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musical instrument details
1940 Gretsch Electromatic 6 String Lap Steel Guitar 100% original
Estimated price for orientation: 1 650 $
Category: Lap and Pedal Steel Guitars
Class:
Description Brand: Gretsch Country/Region of Manufacture: United States Type: Electric Lap Steel
For sale is my 1940 Gretsch Electromatic 6 string lap steel. This was the only lap steel that was made by Gretsch starting in 1940 thru 1942. It was called the Hawaiian model. It is an extremely rare model as there were not many produced. Check out the unusual “harp style” tuners that were made by Harlin Brothers on this instrument. The guitar is in all original condition. The neck and top edges of the body, and headstock are fully bound in fuax tortoise shell. The headstock has a beautiful inlay featuring the Gretsch logo. The neck and fret board are in great condition. The fret markers are painted different colors over the original pearl. This was standard to this model. I have only seen pictures of one Gretsch lap steel like this on the internet and it was on not in this fine condition. The bottom plate covering the electronics has a bit of oxidation on it. The other side of the cover is painted with a brown paint and I assume that the paint was used on both sides. I did not want to repaint the cavity cover as I wanted to keep the guitar all original. The bottom cover is missing 2 small screws. The top body is in wonderful condition and the back of the lap steel has just a few scratch marks. All of the electronics are original and are working fine. The knobs that control the volume and tone are the old style "radio" buttons. The electronic cord is original and is part of the guitar. It is a bit on the dry side and probably should be cut where it passes thru the end of the guitar and re-soldered. The lap steel comes in its original case which is in very good condition considering its age. There is a small seperation of the covering material on one corner near the metal corner protectors. There is some oxidation on the latches but they all work.. The leather on the handle is no longer there and it is only wrapped in what appears to be some very fine paper which was used as the handle padding. The handle has a metal core so it is still usable but it needs to be wrapped with some material to protect it. Also, included in the case, are the original case key, brass slide and finger picks. I am the second owner of this guitar. It was given to me many years ago by a friend of the family who’s dad purchased it new in 1940. He played it sparingly learning “Hawaiian Style” music which was popular at the time. His practicing was interrupted by World War II and the guitar saw little use after that. I have put new strings on it as it had what appeared to be the original strings on it. I have it setup for open E tuning. I was playing some blues on it and it sounds great. Even unplugged it has great projection. I have included many close-up photos of the guitar and case below this description. I will ship the guitar by UPS fully insured for the buy it now price and a signature will be required for delivery. Shipping will be $45.00 for the continental United States. Alaska and Hawaii will be additional so please contact me for a quote in advance and please send me your zip code. The guitar will be very well packed. I will sell to US customers only. Bidders with 0 or negative feedback's must contact me before bidding. Payment is expected with buy it now and I will ship the instrument within two days of receiving cleared funds. I will accept PayPal only and will ship to PayPal confirmed address only. If payment is not received within 2 business days, I reserve the right to relist the guitar. The guitar is sold As Is. All Sales Are Final. No returns or refunds. New Jersey residents will have to pay the 7% sales tax. I you need additional pictures or have questions please contact me before you bid. I want whoever purchases this instrument to be pleased with their purchase. I have 100% feedback selling vintage guitars and amps and your satisfaction is important to me. This is a great example of a Gretsch lap steel guitar and would make a great addition to any Gretsch collector. I am thinning out my collection, so please check out my other vintage instruments and tweed amps that are for sale. Thank You.
Description
| Brand: | Gretsch | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
| Type: | Electric Lap Steel |
For sale is my 1940 Gretsch Electromatic 6 string lap steel. This was the only lap steel that was made by Gretsch starting in 1940 thru 1942. It was called the Hawaiian model. It is an extremely rare model as there were not many produced. Check out the unusual “harp style” tuners that were made by Harlin Brothers on this instrument. The guitar is in all original condition. The neck and top edges of the body, and headstock are fully bound in fuax tortoise shell. The headstock has a beautiful inlay featuring the Gretsch logo. The neck and fret board are in great condition. The fret markers are painted different colors over the original pearl. This was standard to this model. I have only seen pictures of one Gretsch lap steel like this on the internet and it was on not in this fine condition. The bottom plate covering the electronics has a bit of oxidation on it. The other side of the cover is painted with a brown paint and I assume that the paint was used on both sides. I did not want to repaint the cavity cover as I wanted to keep the guitar all original. The bottom cover is missing 2 small screws. The top body is in wonderful condition and the back of the lap steel has just a few scratch marks. All of the electronics are original and are working fine. The knobs that control the volume and tone are the old style "radio" buttons. The electronic cord is original and is part of the guitar. It is a bit on the dry side and probably should be cut where it passes thru the end of the guitar and re-soldered. The lap steel comes in its original case which is in very good condition considering its age. There is a small seperation of the covering material on one corner near the metal corner protectors. There is some oxidation on the latches but they all work.. The leather on the handle is no longer there and it is only wrapped in what appears to be some very fine paper which was used as the handle padding. The handle has a metal core so it is still usable but it needs to be wrapped with some material to protect it. Also, included in the case, are the original case key, brass slide and finger picks. I am the second owner of this guitar. It was given to me many years ago by a friend of the family who’s dad purchased it new in 1940. He played it sparingly learning “Hawaiian Style” music which was popular at the time. His practicing was interrupted by World War II and the guitar saw little use after that. I have put new strings on it as it had what appeared to be the original strings on it. I have it setup for open E tuning. I was playing some blues on it and it sounds great. Even unplugged it has great projection. I have included many close-up photos of the guitar and case below this description. I will ship the guitar by UPS fully insured for the buy it now price and a signature will be required for delivery. Shipping will be $45.00 for the continental United States. Alaska and Hawaii will be additional so please contact me for a quote in advance and please send me your zip code. The guitar will be very well packed. I will sell to US customers only. Bidders with 0 or negative feedback's must contact me before bidding. Payment is expected with buy it now and I will ship the instrument within two days of receiving cleared funds. I will accept PayPal only and will ship to PayPal confirmed address only. If payment is not received within 2 business days, I reserve the right to relist the guitar. The guitar is sold As Is. All Sales Are Final. No returns or refunds. New Jersey residents will have to pay the 7% sales tax. I you need additional pictures or have questions please contact me before you bid. I want whoever purchases this instrument to be pleased with their purchase. I have 100% feedback selling vintage guitars and amps and your satisfaction is important to me. This is a great example of a Gretsch lap steel guitar and would make a great addition to any Gretsch collector. I am thinning out my collection, so please check out my other vintage instruments and tweed amps that are for sale. Thank You.