Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel

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Page last updated May 24, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $349

Budget/Beginner

$799

$2000+

Price Tier

In the Lap & Pedal Steel Guitars category, Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Dive into the soulful world of slide guitar with the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel, an instrument that marries traditional vibes with modern reliability. Perfect for those looking to explore the haunting melodies of Hawaiian music or add a unique texture to their soundscapes, this lap steel is a bridge to new musical territories. Crafted with a solid mahogany body, it promises resonance that sings, coupled with a chrome-plated single-coil pickup for that authentic '50s tone. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your journey, the G5715 offers a seamless blend of history and performance.

Key Features:

Solid mahogany body for unparalleled resonance
Chrome-plated single-coil pickup delivers classic '50s tones
String-thru-body bridge enhances sustain and tonal clarity
Ideal for exploring Hawaiian music or adding unique textures to your sound

Product specs

Brand	Gretsch
Model	G5715 Lap Steel
Finish	Black Sparkle
Year	2016
Categories	Lap Steel Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Non Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Black
Frets	Fretless
Model Family	Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	S
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What tuning options are most suitable for the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel?: The Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel is commonly tuned to open tunings such as A6 or C6, which are popular for lap steel playing. These tunings allow for a wide range of musical styles and are ideal for producing the characteristic sounds associated with lap steel guitars.
Does the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel have frets?: No, the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel is a fretless instrument, which allows for smooth gliding between notes and the creation of unique slide effects that are characteristic of lap steel playing.
What type of pickup does the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel use?: The Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel features a single pickup configuration, which provides a clear and bright tone, well-suited for both clean and slightly overdriven sounds typical in lap steel music.
Is the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those new to lap steel guitars.
What is the body type of the Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel?: The Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel has a solid body construction, which contributes to its sustain and durability, making it a reliable instrument for various playing environments.

Videos

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Andertons Music Co

Try Slide Guitar Today! - Gretsch Lapsteels

Andertons Music Co

Reviews

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PROS

Captivating sparkle finish typical of Gretsch
Excellent pickup with strong, rich tone
Adaptable to progressive rock and metal with added gain
Light and easy to handle during play
Volume control enables effective volume swells
Inspires creative exploration in musicians
Compatible with Duesenberg or Certano string bender

CONS

Bridge cover can obstruct playing
Tone control lacks subtle adjustment, becomes very dull at the end
Strings sit lower than some players prefer

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gretsch G5715 Lap Steel.

Setup and maintenance

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Some owners note the strings sit close to the fretboard, suggesting a nut extender to raise string height for improved playability.
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Users find string spacing on pedal steels wider compared to lap steels, potentially requiring adjustment for players transitioning from lap steel like the G5715.
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Mods and upgrades

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It's suggested to add palm benders for a pedal steel effect, as there's sufficient wood behind the bridge for modifications.
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A multibender can be installed on the Gretsch G5715, but space behind the bridge is limited, making it challenging for some models.
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Gretsch G5700 or G5715 can be converted to standard pedal steel spacing using a roller nut from George's Boards on Reverb or eBay.
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Features and functionality

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The pickup is not the loudest but provides a pleasant sound, suitable for forlorn country/western chords.
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The Gretsch G5715's layout allows for pitch bending through finger pulling behind the bar, offering a manual alternative to a multibender.
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Build quality

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The asymmetrical body made of Mahogany adds a nice heft, contributing to a solid build.
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User experience

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The stock strings work well in C6 tuning, which is lighter than other tuning options.
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Some find the bridge cover comfortable for resting the hand despite common complaints about it.
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Comparisons

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The Asher Electro Hawaiian Jr. is another model that accommodates a multibender, providing an alternative to the Gretsch G5715 for those seeking this modification.
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The Gretsch G5715 is suggested over other models like the Rouge LS-1 for those looking to eventually transition to pedal steel, due to its modifiable nature.
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Use cases and applications

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C6 tuning on a lap steel like the Gretsch G5715 is noted as beneficial for learning bar technique, intonation, and muting, crucial skills for pedal steel.
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C6 tuning is highlighted for its versatility in genres like western swing, old country, and Hawaiian music, making it a strong choice for the Gretsch G5715.
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