12 best lap steel for the money

"Lap steel for the money" is a phrase often used in the context of shopping for a lap steel guitar, indicating a desire to find a lap steel guitar that offers good value and performance for the price. Here are some general considerations when looking for a lap steel guitar that provides excellent value:

  1. Budget:

    • Determine your budget range for a lap steel guitar. Lap steels are available in a wide price range, from affordable beginner models to high-end professional instruments.
  2. Brand and Reputation:

    • Research reputable guitar brands known for producing quality lap steels. Established brands often have a history of crafting reliable instruments.
  3. Materials and Construction:

    • Pay attention to the materials used in the construction of the lap steel. High-quality woods, hardware, and craftsmanship can contribute to better sound and durability.
  4. Pickups:

    • The type and quality of pickups on a lap steel can greatly affect its sound. Single-coil and humbucker pickups are common choices, each offering different tonal characteristics.
  5. Tuning Mechanisms:

    • Consider the tuning mechanisms (tuners or machine heads) on the lap steel. Good-quality tuners make it easier to keep the instrument in tune.
  6. Scale Length:

    • Lap steels come in various scale lengths, which can affect playability and the instrument's sound. Choose a scale length that suits your playing style and preferences.
  7. Playability:

    • Playability is crucial, especially if you're a beginner.Ensure that the lap steel is comfortable to play and that the strings are at a suitable height for your playing style.
  8. Accessories:

    • Some lap steel packages may include accessories like a case, slide, or picks. These can add value to your purchase.
  9. Sound and Tone:

    • Listen to or research sound samples of the lap steel you're considering. Different models and pickup configurations produce varying tones, so choose one that matches your musical style.
  10. Reviews and Recommendations:

    • Look for customer reviews and recommendations from experienced lap steel players. Their insights can help you make an informed decision.
  11. Warranty:

    • Check if the lap steel comes with a warranty, as this can provide peace of mind in case of any manufacturing defects.
  12. Used vs. New:

    • If you're on a tight budget, consider looking for used lap steel guitars. Just be sure to inspect the instrument's condition thoroughly before making a purchase.

Remember that finding the best lap steel for your money depends on your individual preferences, playing style, and budget. Take your time to research and compare options to ensure you get a lap steel that meets your needs and provides good value for your investment.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best lap steel for the money on the market
  

Stainless Steel Money Clip Holder Slim

Based on 710 reviews Check latest price
  • Use these slim money clips to hold your cash
  • Money clip measures 2 1/4 by 3/4 inches
  • These money clips are great for gifts
  • Includes 2 money clips per order

User questions & answers

Question: Does the money stretch out and does it go back in place
Answer: Yes. The liners are large enough to fold over much the same way you would with a trash can liner. They have a drawstring to close. I’ve only tried these with a bedside commode and they work well.

Imperial Valley Guitar Co. Cutaway Roundnose Tone Bar Slide for Dobro, Lap Steel

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Imperial Valley Guitar Co. specializes in resonator guitars and acoustic Hawaiian guitars. The RH-2 is a new product from them that goes right along with their Hawaiian steel guitars.  



It is a tonebar or "steel" typically used for playing lap steel, Dobro or Hawaiian steel guitars. The RH-2 uses the traditional Stevens type design with a finger groove on the top, but adds a cutaway on the front end with a rounded nose. The advantage of this is that with the rounded nose the player can tilt the steel bar up and be able to cleanly (and quickly) play single notes on any string. With a traditional square ended Stevens bar it is very difficult to play single notes anywhere except the very top or very bottom strings. The design is similar to some of the Shubb tonebars but has a more rounded nose and tighter radius bottom surface for a smoother vibrato.

  • Cutaway tip with rounded snub nose for clean playing of single notes
  • Weighs 4 ounces and is 3” long
  • Heavy chrome plating on polished steel body

User questions & answers

Question: where is this made
Answer: These liners come from China. They are excellent for use.

GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings C6 Tuning 15-36

Ghs

Based on 97 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Nickel roundwound custom set for C6-tuning, 015, 017, 020, 026, 030w, 036w

  • 015, 017, 020, 026, 030w, 036w

User questions & answers

Question: what is the scale length that fit this string set
Answer: Most lap steels are 22.5". Some go up to 24.5" I believe. I used these on a standard 22.5" lap steel.

SX LAP 8 NAT 8 String Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Detachable Stand & Bag

Based on 42 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This full size American swamp ash body lap steel features 36 frets and offers a single coil pickup for clear and bright sound. Unlike a typical guitar, the strings of a lap steel are not pressed to a fret when sounding a note; rather, the player holds a metal slide called a steel (or tone bar) in one hand, which is moved along the strings to change the instrument's pitch while the other hand plucks or picks the strings. It is perfect for Blues, Rock, Hawaiian, Country, Bluegrass, and Western Swing. The strings are spaced widely, with 3/8" between each one. This makes it very easy and enjoyable to play. Measurements Overall length: 36 1/2" Body length: 13" Scale length: 24 3/4" Width at lower bout: 8 3/4" Width at upper bout: 6 9/16" Body length 13 3/4" Width at the nut: 2 5/16" Width at the 12th fret: 2 5/8" Width at the 20th fret 2 7/8" Body thickness: 1" String spacing at the nut: 1/4" (2 1/16" overall) String spacing at the bridge 3/8" (2 3/4" overall) String sizes: .010,.015,.017,.022w,.028,.032,.038,.052

  • This full size 8 string American swamp ash body lap steel features 36 frets and offers a single coil pickup for clear and bright sound.
  • The strings are spaced widely, with 3/8" between each one. This makes it very easy and enjoyable to play.
  • It is perfect for Blues, Rock, Hawaiian, Country, Bluegrass, and Western Swing.
  • Diecast chrome tuners, pickup covers, volume and tone controls.
  • Free carry bag and detachable stand included.

User questions & answers

Question: I have a guitar: sx lap b nat 8 srings! i would like to buy a set of replacement strings just like what's on that guitar
Answer: I think the package mine came in said China. But it's a nice tone bar, good sound, smooth and seems well made
Question: Does this come with the ashtray cover or not? The sales pic shows no ashtray, but one of the reviews shows one was installed
Answer: The clip, so far, has retained it's spring. In fact, it's tough to get open enough to slide the bills in.
Question: What tuning does it come in? How tall is it with the legs fully extended
Answer: Yes I believe it will fit because bags are kind of square.

ADM Hawaiian Weissenborn Classic Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar for Enthusiasts

All Days Music

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Delivery:

This Guitar shipped quickly from the US warehouse.



ADM Teardrop Shape Acoustic Weissenborn Style Lap Steel Guitar

The ADM Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar is also known as the Hawaiian or Weissenborn guitar. It is built with durable sapele splint with a chrome die-cast machine head that allows for fine tuning of the high-quality steel strings. The guitar is the right choice for enthusiasts!



  • ADM Unique teardrop design Hawaiian Guitar
  • Made of AAAA grade Sapele plywood on top, back and side
  • Technical wooden fingerboard and bridge, maple edging
  • Scale length: 25inch, Side height: 2.5inch,Body width: 16inch
  • Nice price, fast delivery AND AND 1 YEAR WARRANTY

User questions & answers

Question: Does the Weisseborn need an amp
Answer: Thank you for your question, we have a warehouse in the United States. About this acoustic weissenborn style lap steel guitar , we will send it directly to you from the US warehouse. And this product does not have a case, it will be sent to you by carton packaging.
Question: C6 Tuning
Answer: The lap steel ships with SX 10 gauge strings. They are not available separately. However we find when replacing with standard 12 gauge strings, they lap performs even better.
Question: The description says the top is "solid sapele" but one of the reviewers indicated that it is laminated. Which is correct.....solid or laminated
Answer: If it doesn't have it in the pix I would say not. I have the ashtray and it actually takes away space and muting effects of the picking hand. But a great instrument!! Great sound!!
Question: Two questions, how is it shipped? Are there cases available
Answer: A: Yes The maximum height of the stand is 48" The lap steel itself with the body and fret board is just under 2" so the total height (max) is about 50" off the ground. The minimum height of the leg is 27" So the instrument has a height range with the stand of approximately 29" to 50" off the ground. A: Eight String Tunings Additional strings on your guitar means even greater tuning potential. With the additional strings, you can minimize the number of slants you have to play to get your guitar to match the song's harmonies. Here are some suggested tunings for eight-string steel guitars. A6 Tuning: 1. E 2. C# 3. A 4.F# 5.E 6. C# 7.A 8.F# This is a very popular tuning, used by Herb Remington among others. C6/Am7 Tuning: 1.G 2.E 3.C 4.A 5.G 6.E 7.C 8.A E13 Tuning: (as used by Leon McAuliffe) 1.E 2.C# 3.B 4.G# 5.F# 6.D 7.G# 8.E C6/FMaj9

Alnicov Black Stainless Steel Guitar Slide Tone Bar for Dobro, Lap Steel Guitar, Hawaiian Guitar, Electric Guitar Accessories

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description:



- This is a stainless steel tone bar with the finger groove at the top and a rounded cut at the front



- The steel bar is nice and smooth, and the rounded section makes it easy to isolate the strings you are playing and using the slide



- The slide bar is 2,992 in long and weighs 4.06 oz



- Applicable for playing Dobro, steel electric guitar or Hawaiian guitar



- plated on polished steel body



Size chart:



Length x width x height: 2,992 x 0.709 x 0.945 in



Package includes:



1 slide bar for guitar



GHS Custom C6th- 6 Lap Steel Guitar Strings Gauges 15-36W - 2 Pack

GHS Custom Strings

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SGN Products

World famous GHS custom C6th-6 Lap Steel Guitar Strings. These lap steel string are custom made to fits any 6 string lap/stand up steel guitars and designed for C6th tuning.

GHS provides air tight packaging and an “Anti-Corrosion Guarantee” with our Nitro-Packs. With our Nitro-Packs we’ve eliminated the oxygen and sealed in nitrogen to insure the utmost line of defense against corrosion and oxidation for each individual string. GHS has implemented the Nitro-Pack into every guitar sized (4” square string envelope) package in the spring of 2016. GHS product is backed by this Anti-Corrosion Guarantee: If you ever open a pack of strings and find one oxidized or corroded, GHS will replace them free of charge*. You deserve strings that are as fresh and brand new as the day they were sealed, whether you open them immediately, or after keeping them in a gig bag for months. GHS delivers with both outstanding protection and a guarantee!

Product reviews have a huge effect on our ability to sell and be successful on Amazon. If you purchase this product, we would REALLY appreciate it if you would take a moment and post a review for us.

International shipping is available, just click on the buy it now button at the top right side of the page

  • 2 Sets GHS STRINGS For lap steel guitars
  • FITS: Any 6 string lap/stand up steel guitar and designed for C6th tuning.
  • STRING GAUGES: 15 18 22p 24w 30w 36w.
  • GHS provides air tight packaging called Nitro-Packs. With the Nitro-Packs, GHS has eliminated corrosion and oxidation for each individual string. You deserve fresh strings whether keeping them in a gig bag or pack a seat for months.
  • WARRANTY: If you don't love these we'll buy them back, no questions asked. MAKE YOUR PURCHASE NOW!!!

SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Carry Bag

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This full size basswood body lap steel features 36 frets and offers a single coil pickup for clear and bright sound. It is perfect for Blues, Rock, Hawaiian, Country, Bluegrass, and Western Swing. This lap steel includes a convenient carry bag and glass side to it's ready to start playing as soon as you receive Measurements Overall length: 33 1/8" Body length: 12 7/8"" Scale length: 22 3/4" Width at lower bout: 8 1/4" Width at upper bout: 5 7/8" Width at the nut: 2" at the 12th fret: 2 1/4" String spacing at the nut 5/16" (1 3/4" overall) String spacing at the bridge 3/8" (2" overall) Body thickness: 1 1/16" Body width at lower bout: 7 1/8" upper: 5 3/4" String sizes: .011, .015,.022w,.028,.036,.052

  • Full Size, 36 Frets, Lap Steel Guitar!
  • Includes carry bag and glass slide
  • One piece neck-through design
  • One volume control and one tone control

User questions & answers

Question: What guage strings does it ship with? What tuning is the factory strings made for? G? C
Answer: Ships with String sizes: .011, .015,.022w,.028,.036,.052
Question: Is the cable included
Answer: Sorry, no only the items show in the photo and included in the description are included. A standard guitar 1/4" guitar cord is what is used.
Question: Does this require a special kind of tuner; or will a regular Snark guitar tuner work
Answer: That will depend on the tuning you set on the lap steel - if you use regular guitar tuning E to E then the tuner will work - otherwise, and more likely, you will need a chromatic tuner.
Question: What country is the SX lap steel guitar made
Answer: All SX products are made in China

Lap Steel Okoume Body (black)

Gstyle

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

*Fretless 6 string lap steel guitar , solid Okoume body *Color:black or sunburst * metallic black or Sunburst polish body, chromed bridge * the overall length is 33 1/4" , the nut width is 2", the largest width for lower end is 10" * the scale length : 23 1/8" (591mm) * geared machine tuners single coil pickup and 1 volume and 1 tone controls * 1/4" out put jack, plug to an amplifier to make sound out * It's an unique instrument and very good price

  • 6 string lap steel guitar
  • the overall length is 33 1/4" , the nut width is 2", the largest width for lower end is 10"
  • the scale length : 23 1/8" (591mm)
  • geared machine tuners single coil pickup and 1 volume and 1 tone controls
  • 1/4" out put jack, plug to an amplifier to make sound out

Rogue RLS-1 Lap Steel Guitar with Stand and Gig Bag Metallic Blue

Rogue

Based on 200 reviews Check latest price

Product description

RLS-1 Lap Steel Guitar with Stand and Gig Bag Metallic Blue. Slide into some classic country, Hawaiian, and blues tones with the affordable Rogue RLS1 Lap Steel Guitar. It features a hardwood body and neck with position markers, a single-coil pickup, volume and tone controls, chrome hardware, and a stainless steel pickguard. Includes gig bag and legs. Be sure to pick up a slide - we've got lots of cool models available!

  • Produces classic country, Hawaiian, and blues tones Hardwood body Hardwood neck with position markers Single-coil pickup Volume and tone controls Chrome hardware Geared Tuners Single slant pickup Carry bag Includes 3 screw-in height-adjustable legs Stainless steel pickguard Includes legs
  • Slide into some classic country, Hawaiian, and blues tones with the affordable Rogue RLS1 Lap Steel Guitar
  • It features a hardwood body and neck with position markers, a single-coil pickup, volume and tone controls, chrome hardware, and a stainless steel pickguard
  • Includes gig bag and legs
  • Be sure to pick up a slide - we've got lots of cool models available! Slide into some classic country, Hawaiian, and blues tones with the affordable Rogue RLS1 Lap Steel Guitar

User questions & answers

Question: Do I need an amplifier
Answer: Yes, you will need an amplifier for the Rogue. The strings don't press against the frets as in an acoustic guitar, but pick up the vibrations mid air. The Rogue body is too thick to clamp a Snark tuner to it. C-clamp a piece of cardboard to the body. Clamp the Snark to the cardboard. Cheers.
Question: What size and type of strings does this guitar use
Answer: The instrument has a 21" scale length, which is shorter than a regular guitar, and mine came equipped with .15"-.35" strings, which work well for C6 tuning. You can buy Lap Steel strings specific for the tuning that you wish to use, at a price similar to regular guitar strings.
Question: do you need speakers
Answer: Yes, you need to amplify this just as you would any other electric guitar. Playing it unplugged is like playing any electric guitar unplugged, you can only barely hear the strings vibrating. It is intended to be plugged into an instrument amplifier.
Question: Can this guitar be converted to left-handed
Answer: Don't see why not. Just string it for left handed play same as you would any regular right handed guitar.

First Lessons Lap Steel Guitar

Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

Based on 126 reviews Check latest price

SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Stand & Bag

SX

Based on 65 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Guitar is 22 3/4" scale. You are going to love this instrument! Measurements: Overall length: 33" Body length: 13" Scale length: 22 3/4" Width at lower bout: 8 1/4" Width at upper bout: 5 7/8" Width at the nut: 2 1/16" Body thickness: 1 1/2" String spacing: 3/8" String gauge: 10-46 Weight 9 lbs

  • Full Size, 36 Frets, Lap Steel Guitar
  • Free Detachable Lap Steel Stand & Carry Bag Included
  • American Swamp Ash Body with Maple Fretboard
  • Diecast Chrome Tuners, Volume and Tone Controls
  • Standard P90 Pickup

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