Lap steel guitars have a magical ability to glide through genres like country, blues, Hawaiian, and Americana. Whether you're chasing the soulful moan of a blues line or the shimmer of vintage Hawaiian tones, a good lap steel guitar is your ticket to sonic bliss.
But with so many models out there, how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we review the top 6 lap steel guitars in 2025, covering a range of styles, prices, and skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there's something here for every slide enthusiast.
What Is a Lap Steel Guitar?
A lap steel guitar is a stringed instrument played horizontally with a metal or glass slide (called a tone bar). Unlike traditional guitars, it’s not fretted with fingers but instead glides across the strings, producing long, expressive notes. It’s widely used in genres like country, blues, Hawaiian, and Western swing.
🎸 Best Lap Steel Guitars in 2025 — At a Glance
| Rank | Model | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior | Overall quality | $$$ |
| 2 | Gretsch G5700 Electromatic | Vintage looks & value | $$ |
| 3 | Fender FS-52 | Classic Fender tone | $$ |
| 4 | Melbert Custom Lap Steel | Custom tone builds | $$$$ |
| 5 | Rickenbacker Model B (Vintage) | Collectors & pros | $$$$ |
| 6 | SX LAP 2 Ash | Beginners on a budget | $ |
1. Asher Electro Hawaiian® Junior Lap Steel Guitar
Best for: Intermediate players and pro tone on a budget
Price: ~$900 USD
Key Features:
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Body: Solid mahogany
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Pickups: Dual Alnico 5 humbuckers
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Scale: 25"
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Finish: Gloss Tobacco Burst
Product video:
The Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior is easily one of the best lap steel guitars for serious players who don’t want to drop $3000+. Built with high-quality tonewoods and designed by renowned luthier Bill Asher, it features warm mids and long sustain.
Its versatile electronics cover everything from clean slide tones to overdriven blues licks. Many players say it rivals guitars twice its price.
✅ Great sustain and clarity
✅ Humbuckers allow for wide tone range
✅ Excellent gig-ready build
Official website link- electrohawaiian
2. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel
Best for: Beginners and vintage tone lovers
Price: ~$450 USD
Key Features:
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Body: Mahogany
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Pickup: High-output single coil
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Scale: 22.5"
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Finish: Broadway Jade / Tobacco Burst
Product video:
The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic brings a dose of classic Americana into the lap steel world. Its retro styling and bright, jangly tone make it ideal for classic country, blues, and rockabilly.
At under $500, it’s a top-rated lap steel guitar for beginners or players on a tighter budget.
✅ Cool vintage looks
✅ Lightweight and compact
✅ Crisp single-coil tones
Official website link- gretschguitars
3. Fender FS-52 Lap Steel Guitar
Best for: Players who want vintage Fender tones
Price: ~$650 USD
Key Features:
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Body: Ash
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Pickup: Single-coil (Tele-style)
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Scale: 22.5"
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Finish: Butterscotch Blonde
Product video:
The Fender FS-52 is perfect for fans of twangy, cutting slide tones. Inspired by Telecaster design, it offers clear articulation and a strong midrange ideal for band settings.
This is one of the best lap steel guitars for country and roots music players who need Fender tone in a lap format.
✅ Solid Tele-inspired tone
✅ Quality hardware
✅ Well-suited for C6 and E7 tunings
Product link- guitarcenter
4. Melbert Custom Lap Steel Guitars
Best for: Custom builds and tone flexibility
Price: ~$1000+ USD
Key Features:
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Build: Fully customizable (woods, pickups, scale)
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Pickup options: Humbuckers, P90s, custom-wound
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Scale: 22.5"–25"
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Made in: USA
Melbert Lap Steels are handcrafted by Bob Allen, offering unmatched tonal versatility and boutique quality. Popular among Hawaiian and jazz players, these custom guitars offer exacting specs tailored to your needs — whether it’s a 25” scale or specific pickup wiring.
✅ Fully handmade
✅ Personalized tone
✅ Great customer service and support
Official website link- melbertguitars
5. Rickenbacker Electro Model B (Vintage)
Best for: Vintage collectors and professional slide guitar players
Price: ~$2500+ USD (vintage market)
Key Features:
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Body: Bakelite
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Pickup: Horseshoe single-coil
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Scale: 22.5"
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Finish: Black Bakelite
Product video:
This vintage Rickenbacker lap steel dates back to the 1930s–1940s and still remains one of the most iconic lap steel guitars ever made. The horseshoe pickup gives it exceptional warmth and output.
If you can find one in good condition, it’s worth every penny — both for its historic value and lush, expressive tone.
✅ Rich, singing sustain
✅ Historical significance
✅ Coveted among lap steel pros
Product link- reverb
6. SX LAP 2 Ash Lap Steel Guitar
Best for: Beginners and budget buyers
Price: ~$170 USD
Key Features:
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Body: Solid ash
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Pickup: Single-coil
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Scale: 22.5"
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Finish: Natural / Sunburst
Product video:
The SX LAP 2 is the most affordable lap steel guitar on this list. Don’t let the price fool you — it’s surprisingly well-built, with decent fret markers, solid tuning machines, and a clean tone.
Perfect for students or those just starting their slide guitar journey.
✅ Unbeatable price
✅ Good starter tone
✅ Sturdy hardware for the price
Product link- rondomusic
What to Consider Before Buying a Lap Steel Guitar
When shopping for a lap steel guitar, here are the essential factors to keep in mind:
1. Scale Length
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Common sizes: 22.5” (short) and 25” (long)
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Longer scales = more sustain, ideal for advanced tunings
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Shorter scales = easier string bending and bar control
2. Pickup Type
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Single-coils: Clean, bright (Gretsch, Fender)
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Humbuckers: Thicker, warmer (Asher, Melbert)
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Horseshoe: Vintage, powerful (Rickenbacker)
3. Tonewoods and Build
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Mahogany = Warm, smooth tone
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Ash = Bright, articulate sound
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Custom options (Melbert) allow full tonal control
4. Tuning Compatibility
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Common lap steel tunings:
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C6 (country/Hawaiian)
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E7 (blues/swing)
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Open G and D (slide blues)
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Make sure the nut and bridge spacing accommodate your string gauge
Bonus Mentions for 2025
If the above models aren’t available or you want more options, check out:
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Morrell Pro Series – Great U.S.-built models under $400
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Gold Tone LS-6 – Highly rated for modern slide tones
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Chandler RH-2 – Clean electronics and warm mids
Lap Steel FAQs
❓Is lap steel hard to learn?
It depends on your background. If you already play guitar, the technique shift may take a few weeks. But many beginners find lap steel more accessible due to open tunings and slide-based play.
❓What’s the difference between lap steel and pedal steel?
Lap steels have fixed pitch and are played without foot pedals. Pedal steels have multiple pedals and knee levers that alter pitch mid-play, making them more complex but also more versatile.
❓Can I play lap steel through a regular guitar amp?
Yes! Most lap steels are equipped with standard 1/4" jacks and work great with clean tube amps or modeling amps set to clean/slight overdrive.
Final Thoughts: Which Lap Steel Guitar Is Right for You?
Choosing the best lap steel guitar comes down to three factors: tone preference, skill level, and budget.
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For beginners: SX LAP 2 or Gretsch G5700
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For intermediate/pro players: Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior
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For custom tones: Melbert Custom
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For collectors: Rickenbacker Model B
Whether you're playing blues licks, vintage Hawaiian instrumentals, or pedal steel-style swells, there’s a lap steel on this list that will deliver.
Ready to Pick One Up?
Check your local dealers, online retailers, or direct from manufacturers. If you run a music blog or guitar site, consider linking to:
Author bio:
Dr. Robin Alexander
Dr. Robin Alexander, an MD Pathologist and passionate guitarist, combines his love for music and science. As a guitar enthusiast, he shares valuable insights and tips on guitar playing here at Guitarmetrics, helping musicians enhance their skills and enjoy their musical journey.
