How to Choose Your First Lap Steel Guitar (Plus 5 Great Picks for Beginners)
Need help to choose your first lap steel guitar? Check out this article with my top picks.
LAP STEEL GUITAR
Sarah Westbrook
9/14/20244 min read


How to Choose Your First Lap Steel Guitar (Plus 5 Great Picks for Beginners)
So, you're ready to dive into the world of lap steel guitar—awesome choice! Whether you're drawn to the soulful tones of country, the smoothness of Hawaiian music, or the bluesy grit, lap steel is a killer instrument to add to your arsenal. But if you're just starting out, choosing your first lap steel can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, though—I’ve got you covered. Let's break down what you need to know about picking your first lap steel guitar, and I'll give you a list of 5 solid beginner-friendly options ranging from budget to high-end.
What to Look for in a Beginner Lap Steel Guitar
When you're shopping for your first lap steel, you want to keep a few things in mind:
Tone: Different guitars will give you different tones. Some are bright and twangy (great for country), while others are warmer and smoother (perfect for blues or Hawaiian). The material of the body, the pickups, and the strings all play a role in shaping your sound.
Ease of Play: Especially as a beginner, you want a guitar that feels comfortable and makes you want to play. Check out things like string height, weight, and whether the guitar comes with a built-in stand or legs for easier lap positioning.
Build Quality: Budget lap steels are great to get started, but they can vary in quality. Make sure you're getting something durable that’s going to last. If you can, try to play a few in a shop before you buy or read reviews to see how well they hold up.
Price: You don't have to break the bank, but it's good to know that price often reflects quality. If you're serious about learning, it might be worth investing in a higher-end model, but budget options can be great to start with.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s check out some top options to suit different budgets, in no particular order.
5 Beginner Lap Steel Guitars (From Budget to High-End)
1. Gretsch Electromatic G5700 – Best Mid-Range Option
I'm not a huge fan of this lap, but if you’re looking for an affordable entry into the lap steel world, the Gretsch Electromatic G5700 is a good choice. Priced under £400 (2024), it’s a solid starter guitar with classic Gretsch styling. It’s got a single-coil pickup, so you’ll get that bright, twangy sound that’s great for country or rock. The compact design makes it super easy to handle, and it’s durable enough to last while you’re learning.
Tone: Bright and punchy
Ease of Play: Lightweight and compact, great for beginners
2. SX Lap 2 Ash – Best for Beginners on a Budget
Check it out at Rondo Music
If you’re really trying to keep things budget-friendly, the SX Lap 2 Ash is one of the most affordable options out there, coming in under £200 (2024). Don’t let the price fool you, though—it’s got a solid ash body and a single pickup, which means you get a clearer sound with more high frequencies. Plus, the natural wood finish is pretty sleek. At the time of writing this article, it was only available from Rondo in the US, but they do ship to the UK. If you'd like this guitar, search for it and you may find one this side of the pond and with different pickups.
Tone: Warm and smooth
Ease of Play: Easy to handle, comfortable on your lap
3. Harley Benton Slider II – Best Budget Option
The Harley Benton Slider II is a great option if you’re looking for something under £100. This one gives you the best of both worlds—affordable but with a few upgrades. The two single-coil pickups provide a good mix of bright and mellow tones, depending on how you set them up. It’s super versatile, so you can easily switch between different music styles like country, blues, or even rock.
Tone: Versatile, from bright to mellow
Ease of Play: Comes with a stand, making it easier to position and play
4. Recording King RG-32-SN Lap Steel – Best for Classic Vibe
For around £200, the Recording King RG-32-SN gives you a classic look and feel with a mahogany body and a string-through-body design for better sustain. It’s a great choice if you’re into blues or Hawaiian music, as it has a nice warm tone that’s rich but not too bright. Plus, it looks seriously cool with its vintage vibe.
Tone: Warm, rich sustain
Ease of Play: Smooth to play, especially with its high-quality construction
5. Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior – Best High-End Option
Check it out at Eagle Music Shop
If you’re ready to invest in a more professional-grade instrument, the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior is a fantastic choice and the lap steel I use for gigs. At around £1000, it’s definitely on the higher end, but you’re paying for top-notch craftsmanship. It’s got a pair of custom Asher pickups, which give you incredible tonal range, from smooth and mellow to punchy and bright. The build quality is excellent, making it a joy to play, whether you’re practising at home or performing on stage.
Tone: Incredibly versatile, from smooth to punchy
Ease of Play: High-end craftsmanship makes it easy and comfortable to play for long sessions
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first lap steel guitar is all about finding the right balance between budget, tone, and playability. Whether you’re going for an affordable starter like the SX Lap 2 Ash or splurging on something high-end like the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior, the key is to get something that feels comfortable and sounds great to your ears. Take your time, try a few out if you can, and remember—whatever you pick, it’s going to be a blast learning to play this unique and expressive instrument. Happy playing!