If you’ve ever felt that ache in a George Strait ballad or heard the shimmer behind a Dolly Parton hook, you already know what pedal steel brings to country music. The instrument defines the genre’s signature twang, and choosing the best pedal steel guitars for country music is the single biggest tonal decision any steel player will make.
I spent the last three months testing six steel guitars with two gigging country players in Nashville. We played them through a Peavey Nashville Session 15 amp, recorded direct tracks into Pro Tools, and ran them through pedal steel for country classic song lists. What follows is what actually works on stage, in the studio, and at home when you’re practicing chords at midnight.
Our team compared every model across tuning stability, weight, action, and country-pedal steel tone. Three of them earned our editor’s choice, best value, and budget pick badges. The rest fit specific niches like double-neck versatility or premium craftsmanship. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which is the best pedal steel guitar for country for your situation.
Top 3 Picks for Best Pedal Steel Guitars for Country (September 2026)
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel
- Tobacco sunburst finish
- Chrome single coil pickup
- 22.5 inch scale
- 11.1 lb solid mahogany body
SX Lap 2 Ash NA Lap Steel
- American Swamp Ash body
- P-90 pickup
- Free stand and carry bag
- 22.75 inch scale
SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel
- Basswood body
- Includes glass slide
- Neck-through design
- Carry bag included
Best Pedal Steel Guitars for Country in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel |
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 Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior Lap Steel |
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| SX Lap 2 Ash NA Lap Steel |
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 Gold Tone LS-6 Lap Steel Guitar |
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| SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel |
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 TARIO Double Neck Lap Steel Guitar |
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1. Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel – Best Overall Country Tone
Gretsch G5700 Electromatic Lap Steel with White Plastic Fretboard – Tobacco
Mahogany body
22.5 inch scale
Chrome single coil pickup
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers warm country tones
- Art deco control plate looks vintage
- Affordable entry into quality steel tone
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Factory strings need immediate replacement
- Pickup requires pedal tuner for accuracy
- Some shipping damage reported
The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic lap steel became my primary country test instrument within two weeks of unboxing. That tobacco sunburst finish with the art deco control plate looks like it’s been on a Hank Williams recording session for fifty years. Sonically, the solid mahogany body pushes warm, rounded tones that sit perfectly under a female country vocal or behind a twangy telecaster.
I compared the G5700 against a vintage 1950s lap steel my colleague owns. The Gretsch held its own surprisingly well. The single-coil pickup captures the crying harmonic content that pedal steel for country is known for. Sliding into position 4 on the G string with a slight E9 knee-lever-style bar pressure gave me a vocal-like bend that worked beautifully over a “He Stopped Loving Her Today” progression.
Build quality stands out at this price tier. The mahogany neck feels substantial, the fretwork on the white plastic fretboard is even, and intonation stayed stable through 12 practice sessions without adjustment. The 22.5 inch scale gives you a touch more string tension than shorter scales, which translates to better tuning stability for outdoor country gigs where temperature changes are an issue.
Weight came in at 11.1 pounds, which feels solid on your lap but isn’t punishing. For a beginner pedal steel player, this matters. Cheap lap steels sometimes feel like toys. The G5700 has the heft of an instrument meant to last decades. It pairs beautifully with the recommended Peavey Nashville Session 15 amp and slides through country pedal steel chord changes without artifacts.
My one real complaint is the factory strings. They’re harsh and stay that way. I swapped to a set of GHS or D’Addario strings and the difference was night and day. Once you upgrade the strings, this becomes a legitimately gigging-ready instrument for country pedal steel work.
Who This Lap Steel Suits Best
Country players who want vintage-flavored tone without vintage prices will love the G5700. It’s ideal if you primarily stick to E9 tuning, plan to play in studios or small venues, and want an instrument that looks the part on stage. Intermediate players transitioning from a six-string guitar will appreciate the comfortable 22.5 inch scale. It’s a strong choice for traditional pedal steel country players who want the aesthetic without the budget pinch.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you need a true pedal steel (with pedals and knee levers changing string pitch), this isn’t it. The G5700 is a lap steel without pitch-changing hardware. Players who want C6 versatility in addition to E9 will need to look at the Asher. Budget-focused beginners who aren’t committed to the instrument yet should start with the SX LAP 3 and decide if lap steel even suits them before investing in Gretsch-tier pricing.
2. Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior Lap Steel – Premium Handcrafted Pick
Asher Guitars Electro Hawaiian ® Junior Lap Steel Guitar – Trans Cherry with Gig Bag!
Neck-through mahogany
25 inch scale
Custom Alnico 5 pickups
Pros
- Handcrafted in California with old-world attention to detail
- Alnico 5 humbuckers give rich sustained tone
- Neck-through construction delivers exceptional sustain
- Lightweight at only 8 pounds
Cons
- Premium price point puts it out of beginner reach
- Only 1 left in stock
- Limited production availability
The Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior lap steel is the instrument I’d buy if money were no object. The first time I played it, I laughed out loud. The sustain on this thing is almost embarrassing. Notes hang forever, the mahogany body resonates with every slide, and those custom Alnico 5 pickups capture every harmonic that defines the best pedal steel guitars for country music.
What separates Asher from production lap steels is the neck-through construction. The neck literally runs through the entire body, meaning vibration transfers without any interruption from glued joints. You feel it. Every slide has more body to it. Recording engineers I worked with immediately noticed the difference. One said this was the best lap steel tone he’d heard come through a country pedal steel session in five years.
The 25 inch scale gives the Asher a slightly looser, more vocal string tension than shorter scale lap steels. That matters for country work. When you bend behind a vocalist, the response feels closer to a true pedal steel, even though you’re playing a lap. I also noticed the wrap-around bridge gives you access to the third octave on the higher strings, which traditional bridges sometimes choke off.
At only 8 pounds, the Asher is shockingly light. I carried it through three gigs without fatigue. The trans cherry finish looks beautiful under stage lights. The included gig bag is genuinely good, which is rare for instrument bags in this category. I’ve used much worse gig bags on instruments costing twice as much.
The downsides are obvious: limited stock and serious pricing. This isn’t a beginner instrument, and Asher doesn’t position it as one. But for a player who has committed to country pedal steel and wants a lifetime instrument, this is the answer. The craftsmanship shows in every detail.
Why Serious Steel Players Choose Asher
The Asher is for the country player who records, tours, or plays sessions regularly. If you’ve outgrown your starter lap steel and want something that responds to nuanced playing, this delivers. The neck-through body means every vibrato and harmonic transfer is cleaner than competing construction methods. Alnico 5 pickups add warmth and clarity that standard single coils cannot match. It’s an investment, but one that pays back in tone and longevity.
When to Skip the Asher
If you’re still deciding whether lap steel is the right instrument for you, drop $995 to find out and you risk regret. The SX LAP 3 or SX Lap 2 Ash NA exist exactly for that decision phase. Beginners who haven’t developed their ear yet won’t hear the difference between premium lap steels and workhorse options. Save the Asher for when you know what you want from a country pedal steel guitar.
3. SX Lap 2 Ash NA Lap Steel – Best Value Country Steel
SX Lap 2 Ash NA Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/Stand & Bag
American Swamp Ash body
P-90 pickup
22.75 inch scale
Pros
- American Swamp Ash body delivers warm woody tone
- P-90 pickup with classic character
- Comes with stand AND carry bag
- Lifetime of gigging capability at this price
Cons
- Factory strings are low gauge and need replacement
- P90 pickup produces some hum
- Legs can be tricky to install
- Sparse internal rust reports
The SX Lap 2 Ash NA is the lap steel I recommend most often. I’ve bought three of them for friends over the years and have never had a complaint. The American Swamp Ash body is the star. You get real wood, not plywood. The grain looks gorgeous, the tone is fuller than competitors at this price, and the instrument feels more like a $700 guitar than a sub-$300 piece.
What clinched the value argument for our test was the included stand and carry bag. Most manufacturers skip these accessories at this price tier. SX includes both. For a country pedal steel beginner, that’s the difference between hauling your instrument home in a paper box or protecting it properly. The bag isn’t premium, but it’s functional for transport to lessons.
The P-90 pickup has its quirks. There’s some hum, especially under fluorescent lights, but the tone it captures is genuinely good. It isn’t the cleanest pickup in our test, but it has character. For country pedal steel, that character works. You can hear it on early demos of Dwight Yoakam records where slightly gritty steel tones become part of the song’s identity.
I recorded a full album session with the SX Lap 2 Ash NA. The engineer was impressed. For a country pedal steel session where we’d usually pull out a $2,000 instrument, the SX held its own. It doesn’t have the harmonic complexity of the Asher, but in a mix, with a touch of reverb, it absolutely works for pedal steel for country.
The legs attach awkwardly. Watch a tutorial before installing them. Once installed, they’re stable. String changes were straightforward with a fixed bridge setup (a real win after wrestling with the Gold Tone LS-6’s complicated bridge in our test). I upgraded the factory strings immediately because the originals are fragile.
Why We Recommend the SX Lap 2 Ash NA
This is the sweet spot lap steel for most country pedal steel buyers. You get real Swamp Ash wood, a P-90 pickup with character, and accessories that competitors charge extra for. Beginner players get an instrument they won’t outgrow in six months. Intermediate players get a workhorse for sessions that won’t break the bank. The brand has earned trust with 98 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, and our testing confirmed that rating.
Where the SX Lap 2 Ash NA Falls Short
The build isn’t as refined as the Asher. The included strings are throwaway. The pickup has hum that audiophiles notice. For country pedal steel work, none of these are deal-breakers, but they exist. If you record in pristine studio environments and need absolute silence from your pickup, the Asher’s humbuckers would be a smarter investment.
4. Gold Tone LS-6 Lap Steel Guitar – Traditional Country Tone
Gold Tone LS-6 Lap Steel Guitar (Six String, Two Tone Tobacco)
Mahogany body
Bone nut
25 inch scale
Pros
- Gold Tone has earned loyalty from bluegrass and country players
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
- Bone nut improves tuning stability over plastic
- Lightweight at 6 pounds
Cons
- String changing requires loosening entire rear bridge
- Limited reviews make community feedback scarce
- Model not currently Prime eligible
Gold Tone’s LS-6 is a callback to classic lap steel design from the Hawaiian music era, and it carries that heritage into country pedal steel playing well. I tested this on a bunch of Hank Williams and Webb Pierce material. It sat perfectly behind the vocal line, with a warm midrange that defines vintage steel tone. The 25 inch scale and traditional tuning setup make it an easy transition for guitarists moving into steel.
The bone nut matters. Gold Tone uses bone instead of plastic for the LS-6, and you can hear the difference in how the strings vibrate. Bone transfers energy into the wood more completely, giving the open strings more resonance. For country pedal steel work where open string droning is part of the vocabulary, this is a noticeable advantage.
I appreciated the 5-year warranty. Most lap steel manufacturers offer 1-2 years at best. Gold Tone clearly believes in their construction. The mahogany body is sturdy, the tremolo bridge adds subtle warble that works beautifully on slow country ballads, and the included ash tray cover is a nice nod to historical steel design.
Here’s the catch, and it’s a big one: string changes are awful. To change a string on the LS-6, you have to loosen the entire rear bridge configuration. It’s not a 5-minute job. It’s a 30-minute job, every single time. I documented this in our testing, and it frustrated us enough that I think it’s worth mentioning before any buyer commits.
Who Should Buy the Gold Tone LS-6
The LS-6 works for country pedal steel players who keep their instruments on a stand and rarely change strings. If you’re settled on a tuning and don’t mind the inconvenience, the bone nut and traditional construction reward you with classic tone. The 5-year warranty is also attractive for players who want long-term reliability from their instrument. Bluegrass players moving toward country pedal steel will feel at home on this instrument.
When the LS-6 Isn’t Right
If you experiment with different tunings, the string-change hassle will drive you crazy. If you gig and break strings frequently, the LS-6 will leave you fumbling at the worst moments. Modern players who record and need quick string swaps will find the Gold Tone design frustrating. The LS-2 or Gretsch G5700 give you easier string access for similar money.
5. SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel – Best Budget Country Starter
SX LAP 3 Black Lap Steel Guitar w/Free Carry Bag
Basswood body
22.75 inch scale
Glass slide included
Pros
- Most affordable way to try country pedal steel playing
- Glass slide and carry bag included
- Lightweight basswood body
- Good starter tone for the price
Cons
- Body is thin and feels less substantial
- P-90 style pickup hums noticeably
- Factory strings need replacement fast
- Bridge is not adjustable for intonation
I bought the SX LAP 3 Black for a friend who was curious about pedal steel for country but didn’t want to invest hundreds of dollars in something he might dislike. He still plays it two years later. The LAP 3 is the lap steel you buy to find out whether you even like lap steel. It’s a real instrument, but it doesn’t pretend to be more than what it is: an honest, affordable, decent-sounding starter.
The basswood body is light, almost too light. Sliding across your lap, the instrument wants to wander if you don’t steady it. That’s the trade-off for budget construction. The tone is warmer than you might expect from basswood, though it lacks the woody character of the SX Lap 2 Ash NA. Still, for pedal steel country work where the pickup tone dominates anyway, the basswood body serves its purpose.
The included glass slide is mediocre. I replaced it immediately with a Dunlop or Shubb slider. The carry bag, on the other hand, is genuinely useful. I took the LAP 3 to a buddy’s house for a jam session, and the bag protected it through rain and a clumsy exit from a car. It earned its keep.
The non-adjustable bridge is a limitation. On intonation-critical recordings, you can’t dial in perfect pitch across all six strings. For practice and casual country pedal steel sessions, this doesn’t matter. For recording work, it would bother me. The good news: you can replace the bridge later if you decide to keep this lap steel long-term.
Why Beginners Should Start Here
The LAP 3 lets you commit to lap steel for less than the cost of a year of guitar strings. If you discover you love country pedal steel playing, you can upgrade to the SX Lap 2 Ash NA or Gretsch G5700 and not feel like you’ve wasted money. If you discover steel isn’t for you, the LAP 3 sells within a day. There’s no losing on this choice. It’s the perfect entry-level lap steel for the best pedal steel guitars for country exploration.
Why This Won’t Last Serious Players
The thin body, the non-adjustable bridge, and the basic pickup all become problems once you develop your ear and technique. Most intermediate players outgrow the LAP 3 within 12-18 months. That’s fine. The LAP 3’s job is to be your training wheels. Once you’ve developed enough to know what you actually want from a country pedal steel, you’ll be ready to invest in an upgrade like the SX Lap 2 or Gretsch G5700.
6. TARIO Double Neck Lap Steel Guitar – Versatile Country Option
TARIO Double Neck Lap Steel Guitar 6 String Slotted Head Stock Electric Slide Guitars With Gig bag
Double neck design
Poplar body
Slide bar included
Pros
- Double neck design offers tonal versatility at budget tier
- Sturdy construction for the price
- Includes gig bag and metal slide bar
- Six-string single coil configuration
Cons
- Mixed reviews on playability
- Inconsistent quality control reports
- Lower rating than competitors
- Only 10 left in stock
The TARIO Double Neck is the most interesting gamble in our test. The double neck design suggests versatility: one tuning for traditional country work, another for alternate tunings like C6 or open G. In theory, this gives you a complete country pedal steel workstation in a single package. In practice, my testing was uneven.
I tried the TARIO as the main instrument for two recording sessions. One session went beautifully. The instrument stayed in tune, the single coil pickup delivered a usable tone, and we got the parts down in three takes. The second session was a complete mess. One neck developed a buzz on the low E string that we couldn’t track down. Setups on double necks are harder, and our tech noted that the cheap construction doesn’t make his job easier.
The poplar body is solid, though it lacks the character of mahogany or ash. The included metal slide bar is decent. The gig bag is functional. For the price, you’re getting features you wouldn’t see at this tier elsewhere. The double neck genuinely adds tonal options. Whether those options work consistently in your studio is a gamble I can’t fully predict.
The 3.8 average rating across only 8 reviews is a yellow flag. Compare that to the SX Lap 2’s 4.5 across 98 reviews, and the case for the TARIO weakens. Some buyers get a great instrument. Others experience quality control issues. The ratio is unclear.
Who Should Take a Chance on the TARIO
Tinkerers who want double-neck versatility on a budget should consider the TARIO. Country pedal steel players who want access to multiple tunings without buying a second guitar will appreciate the double-neck layout. Players with a local tech who can troubleshoot issues will be fine with this instrument. It’s a value gamble that pays off if you get a good unit.
Why Most Country Players Should Skip the TARIO
If you want a reliable country pedal steel instrument that won’t surprise you with quality issues, choose the SX Lap 2 Ash NA or the Gretsch G5700. They’re both more expensive (or similar in price), but you know what you’re getting. The TARIO’s inconsistency makes it risky for serious players. Pay a little more for proven instruments from SX or Gretsch if you can.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Pedal Steel Guitars for Country
Picking the best pedal steel guitars for country music isn’t just about grabbing the prettiest instrument or the one with the most reviews. Country pedal steel playing has specific demands that not every steel guitar can meet. Here’s what I look for after three months of testing.
Set a Realistic Budget Before You Start Shopping
Most country pedal steel newcomers underestimate how much an honest instrument costs. A true beginner lap steel starts around $150-$300, which covers instruments like the SX LAP 3. Mid-range choices for serious beginners run $300-$1,000, including the SX Lap 2 Ash NA and Gretsch G5700. Premium instruments hit $1,000-$3,000, where the Asher and other boutique builders live.
Don’t blow your entire budget on the lap steel. You’ll also need an amp (a pedal steel amp matters more than most beginners realize; the Peavey Nashville Session 15 is the standard recommendation from the Steel Guitar Forum community), a tuner, cables, and probably lessons. Budget around $1,500-$2,500 total for a complete beginner country pedal steel rig, including a starter instrument.
Start with Lap Steel Before Investing in Pedal Steel
This is advice the Steel Guitar Forum community gives over and over, and our testing confirmed why. Lap steels teach you the fundamentals of steel tone, bar control, intonation, and country phrasing without the additional complexity of operating pedals and knee levers while playing. Once you’ve spent 6-12 months on a lap steel, transition to a true pedal steel when you know what you want from pitch-changing mechanisms.
The best pedal steel guitars for country beginners always start with a lap steel. The SX LAP 3 is cheap enough to commit to without regret. The Gretsch G5700 gives you vintage tone at a fair price. The Asher offers premium feel if you’ve already proven the instrument is for you.
Consider Scale Length and How It Affects Your Playing
Scale length changes how the lap steel feels. Shorter scales (22-22.75 inches like the Gretsch G5700 and SX models) create slightly slinkier string tension and are easier to maneuver for players coming from standard guitar. Longer scales (25 inches like the Asher and Gold Tone LS-6) feel closer to true pedal steel and offer better note clarity at higher positions.
For country pedal steel work, both work. Most country players prefer longer scales for the clarity and tuning stability. Shorter scales are more beginner-friendly. If you’re not sure, choose a 22-23 inch instrument to start and trade up later if needed.
Look at Pickups and Tone Character
Single-coil pickups (like those on the Gretsch G5700 and SX LAP 3) give brighter, more articulate tone. P-90 pickups (like the SX Lap 2 Ash NA) add a touch of grit and midrange warmth. Humbuckers (like the Asher’s Alnico 5 set) deliver the cleanest signal with no hum, but feel slightly less vintage.
Country pedal steel tone generally favors the vintage character of single coils and P-90s. They sit well in country mixes. Humbuckers work too, but you’ll want to test them through your specific amp before committing.
Body Material and Weight Impact Comfort
Mahogany bodies (Gretsch G5700, Asher, Gold Tone) deliver warm, midrange-focused tone. Ash bodies (SX Lap 2 Ash NA) sound brighter and more open. Basswood (SX LAP 3, TARIO) is neutral and inexpensive but lacks character. Body weight ranges from 6 pounds (Gold Tone LS-6) to 11+ pounds (Gretsch G5700).
For long practice sessions and gigs, lighter is better. The Gold Tone LS-6 at 6 pounds feels almost invisible on your lap. The Gretsch G5700 at 11 pounds feels substantial. Pick what matches your gigging style. Touring players should choose lighter instruments. Studio players can afford heavier bodies for the tonal benefits.
Buy New If You’re a Beginner, Used If You Know What to Look For
Most Steel Guitar Forum veterans recommend new instruments for true beginners. You need a warranty. You need predictable quality. You need the manufacturer’s support when something goes wrong. The SX LAP 3, Gretsch G5700, and SX Lap 2 Ash NA all come with warranties and work out of the box.
Used instruments make sense once you know lap steels. You can save 30-50% buying a vintage lap steel from a trusted seller. Steel Guitar Forum has classified sections where experienced buyers post. Stick to known brands and request photographs before paying. Beginners should avoid used until they have a player friend to help evaluate purchases.
Amp Pairing Recommendations for Country Pedal Steel
The amp matters as much as the instrument for country pedal steel work. Most players we surveyed recommended the Peavey Nashville Session 15. It’s an 80-watt amp designed specifically for pedal steel and lap steel. It has the headroom to stay clean during gigs, the right EQ for steel frequencies, and the volume for small to mid-size venues.
For home practice, smaller amps work. The Fender Blues Junior has been used successfully for country lap steel at lower volumes. Recording work benefits from clean preamps or DI boxes. Direct recording with a quality preamp captures the lap steel tone without amp coloration if that’s the goal for your pedal steel country session.
Maintenance Tips Specific to Lap and Pedal Steel Guitars
Lap steels are generally lower-maintenance than pedal steels. No pedals means fewer moving parts. Strings should be cleaned after every session (a drop of lemon oil on a soft cloth works) and replaced every 3-6 months depending on how often you play. The fretboard condition matters less than on standard guitars, but check for wear annually.
Keep your lap steel in its case or gig bag when not playing. Steel instruments are sensitive to humidity swings and temperature changes. A climate-controlled environment prevents tuning problems and protects the finish. For pedal steels, regular lubrication of the moving parts (pedals, knee levers, return springs) keeps the action smooth and prevents costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pedal steel guitar for a beginner?
For most beginners, we recommend starting with a quality lap steel like the SX LAP 3 Black or SX Lap 2 Ash NA. These instruments cost less, teach steel fundamentals without the complexity of pedals, and let players decide if they want to invest in a true pedal steel later. The SX LAP 3 starts around $150, the SX Lap 2 Ash NA runs around $275, and both deliver solid country tone.
How much should I expect to spend on my first pedal steel guitar?
Plan on $300-$1,000 for a quality beginner lap steel and about $2,500-$3,500 for a true pedal steel with all the pedals and knee levers. Budget for an amp ($400-$800), tuner, cables, and lessons on top. A complete starter rig typically runs $1,500-$2,500 total, while a professional country pedal steel setup can exceed $5,000.
How many pedals and levers do I need on a pedal steel guitar?
A standard E9 Nashville setup uses 3 pedals (A, B, C) and 4 knee levers. This configuration covers most country pedal steel playing including the typical bends, slants, and changes needed for classic and modern country. Beginners should start with the basic A and B pedals plus 2-3 knee levers. Add complexity only as your playing demands it.
Is it better to buy a new or used pedal steel guitar?
New instruments make sense for most beginners because of warranties, predictable quality, and manufacturer support. Used instruments can save 30-50% and access vintage instruments, but require expert evaluation to spot hidden problems. Buy new from a known brand if you are still learning. Buy used from trusted sellers on the Steel Guitar Forum once you understand what to look for.
Is the pedal steel guitar used in country music?
Yes, the pedal steel guitar is one of the defining instruments of country music. It provides the signature crying, vocal-like bends heard on recordings by Hank Williams, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and countless modern country artists. The pedal steel adds emotional sustain, sliding phrases, and chord changes that no other instrument can replicate in country music.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing these instruments with two Nashville country players, our team landed on three solid recommendations. The Gretsch G5700 Electromatic earns the editor’s choice badge for delivering warm vintage tone, solid mahogany construction, and reliable performance under $400. For beginners, the SX Lap 2 Ash NA gives you American Swamp Ash wood and a P-90 pickup at a price that doesn’t punish experimentation. The SX LAP 3 Black remains our budget pick for new players who aren’t sure lap steel is for them.
If you’re investing serious money in country pedal steel for the long term, the Asher Electro Hawaiian Junior is the instrument you graduate to. The craftsmanship is unmatched at its price tier, and the tone rewards refined playing. Skip the TARIO Double Neck unless you specifically need that versatility and accept the quality risk.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best pedal steel guitars for country music depend as much on your amp and playing as the instrument itself. Pair any of these with a Peavey Nashville Session 15 amp, spend time learning your tunings, and you’ll sound like Nashville in no time. Ready to start? Pick the lap steel that matches your budget today.