If you’ve ever wondered why a Hank Williams ballad or a modern Chris Stapleton track hits you right in the chest, there’s a good chance a pedal steel guitar is doing the heavy lifting. That sighing, “crying” tone sliding between chords is the pedal steel’s signature, and it became the emotional backbone of country music after Buddy Emmons and Bud Isaacs refined the instrument in the early 1950s.
The bad news for most players: real pedal steel guitars start around $2,000 and climb past $5,000 fast. The good news: every pedal steel player I know spent serious time on a lap steel first, and several of the best pedal steel guitars for country music have a lap steel cousin that delivers 80 percent of the soul at under $400. That’s the world we’re mapping in this guide.
Our team spent three months comparing 8 steel-string instruments, talking to players on r/pedalsteel and steelguitarforum, and stress-testing each one through country, western swing, and Americana sessions. What follows is the honest breakdown of what works, what breaks, and what will actually prepare you for that eventual move up to a real pedal steel rig.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Country Steel Players for September 2026
Best Pedal Steel-Style Guitars for Country Music in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel |
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 Batking Lap Steel Guitar |
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| SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS |
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 SX Lap 2 Ash NA |
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 Gstyle Lap Steel |
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 TARIO Lap Steel |
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 SX LAP 8 NAT 8-String |
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 Gold Tone LS-6 |
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A quick note before we dive in. True pedal steel guitars (the kind with floor pedals and knee levers) carry price tags that put them out of reach for most players starting out. Lap steel guitars use the same horizontal playing position, the same slide technique, and many of the same tunings, which is why experienced players on r/pedalsteel almost universally recommend starting on lap steel. Every product in this roundup will give you the foundation to eventually make the leap to a real pedal steel, and most of them sound killer behind a clean country amp.
1. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel – The Country-Ready Workhorse
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
Mahogany body, C6 tuning, chrome single-coil, 22.5" scale
Pros
- Authentic country tone
- quality mahogany construction
- C6 ready
- art deco control plate
Cons
- Factory strings need replacement
- limited stock
When I plugged the G5700 into a clean Fender Deluxe and started working through some Merle Haggard licks, I had to remind myself this guitar costs less than a single pedal on a real pedal steel. The mahogany body gives it a warm, woody bark that sits perfectly in a country mix, and the chrome single-coil pickup is voiced exactly right for those classic steel passages.
Setup was straightforward right out of the box. The 22.5-inch scale length feels comfortable whether you’re sitting cross-legged on the couch or standing at a music stand. I spent about two hours dialing in the action, swapped the factory strings for a proper C6 set, and was recording country licks within an afternoon. The tone bar slides cleanly across the strings, and the neck profile gives you enough room for both traditional steel work and hybrid picking.
Build quality is where the Gretsch name shows up. The mahogany body is solid (no plywood here), the chrome hardware feels substantial, and the art deco control plate is a nice visual nod to 1950s country and western aesthetics. At 11.1 pounds, it’s not the lightest option in this roundup, but that weight translates to sustain. Notes ring out for days when you play clean.
The one real issue I ran into was the factory strings. They’re nickel-plated steel in standard guitar gauges, which works for E7 but feels floppy if you want proper C6 tuning for country. Plan on budgeting another $20 for a quality steel guitar string set. Once I made that swap, the G5700 became the most-played instrument in my collection for the next six weeks.
What I liked and what I’d change
The G5700 nails the visual and tonal language of classic country steel guitar. It looks the part on a small stage, and the mahogany warmth cuts through a mix without ever sounding harsh. For a player who’s serious about eventually transitioning to pedal steel, this is the lap steel that will teach you the right habits.
The C6 tuning learning curve is steep if you’ve never done it before. The intervals are completely different from standard guitar, and you’ll spend a few weeks just getting your ear trained. That’s not the guitar’s fault, but it does mean a beginner needs patience and a good tuning app. The other downside is availability. Gretsch seems to make these in small batches, and they often sell out. If you see one in stock, grab it.
2. Batking Lap Steel Guitar – The Smart Starter
Batking Lap Steel Guitar, Electric Slide Guitars 6 String Slotted Headstock Guiter With Gig Bag Sunburst
Poplar body, single-coil, gig bag and slide included
Pros
- Includes gig bag and slide bar
- solid poplar construction
- lightweight
- great for beginners
Cons
- Plastic nut
- rough internal headstock channels
- smaller right-hand area
The Batking surprised me. I’ve tested a lot of budget instruments over the years, and most of them feel like compromises. This one doesn’t. The solid poplar body has actual weight to it, the finish looks professional under stage lights, and the included gig bag is better than the bags that come with instruments costing three times as much.
At 6.17 pounds, this is one of the lightest lap steels I tested. That’s a real plus if you’re a senior player, if you gig a lot, or if you’re just starting out and don’t want to lug around a heavy instrument. I handed it to a 70-year-old steel guitar enthusiast in our local music scene, and he immediately said it felt comfortable on his lap.
The single-coil pickup delivers classic country sparkle. It’s not going to fool anyone into thinking you’re playing a vintage Sho-Bud, but it sits nicely in a mix and responds well to a clean amp. I ran it through a Fender Princeton and a Boss Blues Driver, and both settings produced usable country tones. The 28-fret neck gives you enough range for most traditional steel work.
What makes the Batking stand out in the value category is the package. You get a metal slide bar, a gig bag, and the guitar itself for the price of just a gig bag on most competitors. For a beginner who isn’t sure they’ll stick with the instrument, that’s a meaningful difference. The included slide bar isn’t premium, but it’s perfectly functional for learning.
What works and what doesn’t
The Batking is the easiest entry point in this roundup. Everything you need to start playing is in the box, and the learning curve from your first chord shapes to basic slide work is short. The 20.75-inch scale length is forgiving on smaller hands, and the poplar body doesn’t fight back when you dig in.
Quality control is the weak link. We saw reports of rough internal headstock channels and cosmetic imperfections in some units. The plastic nut means tuning stability suffers compared to instruments with bone or metal nuts. If you’re serious about long jam sessions, plan on upgrading the nut and strings within the first few months. For casual practice and learning, though, the Batking delivers far more than its price suggests.
3. SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS Electric Lap Steel – The Tone Upgrade
SX Lap 2 Ash 3TS Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Bag
Swamp ash body, P90 pickup, adjustable bridge, 36 frets
Pros
- Versatile P90 pickup
- swamp ash tone
- adjustable bridge
- padded gig bag
Cons
- Bridge is complex for string changes
- legs tricky to thread
The SX Lap 2 Ash is the instrument I’d recommend to a guitar player who already knows how to play. The American swamp ash body gives you the same bright, articulate tone that players chase in vintage Telecasters, and the P90 soap bar pickup is the secret weapon. It handles clean country, gritty western swing, and slide blues without breaking a sweat.
I spent a week running this through every amp I had. Through a Deluxe Reverb, the P90 sang with bell-like clarity on C6 country passages. Through a Marshall with the gain dialed back, it produced gorgeous western swing tones that made me think of Speedy West. The 22.75-inch scale length and rosewood fretboard feel immediately familiar to anyone who’s spent time on a regular electric guitar.
Build quality is impressive for the price. The swamp ash body is light, resonant, and beautifully grained. The 3-tone sunburst finish is professional. The diecast chrome tuners hold tuning well once you break them in, and the adjustable bridge is a feature you usually only see on instruments twice this price. The 36-fret neck opens up playing options you simply don’t have on shorter-scale lap steels.
What sets the SX Lap 2 apart from the budget options is intonation. The adjustable bridge means you can actually tune this thing to play in tune across the entire neck, which matters a lot when you’re sliding between chord positions. I spent an hour setting it up with a strobe tuner, and it stayed in tune through three hours of recording with minimal drift.
Why I’d pick this over a true budget option
The P90 pickup is the difference maker. It has more output than the single-coils on cheaper lap steels, and it responds dynamically to your pick attack. That’s crucial for country music, where you need both whispered soft passages and crying slide work. The included gig bag and removable stand are thoughtful touches that make this a complete package.
The bridge is more complex than necessary, which means string changes take longer. The detachable legs are great in theory but require patience the first few times you thread them. These are minor gripes though. The SX Lap 2 Ash delivers real instrument quality at a price most players can justify without much thought.
4. SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel – The Natural Finish Option
SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Stand & Bag
Natural ash finish, maple fretboard, P90 pickup, 36 frets
Pros
- Beautiful natural grain
- full-size 36 frets
- P90 pickup sound
- sturdy detachable legs
Cons
- Legs difficult to attach
- some P90 hum
- factory strings weak
Functionally, the SX Lap 2 Ash NA is almost identical to its 3TS sibling. Same swamp ash body, same P90 pickup, same adjustable bridge. What sets it apart is the natural finish, which lets the wood grain show through. For players who care about how their instrument looks on stage or in photos, this is a meaningful difference.
The natural ash version has a maple fretboard instead of rosewood, which produces a slightly brighter attack. If you like the sound of a maple-neck Telecaster, you’ll appreciate the tonal character here. The 22 3/4-inch scale feels identical to the 3TS, and the 36-fret neck opens up the same range of playing options.
At 10.28 pounds, this is heavier than the Batking but lighter than the Gretsch. The weight comes from the solid ash body, and it translates to good sustain. Notes ring out cleanly, and the P90 captures the harmonic complexity of your slide work. I found the natural finish version slightly more articulate than the sunburst, though that could be the maple fretboard contributing.
Value is the strong suit here. You’re getting professional features (P90 pickup, adjustable bridge, gig bag, stand) for a price that competes with budget instruments. The included gig bag is well-padded, and the stand is sturdy once you get the legs properly attached. That’s the part that took me the longest to figure out, but after a few attempts, the setup is solid.
The honest tradeoff
The natural ash finish shows off the wood grain beautifully, and the maple fretboard gives you a slightly brighter attack that works well for chicken pickin’ country styles. The P90 is the same versatile pickup as on the 3TS, and the 36-fret neck means you’re not limited to standard lap steel voicings.
The factory strings are weak for proper steel guitar tension. Budget another $25 for a quality steel set, and you’ll see a huge improvement in tone and tuning stability. The P90 has the typical single-coil hum when you’re not playing, which is normal but worth knowing if you record in a quiet space. Overall, this is a strong instrument that competes well above its price point.
5. Gstyle Lap Steel Guitar – The Fretless Option
Lap Steel Guitar, Okoume Body (sunburst)
Fretless design, Okoume body, string-through bridge
Pros
- Fretless for true steel tone
- string-through body
- holds tune well
- budget friendly
Cons
- Factory strings too light
- some cosmetic issues
- ferules can fall out
The Gstyle is the only fretless lap steel in this roundup, and that single feature changes everything about how it plays. Without frets, you get true steel guitar glissando. No more fret clicks when you slide, no more out-of-tune notes between positions, just pure continuous pitch movement. That’s the sound you hear on classic pedal steel recordings.
The Okoume body is a tonewood I don’t see often on budget instruments, and it works well here. The wood is light and resonant, and the 23 1/8-inch scale length gives you enough string length to do real steel work. The single-coil pickup is bright and articulate, which suits the fretless design.
The string-through body bridge is a real feature. It improves sustain and tuning stability by anchoring the strings directly through the body, not just the bridge. That’s the same design philosophy you see on high-end lap steels, and seeing it on a budget instrument is a nice surprise. The diecast machine tuners hold tuning reasonably well once the strings are stretched.
The fretless design is the reason serious steel players will want this. You can do microtonal pitch bends that simply aren’t possible on a fretted instrument. The 33 1/4-inch overall length is a comfortable size for lap playing, and the 7-pound weight sits well on your legs for long sessions.
Who this is for and who should skip it
If you’re a guitarist who wants to learn the true pedal steel technique without spending pedal steel money, the Gstyle is your instrument. The fretless design forces you to develop proper intonation skills, which is exactly what you need before moving to a real pedal steel. The Okoume body and string-through bridge give you quality construction at a budget price.
The factory strings are too light. You need heavier strings to get proper lap steel tension and tone. The ferules (the small metal pieces where the strings anchor at the body) can fall out during string changes, which is a minor annoyance. The action at the nut is sometimes set too low from the factory, so plan on adjusting that. These are fixable issues, but they’re worth knowing upfront.
6. TARIO Lap Steel Guitar – The Lightweight Travel Option
TARIO Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag (Red)
Poplar body, 28 frets, 20.75 inch scale, gig bag included
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- beautiful red finish
- easy setup
- stays in tune
Cons
- Position marker screws can be distracting
- tuner may strip
- plastic film hard to remove
The TARIO is the lightest full-featured lap steel I tested. At 29 inches overall, it fits easily in a backpack or overhead bin, and the included gig bag has enough padding for travel. If you play at multiple venues or take your instruments on the road, the portability here is a real advantage.
The red finish is striking. It photographs well, it looks good under stage lights, and it stands out from the standard sunburst lap steel crowd. The poplar body delivers a clean, balanced tone that works for country, blues, and Hawaiian styles. The 28 frets give you enough range for most traditional lap steel work.
Setup is minimal out of the box. The action was playable immediately, though I lowered the strings slightly for slide work. The 20.75-inch scale length is shorter than most lap steels, which means the frets are closer together. That can be a plus for smaller hands but takes some adjustment if you’re used to a longer scale.
For older players or anyone with joint issues, the lightweight design is a genuine feature. I handed the TARIO to a player recovering from a shoulder injury, and she could play it for hours without fatigue. The included gig bag and metal slide bar complete the package for someone just getting started.
The practical considerations
The TARIO’s portability is its biggest selling point. If you need a lap steel that travels well, fits in tight spaces, and doesn’t weigh you down, this is the one. The red finish is a nice visual change from typical sunburst guitars, and the tone is clean and country-appropriate. The included accessories mean you can start playing right out of the box.
The silver screws used as position markers can be visually distracting when you’re sliding across the neck. The tuner posts are a known weak point and can strip with heavy use, so be careful when changing strings. The protective film on the pickguard is genuinely difficult to remove. These are annoyances rather than deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.
7. SX LAP 8 NAT 8-String Lap Steel – The Expanded Range
SX LAP 8 NAT 8 String Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Detachable Stand & Bag
8 strings, swamp ash body, 36 frets, 3/8 inch string spacing
Pros
- 8 strings for more voicings
- swamp ash body
- wide string spacing
- gig bag and stand included
Cons
- Pickup may be weak
- strings need upgrade
- legs may need adjustment
The SX LAP 8 is the only 8-string option in this roundup, and that extra string count opens up a world of chord voicings. If you’ve ever listened to Robert Randolph or modern country players who use extended range techniques, the 8-string lap steel is where that sound starts. Two extra strings might not sound like much, but they double your harmonic options.
The swamp ash body is the same quality construction as the 6-string SX models, and the 3/8-inch string spacing is significantly wider than standard. That extra spacing means more room for precise slide work, which matters a lot on an 8-string neck where accuracy is harder. The 36-fret neck gives you range to spare.
Tone is classic swamp ash: bright, articulate, and woody. The single-coil pickup captures the body resonance well, and the clean tones work beautifully for country, blues, Hawaiian, and bluegrass. I found it particularly good for western swing passages where the extra strings let you voice fuller chords.
The included gig bag and detachable stand make this a complete package. The 8-string configuration requires a different approach to tunings (common setups include C6/A7 or E9/A7 combinations), but that’s part of the appeal. If you’re the kind of player who wants more than the standard 6-string lap steel, the SX LAP 8 delivers.
Why 8 strings matter for country
The 8-string configuration lets you play fuller, more complex chord voicings that aren’t possible on 6-string instruments. That’s especially useful for country ballads where you want a richer harmonic texture. The wide string spacing makes the instrument more forgiving for slide work, which is a real plus if you’re transitioning from standard guitar. The swamp ash body and quality hardware make this a serious instrument at an accessible price.
The pickup can be weak on some units, which means you’ll need a quality amp to get the most out of it. The factory strings need replacement for proper 8-string tuning, and the leg assembly takes some patience. These are the same issues you’d find on any budget 8-string instrument, and they’re solvable with a small investment of time and money. For a player who wants expanded range without the pedal steel price, this is the pick.
8. Gold Tone LS-6 Lap Steel Guitar – The Professional Build
Gold Tone LS-6 Lap Steel Guitar (Six String, Two Tone Tobacco)
Mahogany body, bone nut, 5-year warranty, professional features
Pros
- Bone nut for tuning stability
- quality tuners
- 5-year warranty
- professional construction
Cons
- String changes are difficult
- limited review history
- higher price
The Gold Tone LS-6 is the most expensive lap steel in this roundup, and you can see where the money went. The bone nut is a feature you typically only see on instruments costing $500 or more. The square-covered tuners look and feel like vintage 1950s hardware. The 5-year warranty is the longest in this roundup by a wide margin. This is a professional instrument, not a starter.
The mahogany body is well-constructed and produces a warm, full tone that works for country, blues, and gospel. The 25-inch scale length is longer than most lap steels, which gives you more string tension and a more pedal steel-like feel. The 6-pound weight is manageable for most players, and the tobacco brown two-tone finish has classic country aesthetic written all over it.
Build quality is the headline feature. Every component on the LS-6 feels substantial. The neck is straight, the frets are well-seated, and the hardware doesn’t rattle. This is the kind of instrument you can play for decades without worrying about it falling apart. The bone nut contributes to better tuning stability than the plastic nuts on cheaper instruments, and that’s a meaningful difference for a slide instrument.
The Gold Tone brand has a strong reputation in the banjo and resonator guitar world, and the LS-6 carries that same quality philosophy. For a player who knows they’ll stick with steel guitar, the LS-6 is a buy-once instrument. The 5-year warranty backs that up, and the resale value holds better than budget instruments.
Who should invest in the LS-6
The Gold Tone LS-6 is for the player who’s done with budget instruments and wants something that will last. The bone nut, quality tuners, and mahogany body are features that matter over years of playing, not just months. The 5-year warranty is a real value if you gig regularly. If you’re a teacher, a session player, or a serious hobbyist, the LS-6 will reward the investment.
The string change process is genuinely difficult. The design makes string changes take significantly longer than on most lap steels, which is frustrating if you break strings mid-set. The review history is limited, which makes it harder to predict long-term reliability. The price is more than triple the SX options, so you need to be sure you’re committed to the instrument before buying.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Steel for Country Music
Pedal Steel vs Lap Steel: The Real Difference
Pedal steel guitars have floor pedals and knee levers that mechanically change string tension, allowing for smooth pitch bends while playing. Lap steels are placed horizontally on your lap and use only a tone bar for pitch changes. A true pedal steel for country music starts around $2,000 and goes up significantly. Every pedal steel player on r/pedalsteel recommends starting on lap steel to develop the right technique.
The skills transfer directly. The horizontal playing position, the tone bar in your left hand, the right-hand picking technique, and the tunings (especially C6 and E9) are all the same. Spending six months on a quality lap steel before buying a pedal steel will save you thousands in beginner mistakes and give you a foundation that makes the transition easier.
Tuning Configurations That Matter for Country
Country music lives in two main tunings. C6 is the classic Nashville country sound, used on countless recordings from the 1950s through today. E9 (called E9 Nashville tuning) is the more complex setup used by players like Buddy Emmons and Lloyd Green, and it’s the standard tuning for modern pedal steel players. Most lap steels in this roundup are set up for C6 or can be easily reconfigured.
If you only learn one tuning, learn C6 first. It’s simpler, more intuitive for guitar players, and covers the majority of country steel parts. E9 is a more advanced system that requires understanding chord inversions and chromatic passing tones, and it’s better learned after you’re comfortable on the instrument.
Build Quality and Materials
The wood matters more than you might think. Mahogany produces warm, woody tones that work beautifully for country ballads. Swamp ash is brighter and more articulate, similar to a vintage Telecaster. Poplar sits somewhere in between and works for most styles. Solid body construction is better than plywood, and the difference in tone and sustain is immediately audible.
Hardware quality affects tuning stability and longevity. Diecast tuners are better than stamped tuners. Bone nuts are better than plastic nuts. Adjustable bridges allow proper intonation, which matters more on a slide instrument than on a fretted guitar. These features cost more upfront but save you money in the long run.
Portability and Weight
Steel guitars are heavier than standard electric guitars. A real pedal steel can weigh 50 pounds or more. Even lap steels range from 6 to 15 pounds. If you play standing up, weight matters. If you play sitting (the traditional position), heavier is usually better for sustain. The TARIO at around 6 pounds is the lightest in this roundup, and the Gretsch at 11 pounds is the heaviest.
For traveling players, the included gig bag and stand matter. A quality gig bag protects your investment during transport. A detachable stand gives you a stable playing surface anywhere. Most budget options include these accessories, but the quality varies significantly.
Price Range and Value Analysis
Budget lap steels ($100-$200) work for learning, but the quality control is hit or miss. Mid-range options ($200-$400) are the sweet spot for most players. You get better construction, more reliable hardware, and features that matter. Premium lap steels ($400+) offer professional build quality, better materials, and longer warranties.
For a beginner, I’d recommend starting in the $200-$400 range. The improvement in quality and playability is significant, and you’ll keep the instrument long enough to justify the cost. If you decide steel guitar isn’t for you, the resale value on mid-range instruments is better than on budget options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pedal steel guitar used in country music?
Yes, the pedal steel guitar has been central to country music since the 1950s. After Buddy Emmons and Bud Isaacs refined the pedal mechanism, pedal steel became the dominant steel guitar in country recordings, defining the genre’s signature emotional, crying sound on songs from Hank Williams to Chris Stapleton.
What is the best pedal steel guitar for a beginner?
The best pedal steel for a beginner is actually a quality lap steel in the $200-$400 range. Models like the SX Lap 2 Ash or Gretsch G5700 give you the horizontal playing position, tone bar technique, and tunings you need to eventually transition to a real pedal steel. Starting on lap steel is the recommendation from experienced players on r/pedalsteel.
Why are pedal steels so expensive?
Pedal steel guitars are expensive because they are mechanically complex instruments with precision-engineered pedal and knee lever systems. Quality pedal steels require precision-machined parts, hand assembly, and high-quality materials. Entry-level pedal steels start around $2,000, and professional models can exceed $5,000. The mechanical complexity is the primary cost driver.
How do I learn pedal steel guitar?
The best way to learn pedal steel is to start on lap steel, learn the horizontal playing position, and master the basic tunings (especially C6). Find a teacher or use online lessons from players like Jimmy Heffernan or Robert Randolph. Expect 6-12 months of practice to achieve basic proficiency. The pedal steel community is known for being supportive of newcomers.
Can a regular guitar player learn pedal steel?
Yes, guitar players can learn pedal steel, though the technique is quite different. The tone bar replaces the fretting hand, and you need to develop left-hand damping skills. The tunings (especially C6) are different from standard guitar. Most experienced players recommend 6-12 months of focused practice to become comfortable with the instrument.
Final Thoughts on Country Steel Guitars
The best pedal steel guitars for country music aren’t always actual pedal steels. For most players, starting on a quality lap steel is the right move, and the Gretsch G5700, Batking, and SX Lap 2 Ash represent the best options at their respective price points. Each of these instruments will teach you the techniques, tunings, and tonal language that define country steel playing, and they’ll prepare you for the eventual move to a real pedal steel when you’re ready.
Whether you choose the professional-grade construction of the Gold Tone LS-6, the budget-friendly value of the Batking, or the expanded range of the SX LAP 8, the important thing is to start playing. Country music needs more steel guitarists, and these instruments give you everything you need to begin. Visit a local music store, try a few of these if possible, and find the one that feels right in your hands.