Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1937, made in Los Angeles, serial # D 597, nickel plated finish, stamped metal body, original black hard shell case.

A nice early example of the Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Steel Guitar, one of the company's most striking 1930's classics. The entire instrument is nickle plated metal, with a headstock logo plate reading Richenbacher " Electro" Los Angeles. The standard 1 1/2" prewar horseshoe pickup's mounting flange is marked withn the recently assigned patent number, in place of the earlier "Pat. Pend". This first version has a single volume control on the bass side, with original arrow-top black bakelite knob. Molded plastic bridge and nut, which mellows the sound slightly from the earlier metal fittings.

The Silver Hawaiian was the next model designed after the bakelite Model B, coming into production about two years later in 1937. The stamped metal body was less expensive to build, resulting in a retail price 30-40% cheape. The hollow chambered body gives a more 'reverby' sound than the earlier solid instruments, with a slightly more acoustic character. The plated metal gives a very flashy appearance- Rickenbacker's original description states "...delights the eye with its flashing beauty" and indeed this is a most striking looking and fine sounding prewar steel.
 
Overall length is 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/8 in. (54 mm.). Some overall plating wear, somewhat later Grover Sta-Tite tuners but otherwise original hardware; overall a good example. Generally Very Good + Condition.

Item # 3854
 
$1,400.00