Lap Guitar (Valco?)

[KaylaICT]

Hey there,
Basically, I'm just looking for any information on this lap guitar I bought at a thrift store for $75. I did some quick research before I bought it, and finally purchased because I suspected it might be a Valco. I'd like to know what it's worth, and what it is. Really, any information. Sorry if this is a weird place to post a lap guitar, there's really not a huge source of information available to learn about them.




Serial number on a metal plate on the back reads: X72708

Sorry for the huge pictures, and thanks for any help!

[VintAxe]

Yeah, I think you are right about the Valco connection.

As far as value, here's a lap like yours listed on the Cowtown site for $799. Looks like you did well.

[Spud1950]

I know something about lap steels.Yes,it is a Valco made lap steel. The "English Electronics" refers to the following.

"English Electronics lap steels were made by Valco, branded for Norman English, a guitar/steel teacher in the 1950s and 60's. The model below is a Tonemaster (not to be confused with an Oahu Tonemaster). 25" scale length, MOTS covering. "

Picture here, same as yours.




Also,yours is equipped with a DeArmond Stringtone tail piece. This device allows you to set the strings for three different tunings.You can then select a tuning by flipping the lever. You might want to read this thread on the Steel Guitar Forum.



As to price,you did indeed did do very well,however the $799 asking price on the Cowtown site is pretty ridiculous. Typically,the real world selling price for Valco made lap steels,with the original case, of the same style and condition is around $400-$450,assuming that it actually works properly. You can probably add a bit more to yours because of the addition of the Stringtone, bringing the price up to around $500,but $799 is way too high.