Best Strings for Lap Steel: Top Picks for C6 Tuning
Answering the search for the best lap steel strings, this guide highlights sets well suited for C6 tunings and Hawaiian-style playing. Each product is chosen for tone, durability, and compatibility with 23″ scale lap steels. Best for players seeking bright, clear sustain, or rugged longevity in live settings. The top picks cover nickel roundwound and pure nickel options across multiple brands to provide solid alternatives for varied playing styles and budgets.
| Product | Brand | Tuning Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville C6 6-String Set | C. B. Gitty | C6 | Great for 23″ scale lap steels; open CEGACE tuning ready. |
| Asher Electro Hawaiian Lap Steel Set | Asher Electro Hawaiian | 6-string electric, C6 | Nickel roundwound, sealed for freshness. |
| GHS LAP-E 13-56 (3 Pack) | GHS Strings | C6 and lap styles | Roundwound with Dynamite Alloy. |
| GHS LAP-E 13-56 (E Tuning) | GHS Strings | E Tuning | Sealed NitroPack packaging. |
| GHS Electric LAP Steel 15-36 (3 Pack) | GHS H10 Ukulele | C6 tuned | Three full sets bundled for value. |
| John Pearse Hawaiian Lap Steel 15-32 (3 Pack) | John Pearse | C6 Tuning | Pure nickel set for versatile lap steel tones. |
| Asher C6 Hawaiian Tuning Set | Asher Electro Hawaiian | C6 Tuning | Sealed, nickel roundwound option. |
Nashville C6 6-String Lap Steel String Set
Best for players using a 23″ scale lap steel with open CEGACE tuning. The set includes .034, .030, .024, .020, .017, and .014 gauge strings, all nickel wound except the two plain strings. This combination aims to deliver bright treble response and balanced midrange for country and Hawaiian styles. Choose this if you need a classic honky-tonk and bright plucky edge. Caution: tension may be stiffer on shorter scales; ensure nut slots and tuner posts accommodate the gauges.
Asher Electro Hawaiian Lap Steel Strings — Single Set
Best for electric lap steels tuned to C6 with six-string setups. Gauges .015p .018p .028w .038w .048w .058w, nickel round wound, sealed in a protective sleeve. This set is suitable for players seeking a balanced, punchy tone with extended life. Better for frequent players who want reliable freshness. Limitation: heavier gauge options may require a slight bridge or nut adjustment on certain models.
GHS LAP-E 13-56 (3 Pack)
Best for ongoing practice and performance with C6 tuning. Features roundwound construction and GHS’s Dynamite Alloy nickel-plated steel for punch and clarity. Pack includes three full sets, with corrosion-free NitroPack packaging to maintain freshness. Choose this for value and consistent tone. Caution: some players may prefer lighter gauges for easier fretwork in complex chord voicings.
GHS Electric Lap Steel Strings C6 Tuning 15-36 (3 Pack)
Best for C6 tuning enthusiasts who want bundled convenience. The set provides gauges 015, 017, 020, 026, 030w, 036w, with nickel roundwound construction for bright tone and solid sustain. The three-pack bundle is ideal for players who perform regularly, ensuring spare strings are readily available. Limitation: packaging focuses on bulk value; individual shelf life per set should be monitored.
John Pearse Hawaiian Lap Steel Strings — 15-32 (3 Pack)
Best for versatile playing and compatibility with various lap steel body types. These pure nickel strings come in a 3-pack and are designed for C6 tuning. They’re suitable for solid body, hollow body, resophonic, lap slide, and Weissenborn guitars. Choose this when you want a well-rounded tone across styles. Caution: may feel stiffer to players accustomed to lighter electric guitar sets.
Asher Guitars C6 Hawaiian Tuning Single Set
Best for players seeking a sealed-in-plastic-sleeve option with nickel round wound for C6 tuning. Gauges .014p .018p .022w .028w .034w .040w, designed for longevity and consistent brightness. This set is ideal for Hawaii-style tone and clean articulation. Caution: lighter or heavier gauge preferences may require adjustment to bridge saddles or nut slots on some instruments.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing lap steel strings for C6 tuning?
- Gauge range: Lighter gauges are easier to press and bend, heavier gauges offer more sustain and volume. For C6 tuning, mid-to-light gauges are common for beginners, while professionals may prefer a mix of lighter treble and heavier bass strings.
- Construction: Nickel roundwound strings deliver brightness and sustain, while pure nickel or phosphor bronze variants provide different tonal textures. Sealed packaging helps maintain freshness longer.
- Scale and tension: Confirm your lap steel’s scale (commonly 23 inches) and ensure string tensions won’t cause nut binding or bridge saddle kontakt. Some sets are explicitly designed for 23″ scales.
- Packaging and freshness: NitroPack and plastic sleeves help minimize oxidation. Fresh strings stay zingier longer, especially for live performances.
- Value vs. backup sets: Bundled three-packs are cost-effective for players who change strings frequently or perform regularly.
- Intended tuning: Some sets are explicitly marketed for C6, while others are versatile for multiple tunings. Choose accordingly.
FAQ
- What gauge is best for C6 lap steel strings?
– It depends on playing style, but many players start with gauges in the .014–.032 range for the treble and middle strings and adapt as needed. - Are nickel roundwound strings better for lap steel?
– They are common for bright tone and good sustain, though some players prefer pure nickel for a mellower feel. - Should I buy a three-pack bundle?
– Yes for value and backups; it minimizes downtime between changes during gigs. - Can these strings work on non-C6 tunings?
– Some sets are designed for C6; others can accommodate standard lap steel tunings with minor adjustments. - Do I need special nut or bridge adjustments?
– Heavier gauges may require slight nut or saddle adjustments on some instruments. - Which brand offers the most reliable freshness?
– Several sets use protective packaging like NitroPack or sealed sleeves to maintain freshness.