Gold Tone LS-8 Lap Steel Guitar with Case

When I first got my hands on the Gold Tone LS-8, the connection to those great Oahu Tonemaster lap steels of the 1950s was immediately obvious. Gold Tone has done something remarkable here: they’ve studied the original so carefully that vintage Oahu owners actually purchase LS pickups and hardware from Gold Tone for use in restoring their prized instruments. That kind of authenticity is rare, and it speaks directly to how faithful this design really is. Whether you’re a seasoned steel player looking for a reliable workhorse with genuine vintage character, a slide guitarist branching into lap steel, or a curious newcomer drawn to the haunting, vocal quality that only a lap steel can deliver — the LS-8 is a serious instrument at an honest price.

The body is built from mahogany on both the top and back and sides, which gives the LS-8 a warm, resonant midrange that complements the single-coil magnetic pickup beautifully. That pickup captures a clear, articulate tone with just enough vintage bite — think Hawaiian ballads, classic country, Delta blues, and everything in between. The neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard, 20 frets, and dot inlays, and the 25″ scale length feels comfortable whether you’re playing in a lap position or mounted on a stand. Kluson-style tuners keep things period-correct, and the 2″ ZeroGlide nut — a smart modern upgrade — dramatically reduces string binding and helps the instrument stay in tune across positions. The two-tone tobacco sunburst finish in high gloss is simply gorgeous, and cream ABS binding ties the whole look together. The LS-8 ships set up for open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D), though other tunings are easily accommodated by swapping to an appropriately gauged string set. A hardshell case is included.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. This includes checking intonation, optimizing string height for smooth slide action, inspecting the nut and tuners, and making sure the instrument is playing its best when it arrives to you.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell carries the full manufacturer warranty and comes directly through legitimate channels — no gray market, no surprises. When we recommend an instrument, it’s because we know it well. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4 and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans — all with no late fees, plus Afterpay — so there’s no reason to wait on the instrument you really want.

Gold Tone LS-8 Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What tuning does the Gold Tone LS-8 come set up for, and can I change it?

The LS-8 arrives set up for open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D), which is one of the most common and versatile tunings for lap steel — great for blues, country, Hawaiian, and folk styles. You can absolutely use other tunings, but for best results you’ll want to install strings gauged appropriately for those tunings, since the current string set is optimized for open D tension and pitch. If you’re unsure which strings to use for a different tuning, feel free to reach out and we’re happy to advise.

Do I need an amplifier to play the Gold Tone LS-8?

Yes — the LS-8 is an electric lap steel with a single-coil magnetic pickup, so you’ll need to plug it into an amplifier to get its full voice. That said, it works beautifully with any standard guitar amp. Smaller practice amps are perfectly fine for home use, and for a vintage-flavored tone, a clean tube amp really brings out the warmth of that single-coil pickup. A standard instrument cable (quarter-inch) is all you need to connect it.

Is the Gold Tone LS-8 a good choice for a complete beginner to lap steel?

Absolutely. The LS-8 is one of the most approachable entry points into lap steel playing precisely because of its quality build, reliable tuning stability (thanks to the ZeroGlide nut and Kluson-style tuners), and the fact that it arrives professionally set up and ready to play. Open D is also a wonderfully intuitive tuning to learn on — major chords are right there under a straight bar, and single-note melodies follow naturally. Combine it with a good beginner method and you’ll be making music very quickly.

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