Any way -- anyone have an idea on what this thing could be worth?
Statistics: Posted by dyyllaann — Wed Nov 16, 2011 12:47 am
]]>
Rickenbacker history
Valco history
Statistics: Posted by Spud1950 — Tue Nov 15, 2011 4:30 am
]]>
]]>
With the introduction of the A-22, other companies also made electric steels well before 1938.
"The "frying pan" was the first electric lap steel guitar ever produced. George Beauchamp created the instrument in 1931, and it was subsequently manufactured by Rickenbacker Electro. The instrument—officially the model A-22—earned its nickname because its circular body and long neck make it resemble a frying pan.
It was designed to cash in on the popularity of Hawaiian music in the 1930s. The instrument was made of cast aluminum, and featured a pickup that incorporated a pair of horseshoe magnets that arched over the strings. Beauchamp and machinist Adolph Rickenbacker began selling the Frying Pan in 1932, but Beauchamp was not awarded a patent for his idea until 1937, which allowed other guitar companies to produce electric guitars in the same period."
Statistics: Posted by Spud1950 — Tue Nov 15, 2011 1:07 am
]]>
Have you checked with the guys at the Steel Guitar Forum?
Statistics: Posted by VintAxe — Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:19 pm
]]>
The case, and maybe guitar itself, was manufactured for Gravois Music Shop, where the legendary Mel Bay used to give guitar lessons in the mid-'30s.
From all the research I've done, this is the oldest one I've seen so far.
A little background info: (src: )
Supro debuted in late 1935 when Dobro and National merged, and began selling in catalogs in March of 1936, suggesting that this was one of the first Supros ever built. This explains why I can't find much information on it!
In 1936, after moving from L.A. to Chicago, stopped making them of metal and switched to wood. The single treble-side knob indicates that this is a 1936 model, but it lacks the pick guard, suggesting a 1937.
Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Statistics: Posted by dyyllaann — Sun Nov 13, 2011 7:36 pm
]]>