14 best acoustic lap steel
An acoustic lap steel guitar is a unique musical instrument that falls under the category of string instruments and is often associated with various guitar-related accessories. Here's what you need to know about it:
Design and Structure: An acoustic lap steel guitar is distinct from traditional acoustic guitars in terms of its design. It typically features a solid or hollow body made of wood, similar to an electric guitar. However, it lacks a traditional guitar body shape and is played horizontally on the player's lap.
Strings: Like electric guitars, acoustic lap steel guitars have strings that are typically made of steel. These strings are played with a slide, which is a smooth object (usually made of metal or glass) that the player places on the strings to produce the desired notes.
Playing Technique: The lap steel guitar is played by laying it flat on the player's lap, with the strings facing upwards. The player uses a slide to press down on the strings at different fret positions, creating a smooth, sliding motion to produce notes and chords. This technique is commonly used in various styles of music, including blues, country, and Hawaiian music.
Sound: Acoustic lap steel guitars produce a unique, resonant sound characterized by a smooth, sustained tone. The tone can vary depending on the player's technique, the type of slide used, and the guitar's construction.
Tunings: Lap steel guitars can be tuned to various open tunings, such as open D or open G, depending on the player's preference and the musical style they're playing. Open tunings make it easier to create slide melodies and chords.
Accessories: Accessories for acoustic lap steel guitars include slides, which come in various materials and sizes, as well as picks, stands, and cases to protect and enhance the instrument.
Musical Styles: Lap steel guitars are versatile instruments that can be found in a variety of musical genres. They are commonly used in country, blues, Hawaiian, and folk music, among others.Their distinctive sound adds a unique dimension to these musical styles.
Amplification: While acoustic lap steel guitars don't require amplification, many players choose to use pickups and amplifiers to project their sound to a larger audience or achieve specific tonal effects.
Overall, acoustic lap steel guitars are intriguing instruments known for their unique sound and playing technique. They have a rich history in various music genres and continue to be a popular choice for musicians seeking to add a distinctive sonic element to their music.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best acoustic lap steel on the market
Rogue RLS-1 Lap Steel Guitar with Stand and Gig Bag Metallic Blue
Rogue
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. |
Gretsch Electromatic Lap Steel Guitar - Black Sparkle
Gretsch Guitars
Product description
Electromatic Lap Steel Guitar Black Sparkle
- Chrome single coil pickup Volume and tone controls Chrome hardware Art deco control plate
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is the price of $349 in U.S.A. dollars |
| 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 does electromatic mean |
| 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: | What kind of bridge does it have? Its covered in the pictures and not specified. Is the bridge adjustable for intonation |
| 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: | What kind of tuning does it have when it comes from the factory |
| Answer: | Don't see why not. Just string it for left handed play same as you would any regular right handed guitar. |
SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Carry Bag
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 Guitar 6 Steel String, Metallic Black Finish
Harmonia
Product description
* 6 string lap steel guitar, bolt on construction solid hardwood body, * metallic black gloss polish, plastic fingerboard, chromed bridge, plastic pearl-white electric board * the overall length is 29 1/2", the nut width is 2", the scale length is 27 1/2", the largest width for lower end is 6 1/2"; the top width is 2 5/8" the scale length : 21" (533mm) * 28 brass frets, geared machine tuners single coil pickup, 1 volume & 1 tone controls * It's an unique instrument and very good price
- lap steel guitar ,6 steel string, metallic black polish
- it comes with a cable
- plastic fingerboard, plastic pearl-white electric board and chromed bridge
- the overall length is 29 1/2" , the nut width is 2", the scale length is 21"
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is the body made out of plastic as well as the fretboard |
| Answer: | The body is made of wood and the fret board is made of plastic.Thanks! |
| Question: | Do you need an amp with this?if so what kind |
| Answer: | Yes, need an amp , just normal amp is fine. Thanks! |
| Question: | any idea who made the pickups |
| Answer: | My dad |
| Question: | Is this still available |
| Answer: | Yes, please check it on Amazon by ASIN# B01EPDQS1W or check all our instruments by store name " mangolulu18". Thanks and please let us know if you have any more questions. |
The Complete Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar Method
Mel Bay
Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar: 16 great solo arrangements for unaccompanied Lap Steel Guitar
Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
Alnicov Stainless Steel Guitar Slide Tone Bar for Dobro, Lap Steel Guitar, Hawaiian Guitar, Electric Guitar Accessories - Chrome
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.
- This is a stainless steel tone bar with finger groove on top and round tip cut on front end.
- The steel bar is nice and smooth, and the round toe section makes it easier to isolate the strings you're playing and use the slide.
- The slide bar is 2,992 in long and weighs 4.06 oz.
- Applicable for playing Dobro, steel lap or Hawaiian steel guitar, electric guitars.
- plated on polished steel body.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this slide bar come fast |
| Answer: | sure |
| Question: | is thi solid stainless steel |
| Answer: | Not sure if it's stainless steel, but it's fairly heavy, which is a good thing. I'm very impressed with it. |
| Question: | Is this item available in USA |
| Answer: | Yes |
| Question: | Is the guitar slide tone bar comfortable to hold |
| Answer: | Yes it fits well and isn't as heavy as a solid bar, I'll probably take Kevins advice and buff the top edges down a bit, then it will be very comfortable. |
Grover Acoustic Guitar Nut (GP1103)
Product description
Grover's Perfect Guitar Nut Height Extender takes your existing guitar and adds slide steel sound and playability by raising string action by 3/8". Just install the Perfect extender over your existing nut, replace the strings, grab a slide, and go! You'll have so much fun discovering the new sounds you get out of your favorite guitars, you'll love them even more. And since it's a temporary installation, you can move it back and forth between your electric solid body guitars and your acoustic guitars for even more tonal variety.
- Converts any guitar for lap steel playing
- Fits over the existing nut to raise action
- Will not throw your guitar out of tune
- Sturdy die-cast zinc construction
- Raises string action by 3/8"
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this fit over the nut on a lap guitar? The third string on my lap guitar is about 1 mm lower than the other strings making it hard to play |
| Answer: | $349 US dollars is what I paid. |
| Question: | Has anyone tried this on a Telecaster type guitar |
| Answer: | It's just a name for Gretsch's line of products. It doesn't mean anything when talking about the specific item itself |
| Question: | Will this work with my acoustic that has 1-3/4 spacing at the nut? Also, does it work on electric? Thanks |
| Answer: | No it is not adjustable. I removed toh cover. I also installed a wolf tone pickup. I also widened the string spacing to acoustic guitar spacing at the nut and bridge. All in all it is a nice piece. Be sure to check all screws and tuner nuts. Google How to build a dobro. Thats me!!! |
| Question: | Will this work for playing bottleneck? Holding the guitar in a traditional way |
| Answer: | I preferred to change the strings when my Gretsch G5700 Electromatic arrived. The tuning is key to playing the music you like, so check through the internet or ask your friends to find out their favorite open tuning. I tune my guitar to dobro tuning (GBDGBD) or G7 tuning (GBDGBF) for blues. I use an electronic tuner (Sabine STX-1100 purchased through Amazon), but you can get a friend to tune it, get a tuning fork, or find an app for your telephone that will give you auditory tuning tones. By the way, I get the impression that most new players look for heavy strings, but I prefer Dunlop Rev. Willy's light strings for tone and ease of playing. I love my Gretsch G5700 Electromatic -- it has improved my music and helped me learn new playing skills. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do. |
Vencetmat 6Pcs Blank & Uncut Guitar Bridge Saddles White Color Made of Real Bone 80x3x10mm for Electric & Acoustic & Classical & Cigar Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele Part Replacement
Product description
Product Attribute:
Material: Cattle Bone
Color: White
Saddle Size: 80x10x3mm
Nut Size: 52x6x10mm
Purpose: Stringed Instrument Parts DIY
Application: Acoustic & Electric & Classical & Cigar Box & Bass Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele.
Bridge saddle and nut have an important influence on the feel and timbre of guitars.
Many product on the market, which claim to be 100% real bone, actually are made by the mixture of bone powder and glue.
The density is smaller than the whole bone, so it is not as good as the whole bone for sound improving.
Vencetmat Bridge Saddles are cutted from whole bone, the characteristics as follow:
1.The bone lines can be found on surface.If break off it, we can see the irregular section.
2.Throw it on the hard ground, we can hear a pleasant Impact sound.
3.Burn it with fire, the roast smell will come out.Be careful to be smelled by your dog.
4.Let light through it, bone textures are visable and clearly.
5.Hulk doesn't need any tools and break off it with his hands easily.
Package Contents:
Blank Guitar Saddle x 6
- Made of 100% real cattle bone, good tone.
- Saddle size: 80x3x10mm
- Enough size makes it'll fits most stringed musical Instruments.
- Enough quantity allows you to make enough processing mistakes
- Say goodbye to spend many times look around everywhere only for want get a suitable size.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Country of origin |
| Answer: | Hello ExHead, I don't know about an electric, but the Grover was a perfect fit for my resonator which has a 1-3/4 nut as does my Acoustic, as a matter of fact I'm thinking of ordering another one for my Acoustic. The Grover itself is 1-7/8 and does space the strings very slightly wider apart which in my case is a real good thing. I hope this helps you. |
| Question: | How do you shape or cut the nut w grooves |
| Answer: | I put one of these nuts on an acoustic guitar to play in my lap, and another on a Telecaster MIA which i play holding vertical in a traditional way. I use a standard glass or metal slide over my finger, so i guess a bottleneck would work, too. However, this nut raises the strings high above the fretboard so it will not allow you to fret the strings with your fingers -- just to play with a slide -- because the clearance is too high. If you want to press the strings against the frets with your fingers, you will have to find a solution that leaves your strings closer to the frets than this product. I hope this helps. |
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!
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!!!
Augshy 4 Pieces Medium Guitar Slides(Include 3 Colors Stainless Steel, 1 Pieces Glass), 10 Pieces Guitar Picks and 8 Pieces Plastic Thumb & Finger Picks in Metal Box
Product description
Package includes:
1 x clear glass slides
1 x silver guitar slide
1 x golden guitar slide
1 x black guitar slide
2 x celluloid thumb picks
6 x celluloid finger picks
10 x 0.71mm guitar picks
1 x metal box
Guitar slide kit:
4 kinds of slide rings with different functions, good for satisfying your different needs and making more fun when playing guitar;
2 set of plastic thumb finger picks, which can give the player better control while saving player's finger nails from wear;
10 pieces 0.71mm guitar picks, excellent guitar picks provides natural feel and warm, fat tone.
Functions:
Great combination to fit different needs, nice and different length of guitar slides, easy to play with, create nice tone and fine sustain.
- Package Included: The resonator guitar package contains 2 thumb picks, 6 finger picks, 10 standard guitar picks, 3 metal guitar slides, 1 glass slide, 1 metal box, which are suitable for playing guitar, banjo, ukulele or other stringed instrument.
- Size: There are 4 kinds of guitar slides and each size is 2.36 x 0.98 x 0.98 in / 6 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm.
- Guitar Slides Color: There are 4 colors of guitar slider: clear glass, silver, brass, black; The color of thumb & finger picks is blue and black
- Clear Glass Slide: The clear slide is made of seamless Pyrex glass and processed from good quality boron silicate, which slip smoothly on the strings, with much softer, subtler and harmonics sounds.
- Steel Guitar Slide: The steel guitar slide is made of durable 304 stainless steel with good quality. It can offer superior sustain, excellent intonation, and a clear bright sound.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will the finger picks fit a person who's glove size is XL |
| Answer: | I have put this Grover Perfect nut on a Squier Telecaster, on a MIM Telecaster, and on an Anniversary MIA Telecaster. The nut was too wide for my Squier and my MIM teles, and stuck over the edges of the fretboard, but they played fine. The Grover Perfect nut fit my Anniversary MIA Telecaster almost perfectly because it's fretboard is narrower at the nut. I have played these guitars lap style, standing with the guitar held horizontally at my waist with a strap, and vertically, which is more of a balancing act. But whatever I did, I always liked the sound. I hope you get what you need! |
Robert Randolph Signature Guitar Steel
Shubb
Product description
RR1 - 6.25oz., 3.25", straight ends, extra length and mass Designed for the steel guitar sensation, these bars are just right for the modern steel guitarist. Hand machined of brass and heavily chrome plated. Robert Randolph is taking the steel guitar into a whole new direction, and people are sitting up and taking notice. We couldn't help but notice that he was using one of our bars. Our man Gary Mobley went to hear him play, and got a chance to chat with him backstage. Robert said that he loved our bars just as they were, but when Gary asked "If you could have it exactly the way you want..." then Robert began making some suggestions. A few generations of prototypes later, we arrived at the two bars that Robert now endorses and uses exclusively.
- Brand: Shubb^Manufacturer Part: RR1^Endorsed and used by Robert Randolph^5.4 oz. for speed
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!!!
GHS E13th-8 Strings Lap Steel Guitar Strings (2 Pack)
Product description
SGN Products (Formally the Steel Guitar Network)
GHS E13th-8 Custom Lap Steel Guitar Strings. The GHS custom lap steel string will fits any 8-String lap steel and designed for E13th 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.
- GHS Non- Pedal/Lap Steel E13th - 8 string
- 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.
- FITS Any 8 string lap/stand up steel guitars and designed for E13th tuning.
- String gauges: 11 14 17 18 22p 30w 34w 36w
- If you don't love these we'll buy them back... MAKE YOUR PURCHASE NOW!!!
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