The 24 best lap steel brands
Gretsch, Gibson and Fender lead our ranking of 24 lap steel brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Lap Steel brands, ranked
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1
Gretsch
It's the story of a firm that started making drums in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York. Gretsch has grown into one of the world's most well-known producers of expert drums and percussion instruments. Artists of many genres and generations have paid tribute to them. Many of today's most prominent guitarists and bands choose Gretsch guitars. You can now figure out why. Visit their site to see what they have to present, including an extensive range of guitars and basses, free video tutorials, artist exhibits, background, and more.
Website: gretschguitars.com |Brands like Gretsch
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Gibson
Gibson makes tableware, flatware, cookware, glasses, tea sets, kitchen equipment and gadgets, and various tables and housewares. Gibson offers tailored solutions to the world's biggest retailers in every type of trade via its family of national chains and private label collections. Product creation and innovative design skills, sourcing built on years of experience, manufacturing management, and industry-leading quality assurance are all available via the brand. Gibson has also had a lengthy history of charity contributions.
Website: gibsonusa.com |Brands like Gibson
Popularity 9.3/10
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3
Fender
Leo Fender’s ambition was to design an instrument that was functional and easy to operate. With that in mind, he created a unique guitar. Fender guitars prioritized volume and fun tones when used. Going back to as far as 1946, Fender has revolutionized the music industry worldwide in practically every genre. Moreover, many people, from hobbyists and amateurs to acclaimed artists, have utilized Fender products, which should assure you of its quality.
Website: fender.com |Brands like Fender
Popularity 9.3/10
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4
Seymour Duncan
The company was started back in 1976. Seymour Duncan was started by a group that had music in their hearts and hope in their eyes. Making music is a lifelong journey and they understand that better than anyone. They have curated and taken the initiative to handcraft the best guitar pickups that any musician can need. Seymour Duncan helps you create your sound with the custom shop. The individual notes of each musician are respected and their master builders will do everything to help you create your sound.
Website: seymourduncan.com |Brands like Seymour Duncan
Popularity 7.7/10
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5
Recording King
Recording King, which was founded in 1930, is known for producing excellent musical instruments. Their offerings include everything from banjos to acoustic guitars. Their main goal is to equip every musician with the right equipment so they can compose a variety of musical works for the enjoyment of listeners. Regardless of your level of experience, Recording King is the only name you need to know!
Website: recordingking.com |Brands like Recording King
Popularity 6.8/10
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6
National
National Lighting is a company that comes up with solutions to power and lighting problems. They have been solving problems for the last 20 years, and they plan to go on doing so even more into the future. The artistry that can be seen in the products is next level. National Lighting is also very flexible since you can customize your product however you want. They want to ensure that all the customer's demands are met so there is 100% customer satisfaction.
Website: nationallighting.com |Brands like National
Popularity 5.8/10
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7
Epiphone
Since Epiphone has been manufacturing instruments for almost 140 years, each is produced to the best possible standards. Whatever kind of instrument you're searching for, from the storied Les Paul and SG models to banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, and more, you can find it here. They produce everything, including ukuleles, electric and acoustic guitars. They work hard to retain the feel of their instruments close to their original equivalents while producing reasonably priced instruments.
Website: epiphone.com |Brands like Epiphone
Popularity 5.8/10
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8
SX
Good music can soothe you best even when you are at your worst. If you wish to play some fine tunes on a guitar, why not try SX Guitars? SX Guitars is a renowned brand of guitars from Australia. These guitars are known for their excellent sound quality. The brand has the perfect guitar for everyone, whether a pro or an amateur. SX also produces specially handmade guitars according to customer demands. Or perhaps you want to pick from a standard series. In that case, you can avail the best quality from whichever type you want, whether acoustic, electric, or electro-acoustic.
Website: sx-guitar.com |Brands like SX
Popularity 5.8/10
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9
Rickenbacker
Rickenbacker International Corporation is a stringed instrument company that evolved from making stringed musical instruments to producing the first contemporary electric guitars known as "Rickenbacker Electro Instruments." They've been in business for 91 years, and they've always been on the...
Website: rickenbacker.com |Brands like Rickenbacker
Popularity 5.8/10
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10
Gold Tone
Gold Tone Banjos, the forerunner to today's Gold Tone Group, was founded in Titusville, Florida, in 1993. As the business grew, its innovations, combined with artistic vintage designs, had dealers, retailers, and customers clamoring for their authentic, high-quality banjos. Their...
Website: goldtonemusicgroup.com |Brands like Gold Tone
Popularity 5.2/10
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11
Harmony
Harmony has been harmonizing for so many years that they are now synonymous with music. They have been in operation since 1892, which makes them a company standing for more than a century. They make musical instruments that are one...
Website: harmony.co |Brands like Harmony
Popularity 4.5/10
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12
Supro
Get the best of amplifiers, cabs, and more with Supro. Home to one of the original rock and roll music brands. Supro amplifiers and related products have been withstanding with time with their remarkable superior quality and efficiency, giving you...
Website: suprousa.com |Brands like Supro
Popularity 4.5/10
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13
Duesenberg
The main aim of Duesenberg is to provide its customers with guitars that produce home-felt music. Dieter Gölsdorf is the designer and founder of Duesenberg Guitars. He started selling guitars and their parts in a small shop. It later grew...
Website: duesenberg.de |Brands like Duesenberg
Popularity 4.5/10
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14
Magnatone
Magnatone is a well-known and respected builder of handcrafted boutique guitar and antique tube amplifiers. Their love of excellent tone motivates them to create the most beautiful all-tube amplifiers in the world. They are situated in Nashville, Tennessee, and all...
Website: magnatoneusa.com |Brands like Magnatone
Popularity 4.5/10
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15
Danelectro
Danelectro was established long ago to provide all guitars to musical learners and artists. The company also provides guitar accessories to the customers. If you are looking for a retro guitar or even a modern one, then the chances are...
Website: danelectro.com |Brands like Danelectro
Popularity 3.7/10
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16
Framus
Framus & Warwick is a distributor center of musical instruments and accessories located in the USA. Framus & Warwick have distinguished themselves among the leading brands under this category by providing professional-level musical instruments and accessories at a very reasonable...
Website: framuswarwickusa.com |Brands like Framus
Popularity 3.7/10
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17
Guyatone
The guitar is one of the most popular and most used musical instruments worldwide. It is difficult instruments to play and learn. Guyatone is one of the earliest guitars-making companies in the whole of Japan. Not only guitars but different...
Website: guyatone.com |Brands like Guyatone
Popularity 3.7/10
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18
Jackson
Jacksons Fencing is a British fencing manufacturer with headquarters in Stowting Common, Kent, near Ashford. Jacksons Fencing has an online store with over 1,300 items that enable clients to determine the quantity of fencing, decking, gates, and accessories they would...
Website: jacksons-fencing.co.uk |Brands like Jackson
Popularity 2.6/10
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19
Rogue
Rogue is a fitness equipment manufacturing company. They aim to deliver durable and high-quality machines and gears for all the fitness freaks. The company sells cross-fit equipment, barbells, plates, rigs and racks, and more. Apparel and shoes are also available...
Website: roguefitness.com |Brands like Rogue
Popularity 2.6/10
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20
Artist
Artist Guitars US, founded by Ian Bush in 2009, is a guitar manufacturing brand that produces guitar accessories and bags along with amplifiers, drums, drum accessories, microphones, headphones, violins, etc. Their vision is to sell the best valuable guitars at...
Website: artist-guitars.com |Brands like Artist
Popularity 2.6/10
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21
Peavey
Since 1965, Peavey has enabled musicians to express themselves with absolute Peavey excellence. They've always had a simple philosophy: build goods that will allow musicians to do what they love: write music, perform, and create art. Every day, they follow...
Website: peavey.com |Brands like Peavey
Popularity 2.6/10
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22
Eastwood
Established by guitarists for guitarists, Eastwood specializes in all types of guitars and guitar accessories. They have multiple series of guitars, amongst which the Warren Ellis series has a special place. You can also customize your guitar design from Eastwood...
Website: eastwoodguitars.com |Brands like Eastwood
Popularity 2.6/10
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23
Teisco
Teisco was created in Japan by urban musicians who wanted to revolutionize music by distorting its rigid patterns. With years of experience in changing the status quo, their range of sound-altering products has been helping the unconventional musicians find their...
Website: teisco.com |Brands like Teisco
Popularity 2.6/10
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24
Harley Benton
Strum the strings of the finest guitars ever made with Harley Benton. The proud makers of one of the best electric guitars, browse through various ones to choose the best that fits your vibe. Time travel with the Harley Benton...
Website: harleybenton.com |Brands like Harley Benton
Popularity 2.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gretsch | gretschguitars.com | /GretschGuitars | officialgretsch | @gretschusa | gretschguitars |
| Gibson | gibsonusa.com | /GibsonOverseas | gibsonoverseas | @Gibson_Overseas | Gibson Overseas |
| Fender | fender.com | /Fender | fender | @Fender | fendermusical |
| Seymour Duncan | seymourduncan.com | /seymourduncanpickups | seymourduncanpickups | @seymourduncan | SeymourDuncanChannel |
| Recording King | recordingking.com | /RecordingKing | p | – | RecordingKing1 |
| National | nationallighting.com | /Nationallighting | nationalighting | – | – |
| Epiphone | epiphone.com | /Epiphone | epiphone | @epiphone | OfficialEpiphone |
| SX | sx-guitar.com | – | – | – | – |
| Rickenbacker | rickenbacker.com | – | – | – | – |
| Gold Tone | goldtonemusicgroup.com | /goldtoneinc | goldtoneinc | @goldtoneinc | GoldtoneInstruments |
Lap Steel Buying Guide - Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase
If you're in the market for a lap steel guitar, there are many things to consider before making a purchase. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, it's important to understand the features, sound quality, and comfort of different lap steel models. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll explore the basics of lap steel guitars and provide everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision.
What is a Lap Steel Guitar?
A lap steel guitar is a type of guitar that is played horizontally across the player's lap, using a slide called a steel bar. This unique playing position allows for a different type of playing style, often associated with blues and country music.
The lap steel guitar is played by sliding the steel bar across the strings, producing a smooth and gliding sound. The strings are raised well above the fretboard to allow for easy sliding, and the guitar is typically played with the aid of an amplifier, as the sound is relatively quiet when played acoustically.
Lap Steel vs Pedal Steel
It's important to note the difference between a lap steel and a pedal steel guitar. A lap steel is played horizontally across the player's lap, with the strings raised high above the fretboard. A pedal steel, on the other hand, is played while standing upright and features pedals that alter the pitch of the strings. Pedal steel guitars are often used in country and western swing music, while lap steels are more commonly associated with blues and Hawaiian music.
Types of Lap Steel Guitars
When it comes to lap steel guitars, there are several types to choose from. Here, we'll explore the most common types of lap steel guitars:
Non-Pedal Lap Steel Guitars
Non-pedal lap steel guitars are the most common type of lap steel guitar, and they are played using a slide (steel bar). These guitars are often preferred by blues and Hawaiian musicians, as they are ideal for producing a smooth, gliding tone. Non-pedal lap steel guitars are also relatively affordable, making them a great choice for beginners.
Pedal Steel Lap Steel Guitars
Pedal steel lap steel guitars are less common than their non-pedal counterparts, and they are typically more expensive. These guitars feature pedals that allow the player to change the pitch of the strings, making them a versatile choice for country and western swing music.
Electric Lap Steel Guitars
Electric lap steel guitars are similar to non-pedal lap steel guitars, but they require an amplifier to produce sound. These guitars are typically made with solid body construction, allowing for additional sustain and a louder sound. Electric lap steel guitars are considered ideal for blues and rock music, as they can produce a more distorted and overdriven tone.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Lap Steel Guitar
When shopping for a lap steel guitar, it's important to consider several factors. Here, we'll explore the most important things to consider before making a purchase:
Type of Lap Steel Guitar
As we explored earlier, there are several types of lap steel guitars to choose from. Before making a purchase, it's important to determine which type of lap steel guitar best meets your needs. If you're interested in producing a smooth, gliding tone, a non-pedal lap steel guitar may be the best choice. If you're interested in producing a more versatile tone, a pedal steel lap steel guitar may be the way to go.
Tuning
When it comes to tuning, lap steel guitars can be very versatile. However, it's important to consider the tuning options before making a purchase. Many lap steel guitars are tuned to open tunings like G, C, or D, allowing for a wide range of chord options. Some lap steel guitars also feature multiple necks, allowing for additional tuning options.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor to consider when choosing a lap steel guitar. Since these guitars are played horizontally, it's important to choose a model that feels comfortable and easy to play. It's also important to consider the weight of the guitar, as heavier models can be more difficult to maneuver.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of a lap steel guitar is perhaps the most important factor to consider. It's important to choose a guitar that produces a clear, bright tone, without any unwanted buzzing or feedback. It's also important to consider the sustain of the guitar, as this can affect the overall sound quality. If possible, try out different lap steel guitars before making a purchase to get a sense of the sound quality.
Materials
The materials used to make a lap steel guitar can affect the sound quality and durability of the instrument. It's important to choose a guitar made with high-quality materials like solid wood or steel, as these materials can produce a clear, bright tone and are more durable over time.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a lap steel guitar, it's important to consider several factors, including the type of guitar, tuning options, comfort, sound quality, and materials. With the information provided in this buying guide, you should have a better understanding of what to look for when shopping for a lap steel guitar. Remember to try out different models before making a purchase, as this can help you find the perfect lap steel guitar for your needs.
