knobs for adjusting the volume and tone are also added. Other specifications include Diecast chrome tuners which are easy to operate and standard Pickup of P90. It comes with a complimentary lap steel stand that is detachable. Moreover, you will also get a sturdy carry bag with this model.
3) Imperial Royal Hawaiian Limited Edition Weissenborn Style Lap Steel Guitar
Imperial guitars have always been known for solid wood structure and fantastic playability. It is certainly a reliable name and you can trust it for quality and longevity. The Royal Hawaiian Lap steel guitar from the Weissenborn limited edition is a superb option for those who are willing to pay a good amount for exceptional quality, responsive performance, and high durability.
It features innovative design and the deeper body is designed to deliver a fuller sound. The weight is very low and measures only 4 pounds. Moreover, the physical dimensions are 42 x 15 x 8 inches.
Let’s take a look at its structural design. The guitar’s top is made of solid sapele mahogany while the sides and back comprise laminated sapele. The top, back, and neck have rope binding in traditional Weissenborn style.
Furthermore, it has a rosewood mustache bridge and a rosewood fingerboard that has position markers of inlay pearl diamond. Some other specifications include gold sealed tuners with ebony buttons and a phenomenal pickup system. It comes with a tailored hard shell carry case with additional depth for a perfect fit. Try this for a more joyous playing experience with enhanced tone.
4) Vorson SL100ENAT Professional Straight Lap Steel Pack, Natural
Here is another adorable addition presented by Vorson. Like its other musical instruments, this one also exhibits flawless construction, catchy outlook, smooth functioning, and high longevity. The reasonable rates make it more desirable.
The instrument is designed carefully and the straight line structure is often recommended for the professional players. It is solid in structure and efficient in performance. Besides, its weight is 9.25 pounds. The size dimensions are 38 x 5 x 10 inches.
The active electronics generate an incredibly clear tone and the addition of two FP-90 pickups allows the players to deliver a world-class performance. One pick up is positioned at the upper end while the other is at the bridge.
Both of these are controlled via a toggle switch that is added on the front of the bridge which assists in quick switching during the live performances. Furthermore, the incorporation of the on/off switch helps in saving the battery when it is not in use.
Considering the body structure, it is made of high-grade natural mahogany while the fretboard comprises rosewood in addition to bar inlays. Besides, solid mahogany neck adds to supreme quality tone and high durability.
The complimentary items included are a tone bar and cable. You will also be given a padded carry bag for better protection and easy transport of your lap sleep guitar.
5) Gretsch Electromatic Lap Steel Guitar
Are you an enthusiastic player? Looking for a new, high-quality lap-steel guitar to improve your playing skills? Want to select a more budget-friendly option? Don’t worry, you are covered.
Take a look at this incredible lap steel guitar made with special attention to longevity. Not only it has a solid structure, it reflects perfect craftsmanship as well. The seamless construction, elegant design, and effortless playability make it a great option.
What makes it more appealing is the stunning outlook in black color. The weight is not much and it carries only 10.15 pounds. Besides, the size dimensions include 38.5 x 15.2 x 5.5 inches.
It offers a very artistic outlook in addition to sweet melodious sound and you will find it suitable for various musical styles including country, slide blues and Hawaiian. The addition of a control plate with two knobs helps you to gain more control over the playability by adjusting the tone and volume.
Its silver deco makes the guitar look unique as well as catchy. The hardware comprises chrome and there is a single coil pickup that delivers a bright and vibrant tone.
6) Recording King RG-32-SN Lap Steel Guitar, Sunburst
The players who want to buy a lap steel guitar that is low in budget but high in quality, selection of this model would be very helpful. Not only it is very affordable, it offers a pleasant playing experience as well.
The structural design and catchy appearance make it look expensive and it is made to last for a longer period of time. The total weight is 6.6 pounds. Moreover, the size measurements are 33.8 x 10.5 x 2.2 inches.
The solid mahogany body makes it a reliable model and it is less prone to physical damage. It offers a handy playing experience and helps you to control your performance in an easier manner.
The addition of volume and tone control knobs makes the play pleasant and offers a more expressive and effortless performance. Besides, the body has string through design and features open geared tuners.
There is a single pickup that produces a beautiful tone. It is designed to deliver a more powerful and fuller sustain. Try this for enhancing your playing skills in a very economical manner.
7) SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel Guitar
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This full-size steel guitar is a very user-friendly and cost-effective option for the new players. The easy to operate and strongly structured lap steel guitar in black color offers a very classy outlook.
It has a basswood body and comprises 36 frets. Besides, it features one coil pick-up for brighter and clearer sound. This is made to be lightweight. It carries only 7 pounds weight that makes it easily portable.
This is suitable for multiple musical styles. You can use it for Rock, Blues, Country, Hawaiian, Western Swing and Bluegrass. The neck-through design in one piece adds to easy playability and it offers a more comforting learning experience.
For providing you more control over the performance, it has two smooth functioning knobs through which you can control the tone and volume. A glass bar is provided with it so that you can begin playing is as soon as you receive the package.
Lastly, it comes complete with a high-quality carry bag which makes the portability more convenient for the players. Try this highly durable option and start learning to play lap steel guitar in a more economical way.
8) Peavey Power Slide – Black
Peavey is a known brand that is preferred for delivering high quality, commendable functionality and robust construction at very fair rates. All its musical instruments show appreciable workmanship and the one presented here is famous for durable structure and first-class functional capabilities.
The outlook is simple yet attractive. This is a fairly good option, to begin with. Considering the weight, it carries only 6 pounds. The size measurements are 9 x 51 x 20 inches.
This lap steel electric guitar has superb contours which assist in a more comfortable play. You can play it in both horizontal and vertical directions while standing and sitting. Besides, the basswood body and neck-through design makes its low weight and enhances the sustain.
What makes it unique is the magnet loaded the pickup with adjustable coil mode controls that help you to enjoy a more versatile performance. The humbucking pickup and wide spacing between the strings enhance the performance. The sturdy construction will make it last longer and the very affordable price makes it worth a try.
9) Gold Tone LS-8 Lap Steel Guitar (Eight String, Two Tone Tobacco)
Some players give more attention to aesthetics. If you are one of those whose priority is gorgeous outlook in addition to flawless functionality, here is a reasonable model. This Lap steel guitar from Gold Tone is a high-end model that offers smooth operation and eminent quality.
The professional players often choose it to deliver a more expressive performance with enhanced sound clarity and a more vibrant tone. Besides, it is made to last long and the robust body makes it a very dependable one. It carries only 6 pounds of weight and the physical dimensions include 35 x 2 x 10 inches.
This is a beautifully designed lap guitar with 8 strings. It allows the players to deliver more versatile performance due to more options in notes. Some important features include bone nut, an ash tray cover, and handy tuners in square covered style.
The two controller knobs for tone and volume are smooth to operate and give you more command over playability. The two-tone finish in tobacco brown color gives a ravishing and unique look.
10) 2×4 Lap Steel Guitar Kit
If you have decided to learn how to play a lap guitar, it would be good, to begin with, a low-budget model. The one mentioned here is not a ready to use guitar but a DIY slide guitar kit.
Use the parts added to make your very own first lap guitar and it would be best in terms of providing an effective learning experience. Thus, it is a remarkable teaching instrument. In addition to being a helpful option for the new players, it is also very suitable for the stage and studio performances.
The instructions are added to help you build a good lap guitar. It is extremely light in weight and has only 1.5 pounds which makes it a more favorable option for young players as well. It has a compact design and size dimensions include 12 x 4 x 4 inches.
It comes with two different string sets, one for the country while other for the blues. Other things added include a large poster with detailed instructions imprinted on it, jackplate six tuners, humbucking pickup, and 2 floating bridges.
It comes in a very basic design. You can customize it as you want and make it look more attractive. Buy this for a more fun experience at a very affordable price.
11) Vorson VOR FLSL201VS Professional Lap Steel Guitar Pack, Vintage Sunburst
If you want a combination of solid construction and exquisite outlook at a reasonable rate, here is an outstanding choice. It offers great value for your money and the impressive workmanship makes it worth trying.
The structure is made using high-quality material to ensure longevity and the comfortable playability makes it more desirable for the players. If you want a clearer and powerful sound, it is an appropriate pick. Speaking of the weight, it carries about 11.1 pounds. Besides, the size dimensions are 39 x 5 x 16 inches.
The vintage sunburst color adds to its adorable appearance. It is made to offer easy operation and features two pickups, one at the bridge and other at the upper end. As far as the construction is concerned, it has a solid basswood body which is the most recommended wood for musical instruments.
Besides, the top comprises deeply flamed maple, the fretboard is made of rosewood while the neck consists of solid and dense mahogany wood. In short, it is highly durable with matchless tonal qualities and enhanced sound clarity. The package also contains a cable. Last but not the least; it comes with a robust quality gig bag for convenient portability.
12) ADM JW331T Weissenborn Hawaiian Lap Steel Acoustic Guitar, Teardrop Shape
ADM is not a new name. It proudly stands among the reputable suppliers of professional musical instruments. Musicians tend to prefer it because it offers high value for their investments.
In addition to being reasonable in price, its products are strong in structure and elegant in design. The JW331T steel acoustic guitar by ADM is one of the most recommended options. It is a cost-effective option for music enthusiast of all the levels.
Thus, whether you are beginner or an advanced level player, trying this won’t leave you in regrets. Additionally, its weight is just 5.5 pounds which is very easy to carry by all players of all levels. The size dimensions include 42 x 17.5 x 6 inches.
This Weissenborn Hawaiian lap steel guitar comes in a teardrop shape and the design reflects simplicity and class. The structure comprises plywood sapelli, Rosewood Bridge, and hollow neck. Besides, the body has maple binding. In terms of reliability, value, and performance, it is the most appropriate model that you can get at this price.
13) Vorson LT2308 TB 8-String Lap Steel Guitar
Vorson is a highly reputable name that designs and manufactures top quality musical instruments including lap steel guitars. With a rich history of more than 20 years, it is a dependable name. This lap steel guitar from Vorson is unmatched in looks, quality, operation, and comfort.
The pro players are going to love it for its sonic characteristics and tonal qualities. You will find it expensive but considering the structure and functionality, it is worth your investment. It has about 10.25 pounds of weight and the size dimensions include 37 x 4 x 10 inches.
The first thing that you will note and like about this marvelous model is its alluring transparent blue quilt color. This is made with special attention to detail and it delivers unrivaled performance in both the stage and studio setting. It features 8 strings that enable the players to deliver enhanced and diverse performance with more notes and fuller chords.
Additionally, the structure includes a solid mahogany body, maple top, and rosewood neck with 30 frets. Interestingly it is available in some other colors as well. It comes complete with a cable and tone bar in addition to a supreme quality gig bag that is completely padded for additional protection.
14) Joe Morrell Pro Series Poplar Body 8-String Lap Steel Guitar
Take a look at this fully functional, strongly made, good quality 8-string lap guitar available at the very low rate. The learners with the low budget would find it a superb model top practice their skills. Besides, the transparent red finish gives it a striking look.
Considering the playing features and functional efficiency, this is a handy option to take the start of your musical adventure. The beginners are going to love the catchy red color and compact design. Its total weight is about 7 pounds. The size dimensions are 34 x 2 x 7 inches.
This is carefully crafted in East Tennessee under a strict quality control check to ensure that you get the best quality possible. It features 3-octave fretboard and vintage lipstick pickup. The knobs are also added for better control of tone and volume.
Players can adjust the tone as per the requirement and deliver a praiseworthy performance. It is not easy to find such flawless craftsmanship and high structural quality at this low rate. Grab it and start your musical journey.
Choosing the Best Lap Steel Guitar from the Best Lap Steel Guitar Brands
In addition to the playing skills and budget, some other factors to be remembered for the selection of right lap steel guitar are durability and weight.
For those, who are new to this, selection of more durable steel guitar would be better as it would be less prone to damage. Similarly, the traveling musicians should also give priority to a strong structure.
As you know, these guitars are designed to be played in the horizontal position by placing in the lap, their weight matters. The young players should select the lightweight models. Even if you are intermediate or a pro level player, it would be more convenient for you to pick a lightweight lap steel guitar. This would also enhance the portability and help the traveling players in easy carrying as well.
The above-mentioned models are picked because of their structural strength, quality construction, appreciable design and easy playability. Additionally, we have encompassed a diverse budget range so that everyone can find a suitable model as per their budget.
Whether you are a fresh player or a passionate learner, you will find helpful options here. Moreover, if you are a pro, you can select any of the advanced, robustly built and high-end model for showcasing your talent.