Magnatone Lap Steel Guitar Serial Numbers
Magnatone Lap Steel Guitar Serial Numbers Average ratng: 4,7/5 344 reviews
more... Adventures in Amplification • Gear • Amps • Gear Blog • 6L6 • September 2009It seems as if almost all of our clients have at one time or another, purchased something online. Often a funky old guitar or amp that was acquired at, what seemed to be at the time, a decent price. We hear the same words uttered over and over again. I just got an amazing deal on this at e…(rhymes with hey) but I think it needs a bit of work. Often, the amount of work required to transform the instrument into something playable makes the “great deal” now seem like a thorough hosing. Sometimes items come with a trial period in which the buyer can return it if doesn’t meet his/her expectations. Other times the piece may be salvaged or kept, though unusable, simply because it has a certain amount of character that makes it worth having if only for a wall hanger.
This month we’ll be taking a look at one such project. It involves a Magnatone lap steel and amp set.
A client purchased a beautiful (and very early) Magnatone lap steel and amp set. They were brought into our shop to have a basic “check and clean” done to the amp and to have the lap steel repaired/restored. The lap steel needed to have the tuning machines replaced as the buttons had deteriorated to the point that they were now little ratty stubs that needed a pair of pliers to aid in the tuning process. A similarly styled set of Tone Pros 3-on-a-strip tuners were installed, scratchy pots were salvaged with a bit of electronics cleaner and some minor setup work was done to level the string heights at the nut.
The amplifier was powered on to see if it was working and to listen for any nasty noises that would need to be addressed in our “check and clean” procedure. Surprisingly, the amp sounded pretty darn good. It had a very unique character to the break up as the amp was pushed into distortion. The amp was then disassembled to check for leaky caps and resistors that may have drifted out of spec that would cause the voltages to swing to unsafe/improper levels. First I tried to locate the power transformer to get my bearings. Hmmmm, strange I thought, no power transformer! Then it dawned on me. This amp is running on pure AC!
While this isn’t that unusual in very early amps and it certainly contributes to its unique tone, it’s also very dangerous. One leg of the AC is tied to the chassis as a buss in the same way a ground would be in a more modern design. This would almost be okay if the instrument being played through it had the strings isolated from the electronics (though it's still present on the metal chassis). However, in most modern guitars, the strings are attached to the ground. In this instance it means that the player now has one leg of the AC on his/her strings! This puts me in a rather precarious position. As the tech and owner of the shop, there are some obvious liability issues associated with this project.
The client was consulted and told of the dangers that lurked within this design. As he loved the look and character of the box, he gave me the go ahead to build a simple and more “modern” (late-'50s) design into the existing chassis. A promising schematic was found (a Valco of some sort) that used a 6SL7 octal preamp tube a 6V6 and a 5Y3 rectifier. This design was chosen simply because of its funky character, which was thought to be in keeping with the original design.
The build was a bit tricky as the amps chassis was quite small and was never made to carry the bulk of a power tranny. Every component was stripped off and the task of figuring out a layout that was physically possible, considering the tight space, begun. It was necessary to make a metal plate to cover a hole left by one of the tube sockets that had to be relocated to make room for the new Mercury power tranny. The output transformer had to be located inside the chassis due to lack of room caused by the speaker's magnet protruding into the optimal space. New holes had to be drilled/punched for the input jack, transformers, IEC style AC socket and tube socket.
It’s freeing being charged with the task of simply making something funky that works. Certain liberties can be taken in component selection that wouldn’t necessarily be considered when shooting for a dead silent recording amp or a rock solid touring amp for example. I was able to use some really neat Soviet-era paper in oil caps that I found while traveling in Bulgaria last year as well as some interesting carbon comp resistors acquired at the same time. Fortunately, the original speaker was still in good shape and was reused.
Mission accomplished. The end result was a marriage between over-the-top vintage form and functionality. The amp was transformed into a safe and usable conversation piece and I’m told, gets many hours of use a week. While this project may not have been the most economical way to go about getting a small practice amp, it did end up salvaging a very cool set and making it safe and enjoyable for the proud and happy owner.
This month we’ll be taking a look at one such project. It involves a Magnatone lap steel and amp set.
A client purchased a beautiful (and very early) Magnatone lap steel and amp set. They were brought into our shop to have a basic “check and clean” done to the amp and to have the lap steel repaired/restored. The lap steel needed to have the tuning machines replaced as the buttons had deteriorated to the point that they were now little ratty stubs that needed a pair of pliers to aid in the tuning process. A similarly styled set of Tone Pros 3-on-a-strip tuners were installed, scratchy pots were salvaged with a bit of electronics cleaner and some minor setup work was done to level the string heights at the nut.
The amplifier was powered on to see if it was working and to listen for any nasty noises that would need to be addressed in our “check and clean” procedure. Surprisingly, the amp sounded pretty darn good. It had a very unique character to the break up as the amp was pushed into distortion. The amp was then disassembled to check for leaky caps and resistors that may have drifted out of spec that would cause the voltages to swing to unsafe/improper levels. First I tried to locate the power transformer to get my bearings. Hmmmm, strange I thought, no power transformer! Then it dawned on me. This amp is running on pure AC!
While this isn’t that unusual in very early amps and it certainly contributes to its unique tone, it’s also very dangerous. One leg of the AC is tied to the chassis as a buss in the same way a ground would be in a more modern design. This would almost be okay if the instrument being played through it had the strings isolated from the electronics (though it's still present on the metal chassis). However, in most modern guitars, the strings are attached to the ground. In this instance it means that the player now has one leg of the AC on his/her strings! This puts me in a rather precarious position. As the tech and owner of the shop, there are some obvious liability issues associated with this project.
The client was consulted and told of the dangers that lurked within this design. As he loved the look and character of the box, he gave me the go ahead to build a simple and more “modern” (late-'50s) design into the existing chassis. A promising schematic was found (a Valco of some sort) that used a 6SL7 octal preamp tube a 6V6 and a 5Y3 rectifier. This design was chosen simply because of its funky character, which was thought to be in keeping with the original design.
The build was a bit tricky as the amps chassis was quite small and was never made to carry the bulk of a power tranny. Every component was stripped off and the task of figuring out a layout that was physically possible, considering the tight space, begun. It was necessary to make a metal plate to cover a hole left by one of the tube sockets that had to be relocated to make room for the new Mercury power tranny. The output transformer had to be located inside the chassis due to lack of room caused by the speaker's magnet protruding into the optimal space. New holes had to be drilled/punched for the input jack, transformers, IEC style AC socket and tube socket.
It’s freeing being charged with the task of simply making something funky that works. Certain liberties can be taken in component selection that wouldn’t necessarily be considered when shooting for a dead silent recording amp or a rock solid touring amp for example. I was able to use some really neat Soviet-era paper in oil caps that I found while traveling in Bulgaria last year as well as some interesting carbon comp resistors acquired at the same time. Fortunately, the original speaker was still in good shape and was reused.
Mission accomplished. The end result was a marriage between over-the-top vintage form and functionality. The amp was transformed into a safe and usable conversation piece and I’m told, gets many hours of use a week. While this project may not have been the most economical way to go about getting a small practice amp, it did end up salvaging a very cool set and making it safe and enjoyable for the proud and happy owner.
Magnatone Guitar Amps
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Jul 18, 2014. While Magnatones can't be dated by their excellently-marked serial numbers (backplate on headstock) this particular steel can be dated by the original Kluson tuners that were removed (they were near shot). Said tuners put it from 1953-1956 and that was a nice bit of relief for me because I'd guessed about. Greetings again everyone- i have a green m.o.p. Magnatone lap steel serial #23982- is there a magnatone site which provides info on production dates similar to valco-gibson or fender? Have not had any luck up until now! Regards dave young dobro supro magnatone harmony gretsch volu-tone guyatone.
real deal vintage 50's GIBSON Lap STEEL Hawaiian electric Guitar br-9 old
3 old slides also included. Tuners have obviously been replaced.18 bids$125.00 shippingEnding Sep 1 at 5:00PM PDT1d 1hBrand: GibsonType: ElectricVintage 1950's Gretsch 6156 Electromatic Lap Steel Slide Guitar W/Case Pearloid
Type: Electric$81.05 shippingGibson EH-100 Lap Steel 1936-37 Period Tweed Case Vintage Hotel Stickers
Gibson EH-100 Lap Steel. Handle and latches intact. Inside pocket lid loose. Sold in 'As-Is' condition.Brand: Gibson$75.00 shippingType: ElectricFrom Belarus$49.00 shippingType: ElectricVintage Kalamazoo 1930's Pre War Gibson EH-150 Lap Steel Guitar W/OHSC
Seems to be in the ET-125 style series. The lap works and plays. the electronics do work. This is a Rare bird.Brand: Gibson$84.00 shippingType: Electric11 watchingVintage 1938 Epiphone Electar Model M Hawaiian Art Deco Lap Steel Guitar + Case
From Canada$57.95 shippingBrand: ADMIRAType: ElectricRare 1960's Regal Electric Lap Steel with Custom Finish and Fret Decor & OHSC
What we DO know about this little banger is that she sounds as pretty as she looks. There are so many out there and none look like this, and none will turn your head more. The fretboard is finished with a beautifully painted blue vine with numbered frets.Brand: Regal$125.00 shippingType: ElectricVintage Orig 1950's Silvertone Lap Steel w/ Homemade Case P-13 Pickup Awesome!
Brand: Silvertone$250.00 shippingType: Electric1957 Gibson Skylark Korina Lap Steel Guitar (GIE1128)
1957 Gibson Skylark lap steel, Gorgeous Korina body, Great sounding pickup, Gorgeous condition, Case key, finger picks & slide, Nice original hard case.Brand: Gibson$195.00 shippingType: ElectricNew ListingGIBSON ULTRATONE lap steel w OHSC ~~ Very good Cond !!
The original white finish shows very, very little wear, as seen in the photos. The original case is in great condition and both latches still spring open! If you're a serious Gibson collector, or a player, this is NOT one to miss out on.0 bids$87.20 shippingEnding Sep 6 at 6:00PM PDT6d 2hBrand: GibsonType: ElectricOne Owner 1954 Gibson Console Grande Double 8 Steel & matching Gibson GA-50T Amp
The matching amp is a Gibson GA-50T with original foot pedal. Hands down. This amp is covered in brown leatherette, boasts 25w with 1x8' and 1x12' speakers. The speakers have been upgraded and, with the added Tremolo circuit-OH MY GOD!Brand: Gibson$350.00 shippingType: ElectricWITH 4 ORIGINAL SMALL INTERIOR MOUNTING SCREWS.Brand: Supro$36.70 shippingType: ElectricVintage 1940s 1950s 1960s 5/8 amphenol Lap Steel Guitar Cable National Gibson
One end is amphenol one is bare wire.Type: Electric$60.00 shippingVintage 1950s 1960s cable 5/8 amphenol Lap Steel Guitar Cable National Gibson
<p>One end is amphenol one is bare wire</p><p>Cable looks to be NOS and was found in an old music store that has been closed for a very long time</p>Type: Electric$24.00 shippingManufacturer: Guldan. Model: Lap Steel Guitar. Era: 1930's. Surface has a lot of wear. Case has considerable wear, but serves its purpose. GENERAL INFORMATION.6 bids$81.05 shippingEnding Sep 8 at 4:00PM PDT8dTop Rated PlusType: ElectricWorld War 2 ERA -1940s Liger Lap Guitar - Japanese Styled Electric Guitar
Type: Electric$60.00 shippingVintage lap and steel guitar
CASE IS INCLUDED.Type: ElectricVintage Electro electric lap guitar-plays & sounds great,original case
It plays and sounds great. has standard wear and is ready to play. the chipboard case is beat up with wear & tear, has tape holding areas together, but it still does the job. all latches are still working.Type: Electric1950s Magnatone Lapsteel Guitar
From CanadaType: ElectricTonemaster Lap Steel Guitar
Tonemaster Lap Steel Guitar. Shipped with FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery.0 bidsEnding Sep 1 at 1:37PM PDT22h 27mType: Electric1947 Supro National Electric Lap Steel Guitar w/ Original Oahu Tonemaster Amp
1947 Supro Lap Steel Guitar Serial #V27222 with case and Ohau Tone Master 230 K Amp. SOLD TOGETHER. Works and sounds great. Amp and guitar gone through, inspected and tested. All original except as indicated above.Brand: Suproor Best OfferType: ElectricHARMONY ROY SMECK STEEL GUITAR 1960's U.S.A. ORIGINAL
Has original Dearmond gold foil pickup & this guitar sounds amazing. the original plastic nut has one crack under 4th string. and chip on 1st string end, this does not effect the playing. has no legs or case but is in good 100% original.Brand: HarmonyThis is a 1950's Magnatone lap steel guitar and amplifier set and appears to be in original condition. The guitar is in working order, but we do not know about the amp. Finished in matching burgundy pearloid, this lap steel and amp were designed as a set.Type: Electricor Best OfferVintage Silvertone Lap Steel Guitar
Brand: Silvertoneor Best OfferType: ElectricPre-War 1930's -1940's Huntington Electro Bakelite Lap Steel Electric Guitar
This is a 'very rare ' 1930's -1940's lap steel electric guitar 'HUNTINGTON ELECTRO '. A must have to add to your collection. All original - strings, knobs, case and even sheet music. # 1881229. In working condition was checked out and plugged into amp.Type: ElectricVintage Twin National Steel Lap Guitar 1950's. No legs
<p>Vintage Twin National Steel Lap Guitar. Unique Steel Lap collectible guitar made around 1950. Plays. See photos for wearing and paint chipped. Needs new pegs. No leg, Look over pics closly. Serious buyers only.</p>Brand: Nationalor Best OfferType: ElectricRickenbacher 'Electro' Steel Hawaiian Guitar, Pre-owned
Rickenbacher 'Electro' Steel Hawaiian Guitar, Pre-owned.<br>Approx. 29.5 inches in length by 9.5 inches wide at largest width at bottom area of guitar-see pictures.<br>Silver color with black accessories.<br>Steel made.<br>Strong, sturdy construction.<br>Los Angeles company.<br>1 guitar string missing-see picture.<br>Sounds great.<br>When 1st produced have been told in the 50s or 60s it listed for $500-600.00.<br>Great condition for its age.<br>Comes with soft guitar case as seen in picture.<br>Part of my uncles collection.<br>If shipping is less than indicated will return difference.<br>Will be registered so package will need to be signed for at time of delivery. Will also be insured for purchase price.<br>Only established Ebay buyers.<br>Smoke free home.<br>Type: Electricor Best OfferVintage FENDER STUDIO DELUXE 6-string LAP STEEL GUITAR & CASE!
1950/1960's Fender Steel Guitar 6 - string Studio Deluxe Model - Very good condition. - Original amp cord - very good condition - one small nick in cord cover. - Few nicks. Very typical with the Fender finish.0 bidsEnding Sep 2 at 12:24PM PDT1d 21hBrand: FenderType: ElectricHARMONY LAP STEEL VINTAGE 1961 MUST SEE
Harmony H2 lap steel with original chipboard case.Brand: Harmonyor Best OfferType: Electric1960's Guyatone lap steel guitar with case
For your consideration is an older Guyatone lap steel guitar.Type: ElectricWas: Previous Price$269.00Supro Lap Steel / serial # X29989, Vintage 50's, dark honey,Ry Cooder pickups.
Supro Lap Steel with case / serial # X29989 50's, dark honey,Ry Cooder pickups for that cool sound.Brand: Suproor Best OfferType: ElectricLap Steel Hawaiian Guitar with Roland pick up (Hawaiian Koa body)
Beautifully handcrafted solid Hawaiian Koa wood body.Type: Electricor Best OfferRosetti Lap Guitar
<p>Rosetti Lap Guitar. Item is out of the box but never used until today to test the electronics. It’s in flawless condition. It looks brand new and sounds great (tested out some Hawaiian music with it lol). It’s taking up space in the closet so decided to just sell it for about $25 of what we got it for. </p><br><p>Very light and small (29 inches long) so it’s very portable. Fun instrument to play and learn.</p><br><p>I’ll be throwing in a steel guitar slide bar in the box as well for free. Enjoy!</p>Type: Electricor Best OfferCirca 1939 Oahu Diana Lap Steel w/ Lollar Pickup
This Oahu Diana lap steel was made around 1939 in Chicago by Kay. Being a square neck, the condition of the frets or the neck angle are not important. The original pickup has been swapped out for 2018 Lollar Chicago Steel, so while it’s no longer original, it does sound great.0 bidsEnding Sep 8 at 5:00PM PDT8d 1hType: Electric1930s Audiovox 7 string steel lap guitar with Amp
1930s Audiovox 7 string steel lap guitar with Amp. Everything is original including the strings, cord amp and amp bulbs. (Only two of the bulbs light up when plugged) I am helping my father sell this after his health has forced to him to retire. This guitar was given to him by his father and it has been sitting in his closet for over 40 years untouched. I am researching details about the guitar and will post them as I learn more about it. Thank youType: Electricor Best Offer8 String Lap Steel Guitar
<p>8 String Lap Steel Guitar, hand made in U.S.A. </p><p>Custom design by MAC Steel Guitars. </p><p>Hardwood is Jatoba (South American Cherry)</p><p>Grover tuners</p><p>Humbucker pickup</p><p>NOTE: Guitar shipped in C6 tuning</p><p>3/8” string spacing</p><p>22.5 scale (easier to play slant cords)</p><p>(with custom case) see photo</p>0 bidsEnding Sep 1 at 1:58PM PDT22h 48mType: ElectricGibson BR-3 Steel Lap Guitar Circa 1947
0 bidsEnding Sep 4 at 5:00PM PDT4d 1hFrom CanadaBrand: GibsonType: Electricrickenbacker guitar lap steel 1930s
Vintage guitar. As is. Does not work and needs some repairs no strings. I was told that this is one of the first electric lap guitars. Looking for offers. I do not have the cords to hook it up to an amp.Type: Electricor Best OfferCozart Double Steel Guitar Custom Handmade
Cozart Double Steel Guitar.0 bidsor Best OfferEnding Sep 6 at 8:41AM PDT5d 17hType: Electric1940s/50s Alamo Lap Steel Guitar
<p>Alamo Lap steel guitar. I believe it's from the 40s-50s. Works. We plugged in an amplifier and it worked. Needs turning I'm sure. Tuning keys look to be original. Wood looks beautiful.</p>Type: Electricor Best OfferVintage Mid 1950's Fender T-8 Triple Neck Console Steel Guitar with case
Case has one broken latch. One button on the is stuck in the down position. I am not sure if it has been repainted. Needs a good cleaning and strings. Pots will need a good cleaning also.Brand: FenderMagnatone Guitars For SaleShowing slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES} - Sponsored Listings
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- Vintage 1950's Gretsch 6156 Electromatic Lap Steel Slide Guitar W/Case Pearloid+$81.05 shippingMake Offer - Vintage 1950's Gretsch 6156 Electromatic Lap Steel Slide Guitar W/Case Pearloid
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- World War 2 ERA -1940s Liger Lap Guitar - Japanese Styled Electric Guitar+$60.00 shippingMake Offer - World War 2 ERA -1940s Liger Lap Guitar - Japanese Styled Electric Guitar