Lap steel guitar players seek strings that deliver steady intonation, bright sustain, and authentic tonal character across tuning setups like CEGACE or E9. The following five options, drawn from reputable brands, cover open C to E9 and Hawaiian slide work, offering durable cores, varied gauges, and corrosion-resistant packaging. This guide helps you compare sounds, materials, and tensions to match your playing style and scale length.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville C6 6-String Lap Steel String Set | Southbound Strings | 23″ scale, CEGACE tuning, .034/.030/.024 nickel wound; .020/.017/.014 plain |
| GHS LAP-E Lap Steel Strings (13-56) | GHS Strings | Roundwound, Dynamite Alloy, NitroPack packaging |
| GHS ST-E9 Super Steels (E9th) | GHS Strings | 10-string set, stainless roundwound, hex core, USA-made |
| 12-pack 10ga. Plain Steel/Unwound | C. B. Gitty | 10-gauge plain steel, USA-made, ball-end |
| La Bella H6C6-1532 Pure Nickel Hawaiian Lap Slide Strings | La Bella | Pure nickel, gauges .015/.017/.020/.024p/.028w/.032 |
Nashville C6 6-String Lap Steel String Set
The Nashville C6 set is designed for a 23″ scale lap steel with open C tuning (CEGACE). The nickel-wound gauges include .034, .030, .024, plus .020, .017, and .014 plain for a balanced, bright tone with strong midrange. This configuration supports country and Hawaiian styles, delivering clear bite on the wound strings and smooth response on the plain strings. Ideal for players chasing a classic honky-tonk vibe with reliable intonation across the C6 setup.
- Scale: 23″
- Tuning compatibility: CEGACE
- Wound: .034/.030/.024; Plain: .020/.017/.014
- Material: Nickel wound and plain steel
GHS LAP-E Lap Steel Strings (13-56)
GHS LAP-E sets use nickel-plated steel with a roundwound construction, delivering a robust, punchy voice ideal for E tuning in lap steel. The proprietary dynamite alloy maintains clarity between string changes, while NitroPack packaging helps ensure freshness. The 13-56 gauge range is versatile for multiple lap steel configurations, giving players a balanced blend of brightness and sustain for both slide and conventional lap steel tones.
- Winding: Roundwound
- Core: Nickel-plated steel
- Packaging: NitroPack, corrosion protection
- Gauge range: 13-56
GHS ST-E9 Super Steels (E9th)
The ST-E9 set is tailored for E9 tuning with a 10-string arrangement: .013/.015/.011/.014/.017/.020/.026/.030/.034/.036. Made from stainless steel roundwound hex-core wire, these strings deliver bright top-end and strong sustain, suitable for pedal-style pedal steel setups and traditional lap steel with a dynamic feel. The USA-made construction supports consistent quality and tone integrity across sessions.
- Configuration: 10-string for E9 tuning
- Material: Stainless steel, roundwound
- Core: Hexagonal
- Origin: Made in USA
12-Pack 10ga. Plain Steel Strings
This set focuses on plain steel, with 10-gauge (.010″) diameter, designed for C6 or open tunings that favor a bright, cutting top end and solid bottom. Made in the USA by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, these ball-end strings are dependable for lap steel players seeking a traditional feel and straightforward install. The heavier plain steel helps stabilize intonation across strings in certain slide configurations.
- Gauge: .010″ plain steel
- Type: Ball-end
- Origin: USA
- Package: 12-pack
La Bella H6C6-1532 Pure Nickel Hawaiian Lap Slide Strings
La Bella’s Pure Nickel series offers a warm, balanced tone with a classic Hawaiian lap steel character. The gauges (.015/.017/.020/.024p/.028w/.032) suit C6, E9, and traditional Hawaiian tunings, producing a smooth sustain with less brightness compared to phosphor bronze or nickel-plated sets. The nickel composition gives a comfortable feel and tortuous midrange warmth for lap slide work.
- Gauges: .015/.017/.020/.024p/.028w/.032
- Material: 100% pure nickel
- Tonal focus: Warm, balanced, Hawaiian-friendly
- Series: Pure Nickel
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Lap Steel Strings
Choosing the right lap steel strings depends on tuning, scale length, and playing style. Consider the following factors to optimize tone and playability:
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<liScale length and tuning: Ensure the set matches your scale (commonly 23" for many lap steels) and your preferred tuning (C6, E9, open C, etc.). Wound gauges affect tension and intonation across the neck.
<liMaterial and tone: Nickel-wound sets deliver bright attack with solid midrange; pure nickel provides a warmer, vintage feel; stainless roundwounds offer extra brightness and durability. Plain steels influence tension and snap on the neck.
<liTension and playability: Heavier gauges (like 10-14 overall for plain strings) require more tension and can be stiffer to press; lighter gauges reduce tension but may sacrifice longevity or tone projection.
<liProtection and packaging: NitroPack or similar corrosion-free packaging helps maintain string freshness, which is especially important for open tunings and long-term tone consistency.
<liDurability and installation: Ball-end strings simplify bridge anchoring for many lap steel designs; check string ends and installation compatibility with your instrument’s tailpiece or bridge.
<liBalanced vs. targeted tone: If you play Hawaiian styles, pure nickel or specific gauge sets may yield a more authentic warmth; for honky-tonk or country licks, roundwound and mixed gauges can emphasize brighter tones and punchier dynamics.
<liMaintenance: Regular cleaning and occasional string changes preserve tone. Consider packaging freshness and whether you’ll replace entire sets or mix-and-match gauges for unique tunings.
Overall, these selections provide a spectrum of tonal options—from bright, cutting top ends suitable for honky-tonk picking to warm, round, Hawaiian-oriented voices. When evaluating a set, think about how the tensions align with your scale length and whether you want more sustain, brightness, or stability across your chosen tunings.