# Steel Guitar

> Realistic steel guitar simulator with extensive effects, amps, and MIDI control. (iPhone/iPad app by Yonac Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-guitar/id323813692 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Yonac Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/288670023)
- Category: Music, Games, Music
- Price: $0.99 with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.70/5 from 60 App Store ratings · 130 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.1 · 128 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-07-30
- Data updated: 2026-08-30
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-guitar/id323813692/reviews.md

## What is Steel Guitar?

Introducing the all-new Steel Guitar 2.0 — built COMPLETELY from scratch with bigger tone, more soul, and better features than ever!

Combining a large collection of unique guitars, all-new realtime effects and amps processing, and a playing surface more expressive than ever, Steel Guitar is easily the most realistic sounding guitar on iOS.

For unprecedented control over your tone, expand to 10 unique guitars, 8 iconic virtual-tube amps, and 16 classic effects! Build up your signal chain any way you want, thanks to a simple drag-and-drop interface that accommodates all your amps & FX connections, in any order.

Steel Guitar’s axes range from 6-string electrics to acoustic, 12-string, and to even 8- and 10-string pedals steels. Amps include all the important models of the last 60 years — each one complete with channel switching, adjustable gain, and EQ. The effects include painstakingly designed virtual-analog overdrives, fuzzes, wah, tape delay, reverbs, and more!

With the PRO Pack or The Whole Enchilada, gain access to Steel Guitar’s powerful tapedeck complete with recording, looping audio copy/paste and a plethora of other sharing options; or harness Steel Guitar’s powerful, user-friendly MIDI Learn to control your effects, amps and guitar parameters!

Use MIDI or the accelerometer to control string-bending pedals for authentic pedal steel sounds — and you can easily configure pedal-to-string assignments via the built-in copedent matrix.

Steel Guitar 2.0 is fully connected, too. With Inter-App Audio and Audiobus available out-of-the box, connect Steel Guitar to your favorite iOS DAW and jam away!

Whether you’re after the soulful ring of acoustic blues, the mean and dirty crunch of Rock, or dreamy bell-like tones of a pedal steel, Steel Guitar has got your covered.

• Expand to 10 unique guitars, 8 amps and 16 effects
• Real time FX & Amps processing
• Fully configurable FX & Amps Signal Chain
• Virtual-Tube amps including classic American and British models
• Virtual-Analog effects: multiple overdrives & fuzzes, reverbs, mods, tape delay & more
• All new, easy-to-use guitar interface
• Configurable note-snapping, normal & damped sustain
• Bar slanting & string dampening gestures
• String bending via MIDI or accelerometer-controlled virtual “pedals”
• Fully controllable copedent (string-bending pedal map)
• Inter App Audio & Audiobus
• MIDI Learn & Program Changes*
• Tapedeck with recording, audio copy/paste, looping and lots of other import/export options*
• Save unlimited presets; import/export presets and folders
• Metronome with tap tempo
• Left-handed mode

*Included with PRO Pack or The Whole Enchilada

## Key features

- 10 unique guitars
- 8 virtual-tube amps
- 16 classic effects
- Customizable FX & Amps Signal Chain
- MIDI and accelerometer control
- Recording and looping capabilities
- Inter-App Audio & Audiobus support

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: $0.99.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Guitar Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Amp Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| FX Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| The Whole Enchilada | $9.99 | one-time |
| PRO Pack | $2.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Steel Guitar?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🎸 Realistic and convincing steel guitar sound quality
- 👍 Intuitive touch-based interface and controls
- 🎵 Extensive customization options for tuning and effects
- 💰 Great value for price, especially with IAP bundles
- 🔧 Wide variety of guitar models and amp/effect choices
- 🎯 Works well with audio production apps (Audiobus, IAA, Logic Pro)
- 📱 Excellent performance on iPad with large screen
- 🎨 Beautiful and sleek visual design
- 🎚️ Comprehensive tone and sound tweaking capabilities

**Cons**

- 🐛 Bluetooth connectivity issues - disconnects AirPods when app opens
- 🐛 App crashes and freezes, especially on newer iOS versions
- 💸 Expensive IAP model with features locked behind paywalls
- 🔄 Poor upgrade path - IAPs don't transfer to new app versions
- 📱 Compatibility issues with iPhone 6S and newer models
- 🎮 Limited MIDI support despite marketing claims
- 🔊 No audio output through headphones in some cases
- 🔒 Orientation locked in landscape mode, won't auto-rotate
- ⚠️ Outdated app not updated to work with current iOS
- 🎯 Steep learning curve for beginners without manual

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Bluetooth headphones disconnect when app opens
- App crashes on iPhone 12 and iPhone 6S
- MIDI functionality non-functional despite being advertised
- App freezes and requires restart
- Slide bar locks and becomes unresponsive
- No sound output in some configurations
- Sample rate conflicts with other apps cause lockout
- App permanently displays upside down on some devices
- IAA and Audiobus compatibility issues
- Download fails with error dialog
- App doesn't work as IAA instrument in BM3
- Performance issues causing excessive heat on device

**Most requested features**

- Full MIDI keyboard support for playing notes
- Bluetooth/AirPods compatibility fix
- Ability to save and switch between presets
- Recording and audio export functionality
- Multi-touch chord support
- String muting capability
- Additional guitar types (Stratocaster, Nylon string, Resonator)
- AU/VST3 plugin for Logic Pro X integration
- Musical scales display on fretboard
- Landscape orientation auto-rotation
- MIDI out for recording in DAWs
- Improved tuning text display
- Gyroscope tilt and rotation controls

## Recent user reviews (10 of 130)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-guitar/id323813692/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Tuff

*2026-06-30*

I like to do alittle sponge bob and country here and there

### 1/5 — Poor customer service…

*2026-06-09*

I’ve owned Steel Guitar for a few years now and decided to use it with my midi keyboard to hopefully play it. So I decided to blow the $12.99 to get all the plugins. Unfortunately I’ve not been able to get it working even though the so-called Pro Pack boasts advanced midi features. Then I find out that they have a Pro model  at the same price as the load of plugins I just purchased. I contacted them on FB Messenger to ask if I even could play it with my keyboard… and of course, no reply. Of course there is the option of buying the pro version and spending the $12.99 again, instead of offering a discounted price for previous owners, you have to buy it again… just like Galileo2. How about crediting me the $12.99 so I can get the Pro version Yonac?

### 3/5 — Needs Bluetooth Support

*2026-03-22*

I have nothing but love for this app, it helps me when I’m in a pinch for a show, BUT I hate that I can’t practice with my airpods, your phone will disconnect from them when you open the app.

I’d give it 5 stars if that ever happens.

### 1/5 — steel guitar app not working

*2024-12-20*

the previous version of the app worked fine..  but so far unable to get the new version to work properly on iPhone 12

### 2/5 — Shuts off my Bluetooth

*2024-01-18, version 2.2*

When I open this app it shuts off my Bluetooth headphones…?

### 2/5 — Grrrrr.

*2023-03-24*

Dude, you are killing me with these “new version upgrades”. I spent a decent amount money on IAP for this app, and now I discover that to stay current, I have to buy a new version and likely repurchase all the add-ons that I purchased for THIS one? That feels really wrong to me. I own much of the stuff you produce going back a very long time and as you can see below I have been a strong supporter, but after buying expensive updated versions of Galileo, and Magellan (I was mostly glad to support them even if they were costly) I now discover I need to move to new versions of Steel Guitar and ToneStack and I see no way to move my IAPs for either. Yeah, I’m sorry but I think I’m gonna have to let these go and focus my resources elsewhere. (somewhat duplicated in my ToneStack review)

### 1/5 — Midi doesn’t work

*2023-02-13*

Bought the pro pack for midi and the midi never worker at all on any of my midi controllers

### 2/5 — App doesn’t play through headphones

*2022-08-10, version 2.2*

Trying to use app with headphones

### 5/5 — Sweet sound but where’s the AU ?

*2022-05-20*

What I’m upset about is when I bought this, at some point it included an AU and or VST3 plug-in that I could then use with Logic Pro x and if it works with Logic it works with apples main stage. There’s even a link to download the plugin but there’s nothing there. What happened? When these music apps came out for iPhone and later iPad I considered them just music/game apps. Something to play with not a reliable performing tool. 

Plus I’ve looked everywhere and i think this is the only lap steel out there. Amazingly so far I’ve just listened to it through my gen 1 iPad Pro with 4 speakers. It’s amazing the sweet sound this makes through those tiny speakers. I can’t wait to hear it through my studio rig. Let me know if I can get a plug-in for Logic Pro x . Ofcoarse it would have to be played on a keyboard and will not have all these functions. Maybe that’s why it’s gone

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2022-02-06*

I love it, I use it everyday!  Amazing sound for an App!

## Frequently asked questions about Steel Guitar

### What is Steel Guitar?

Steel Guitar is a mobile application designed to provide a realistic steel guitar playing experience. It features a large collection of unique guitars, virtual-tube amps, and classic effects, allowing users to create a wide range of tones. The app offers advanced control over signal chains and can be integrated with other music production tools.

### What are the key features of Steel Guitar?

Key features include access to 10 unique guitars, 8 virtual-tube amps, and 16 classic effects. Users can build fully configurable FX and Amps signal chains, control string bending via MIDI or accelerometer, and utilize a tapedeck for recording and looping. It also supports Inter-App Audio and Audiobus for integration with DAWs.

### How much does Steel Guitar cost?

The base application is free to download and use. However, additional content and features, such as the PRO Pack or The Whole Enchilada, which include the tapedeck and advanced MIDI control, are available for purchase through in-app purchases.

### What devices is Steel Guitar compatible with?

Steel Guitar is designed for iOS devices. It supports Inter-App Audio and Audiobus, enabling it to connect with compatible Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and other audio applications on iOS.

### Who would benefit from using Steel Guitar?

Musicians, songwriters, and guitarists who want to experiment with different steel guitar sounds, practice playing, or integrate realistic guitar tones into their music productions would benefit. It's suitable for those seeking authentic pedal steel sounds or a versatile digital guitar for various music genres.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2 — 2015-11-16

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

• Optimized for iPad Pro
• Addresses sample rate compatibility issue with certain new devices
• Provides both landscape orientations
• Other improvements, fixes & optimizations

### 2.1 — 2015-09-15

Hey y'all! Thanks for using Steel Guitar! In this update we have...

• iOS9 compatibility
• Latest Audiobus SDK 2.2.1
• Fixes bug with certain missing graphics on non-retina devices
• Various improvements & fixes

Cheers!
The Yonac Team

### 2.0 — 2015-05-04

COMPLETELY REBUILT! ALL BRAND-NEW! Our iOS classic now delivers a sound quality better than ever, along with unprecedented versatility, usability, and *TONE*

• New Universal Design — built for the iPad and iPhone
• Amazing new realistic sounds
• Realtime effects & amps processing
• Fully configurable signal chain for Steel Guitar amps & FX
• All-new guitars: electrics, pedal steels, acoustic, 12-string
• Brand-new control surface with extraordinary expression & responsiveness
• IAA, Audiobus, Recording, MIDI & More!

Also introducing the *NEW* Steel Guitar IAP Store stocked with lots of fresh, new goodies. Gain total tonal control with,

• Guitar Bundle
• Amp Bundle
• FX Bundle
• Pro Pack Bundle: adds MIDI, tape deck, and more
• The Whole Enchilada: get ALL the bundles for a discounted price!

### 1.2 — 2010-01-21

-- Improvements to the audio processor subsystem
-- Increased UI responsiveness
-- Performance adjustments to the FX module

### 1.1 — 2009-08-15

-- Added "Pro Slide Mode" option, accessible via Basic Settings. This provides an unrestricted sort of slide with which you can play semitones, mimic vibrato or adjust slide speed according to your playing, much like on a real slide guitar. The lengthwise gap in the "slide bar" when this mode is active coincides with the tone being generated.

-- Improved sample loading times
-- Improved some menu launch times

## Apps similar to Steel Guitar

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Relic Flow](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relic-flow/id6499490810) | 4.8 (26) | $1.99 | Music |
| [Cantoria](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cantoria/id6468679668) | 4.8 (23) | Free | Music |
| [Salome - MPE Audio Sampler](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/salome-mpe-audio-sampler/id6468663356) | 4.7 (30) | $7.99 | Music |
| [iFretless Guitar](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifretless-guitar/id623167340) | 4.2 (29) | $9.99 | Music |
| [TriplexClassic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/triplexclassic/id6444733628) | 5.0 (15) | Free | Music |
| [VB3-II](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vb3-ii/id6464588684) | 3.5 (16) | Free | Music |

## More apps by Yonac Inc.

- [miniSynth 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minisynth-2/id616496999)
- [ToneStack](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tonestack/id870269510)
- [ToneStack GO](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tonestack-go/id904057679)
- [KASPAR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kaspar/id1245045964)
- [Kauldron Synthesizer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kauldron-synthesizer/id1292510609)

All apps by Yonac Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/288670023

## Related topics

[steel guitar](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/steel-guitar) · [steel guitar pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/steel-guitar-pro) · [pedal steel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pedal-steel) · [steel guitar hall of fame](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/steel-guitar-hall-of-fame)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-30.*