13 best lap steel strings
Lap steel strings are specialized strings designed for lap steel guitars, a type of musical instrument that is played horizontally across the player's lap. These strings play a crucial role in producing the distinctive sound associated with lap steel guitars. Here's what you need to know about lap steel strings:
Material: Lap steel strings are typically made from various materials, including steel and nickel. Steel strings are known for their bright and crisp tone, while nickel strings tend to produce a warmer, mellower sound. The choice of material depends on the player's preference and the desired tone.
Gauge: Lap steel strings come in different gauges, which refer to the thickness of the strings. Lighter gauge strings are thinner and easier to bend, making them suitable for players who prefer a smoother feel. Heavier gauge strings are thicker and can provide more sustain and volume.The choice of gauge depends on the player's playing style and tonal preferences.
Tuning: Lap steel guitars are often tuned to open tunings, where the strings are tuned to create a chord when strummed open. Common lap steel tunings include Open D, Open G, and C6 tuning. The choice of tuning can impact the choice of strings, as certain tunings may require specific string gauges for optimal tension and intonation.
Wound vs. Unwound: Lap steel strings can be wound or unwound. Wound strings have a wire winding around the core, which can provide a smoother and more sustained tone. Unwound strings are solid and can produce a brighter and crisper sound. Players often mix wound and unwound strings to achieve a balanced tonal quality.
String Sets: Lap steel strings are typically sold in sets that are designed to match the instrument's tuning. These sets include the specific strings required for the chosen tuning, ensuring that the instrument sounds in tune and produces the desired chords.
Durability: Lap steel strings are subject to wear and corrosion due to frequent playing and exposure to moisture and oils from the player's hands. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and changing strings when they become worn, is essential for maintaining a good sound.
Brand and Quality: Various manufacturers produce lap steel strings, and the choice of brand can impact the tone and playability of the instrument. It's important to choose high-quality strings from reputable brands to ensure consistency and longevity.
In summary, lap steel strings are a vital component of lap steel guitars, contributing to the instrument's unique sound and playability. Players should consider factors such as string material, gauge, tuning, and quality to achieve the desired tone and performance characteristics for their lap steel guitar.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best lap steel strings on the market
GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings G Tuning 16-58
Ghs
Product description
Nickel roundwound, 016 018 026 040W 050W 058W, G-tuning, works well for 6-string lap steel or resonator guitarÊ
- 016 018 026 040W 050W 058W
User questions & answers
| Question: | New to lap steel - do I have to get different sets for different keys |
| Answer: | Yes, they recommend different size strings for different keys. |
| Question: | Are these strings ball end or loop end |
| Answer: | The ones I received are ball end. Using them on my GIBSON BR-9 and they sound great. They hold snug against the bridge as well. Hope this helps |
GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings C6 Tuning 15-36
Ghs
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. |
GHS Custom C6th- 6 Lap Steel Guitar Strings Gauges 15-36W - 2 Pack
GHS Custom Strings
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!
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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!!!
S.I.T. String BEC6th Buddy Emmons Pedal Steel C6th Tuning Guitar String
SIT Strings
Product description
The Buddy Emmons pedal steel strings are made with nickel plated steel over a hex core. Designed to meet the needs and demands of the Steel players everywhere. This set is gauged and tuned to C6th according to Buddy Emmons original spec and endorsement.
- Nickel plated steel over hex core
- Round wound strings for bright sound and great tone
- Includes .068 Compound wrapped strings
- C6th tuning
- Plain strings stress tested for durability
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will they work on a lap steel |
| Answer: | It is a 10 string set so if you have a 10 string lap steel they will work perfectly for C6th or Am7 tunings |
Product features
The original Buddy Emmons signature set
We believe that great tone starts with great strings. S.I.T. (Stay-In-Tune) Strings was founded on a belief that a guitar string is more that just an accessory, but rather an integral part of a musician’s sound and voice. That is why since 1980, we have been manufacturing strings one at a time, all here at the S.I.T. Strings factory in Akron, Ohio USA.
These Buddy Emmons signature strings were originally designed along side Buddy and now are the go-to strings of steel players around the world.
Nashville C6" 6-String Lap Steel Guitar String Set - Get that Honky Tonk Sound!
Product description
This is a special set of strings designed specifically for use on 6-string lap steel guitars! Intended for tuning to CEGACE, for that distinctive Nashville sound. This set can also be used for Hawaiian-style playing!
This set is a mix of plain steel (unwound) and Nickel-wound strings intended for use with magnetic (electric guitar-style) pickups. This is the same set we include with our 2x4 Lap Steel Kit.
#1 - .034" Nickel Wound (Low E)
#2 - .030" Nickel Wound (Low A)
#3 - .024" Nickel Wound (Middle D)
#4 - .020" Nickel Wound (Middle G)
#5 - .017" Plain Steel (Middle B)
#6 - .014" Plain Steel (High E)
For best results with reaching the desired tuning, these should be used on a lap steel that has a scale length (the length from the nut to the bridge) of around 23". Much longer or shorter than that and the strings will either be too loose and sloppy, or so tight that they break before they reach the pitch.
- Great for 23" Scale lap steels
- Open C - CEGACE - Tuning - Great for Country and Hawaiian style play!
- String specs: 034 Nickle Wound,.030 Nickle Wound.024 Nickle Wound, .020 Nickle Wound, .017 Plain Steel, .014 Plain Steel
- High-quality, medium-gauge strings
- These guitar strings are made in the USA!
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will these work on a 21" neck |
| Answer: | Thank you for your question. It's indeed a bit of a pastel/faded red. The product image color is accurate to the actual product. Hope that helps! |
GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings E Tuning 14-58
Ghs
Product description
014 018 022 DY34 DY46 DY58, E-tuning. Works well for 6-string lap steel or resonator guitar.
- 014 018 022 DY34 DY46 DY58, E-tuning
- Works well for 6-string lap steel or resonator guitar
Morrell JMLS-C6 Premium 6-String Lap Steel Guitar Strings for C-6 Tuning 16-38
Morrell
Product description
The JMLS-C6 Lap Steel String set is for a 6-string lap steel and is intended for an C Tuning. All Morrell strings are manufactured by the makers of most major brands of guitar strings sold worldwide. The only difference between the big label brand strings and Morrell strings is the money you save! .016,.019,.022,.024N,.030N,.038N This string set is packaged for C6 tunings. Below are are optional tunings depending on preference and style of play. Alternate tunings may require substitution of string gauges. Tunings: Low to high or 6th through 1st: E: E B E G# B E A6: C# E F# A C# E C6/Am7: C E G A C E E13: E G# B C# E G# E7: B D E G# B E
- Custom String Set to be used with C-6 Tunings
- Premium String Set specifically made for 6-String Lap Steels
- Manufactured by the makers of most big brands of strings
- Nickel Strings
- Perfect for Lap Steel Guitar
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long will these keep stretching? I've had them on a Rondo SX Lap 2 Steel for a month and they still go flat every day or two |
| Answer: | Hello there! This hat was not designed to be reversible, unfortunately. However, the inside colour is black :) Thank you! Tari Casualbox |
| Question: | Are these for electric or acoustic lap steel |
| Answer: | I haven’t worn it yet in the winter but plan to. Since I wore it comfortably in spring weather, I don’t think it will be as warm as a fleece or wool hat. |
GHS Dobro or Lap Steel Strings"G Tuning" 15-58w - PACK of 2
Product description
SGN Products (Formally the Steel Guitar Network)
GHS Custom Resonator or Lap Steel Guitar Strings. The GHS custom resonator string will also fits any 6-String lap steel and designed for G tuning
Shipping: USA/Internationally
SGN Products is small business and without your feedback and reviews, we can’t exist. 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.
- These GHS Resonator G Tuning Strings 15-58 come in a pack of 2
- 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 stored in a closet etc.
- Works well for 6-string lap steel, Acoustic or Resonator guitars.
- String Gauges: (plain steel) 015 018 (nickel wound) 28w 38w 50w 58w.
- Sometime, somewhere your going to wonder why you didn't purchase these strings sooner... So why wait buy it now!!!
Morrell JMLSG Premium 6-String Lap Steel Guitar Strings for G Tuning 16-58 (3-Pack)
Product description
The JMLS-G Lap Steel String set is for a 6-string lap steel and is intended for an G Tuning. All Morrell strings are manufactured by the makers of most major brands of guitar strings sold worldwide. The only difference between the big label brand strings and Morrell strings is the money you save! .016,.018,.026,.040N,.050N,.058N This string set is packaged for G tunings. Below are are optional tunings depending on preference and style of play. Alternate tunings may require substitution of string gauges. Tunings: Low to high or 6th through 1st: E: E B E G# B E A6: C# E F# A C# E C6/Am7: C E G A C E E13: E G# B C# E G# E7: B D E G# B E
- Custom String Set to be used with G Tunings
- 6-String Set
- Manufactured by the makers of most big brands of strings
- Nickel Strings
- Perfect for Lap Steel Guitar
Morrell JMLS-E Premium 6-String Lap Steel Guitar Strings for E-Tuning 14-58
Product description
The JMLS-E Lap Steel String set is for a 6-string lap steel and is intended for an E Tuning. All Morrell strings are manufactured by the makers of most major brands of guitar strings sold worldwide. The only difference between the big label brand strings and Morrell strings is the money you save! .014, .018, .022P, .034N, .046N, .058N This string set is packaged for E tunings. Below are are optional tunings depending on preference and style of play. Alternate tunings may require substitution of string gauges. Tunings: Low to high or 6th through 1st: E: E B E G# B E A6: C# E F# A C# E C6/Am7: C E G A C E E13: E G# B C# E G# E7: B D E G# B E
- Custom String Set to be used with E Tunings
- 6-String Set
- Manufactured by the makers of most big brands of strings
- Nickel Strings
- Perfect for Lap Steel Guitar
User questions & answers
| Question: | What does the letter N mean after the gauges? i've seen p (plain) and w (wound), but what is N |
| Answer: | Not 100% sure but if you look at the lower right corner of the package it says Nickel Streel, so I'm guessing Nickel |
GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings C6 Tuning 15-36 (3 Pack)
Product description
These GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings C6 Tuning 15-36 come in a pack of 3. Nickel roundwound custom set for C6-tuning, 015, 017, 020, 026, 030w, 036w. Works well for 6-string lap steel or resonator guitar.
- These GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings C6 Tuning 15-36 come in a pack of 3.
- Nickel roundwound custom set for C6-tuning, 015, 017, 020, 026, 030w, 036w.
- Works well for 6-string lap steel or resonator guitar.
Ernie Ball Pedal Steel Nickel Wound 10-string Set, C6 Tuning
Ernie Ball
Product description
This 10 string pedal steel set is optimal for C6 tuning. These are precision manufactured to the highest standards and most exacting specifications to ensure consistency, optimum performance, and long life. All wound strings are made from nickel plated steel wire wrapped around a hex shaped steel core wire. Meanwhile, the plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated, high carbon steel; producing a well balanced tone for your guitar. Gauges .012 .014 .017 .020p .024w .032 .036 .042 .050 .066
- Made from nickel plated steel wire wrapped around tin plated hex shaped steel core wire
- Produces well balanced all around good sound
- Plain strings are made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel
User questions & answers
| Question: | Which ones do I need for a lap steel guitar? Why are there 10 strings in this pack |
| Answer: | These are for electric lap steel guitars. |
| Question: | For dgdgbd which set to use, c6 or e |
| Answer: | They're meant for a 23" scale lap steel. I am not sure how well they will work for 21", as we have not had occasion to try them out on anything below 23. |
| Question: | Hey, which of the 10 strings do people use specifically for c6 tuning - cegace |
| Answer: | Thank you for your question! This sun hat is made in China. |
GHS Electric Hawaiian Lap Steel Strings E Tuning 13-56 (3 Pack)
Product description
These GHS Electric Hawaiian Lap Steel Strings E Tuning come in a pack of 3. These strings work great for blues/ rock players on any 6 string electric lap steel. Gauges: .013, .017, .024, .032, .042, .056
- These GHS Electric Hawaiian Lap Steel Strings E Tuning come in a pack of 3.
- These strings work great for blues/ rock players on any 6 string electric lap steel.
- Gauges: .013, .017, .024, .032, .042, .056
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