Description
What makes this steel special: This is a really neat console lap steel that we don’t see come through our shop too often. Featuring two “necks” of 8 strings, the options for multiple tunings are expanded vastly, and the ability to handle key changes mid song is no longer a transposition nightmare. This 60+ year old instrument is in remarkable shape for its age, and the clear midrange bite of the pickups will transport you back to the heyday of classic country and Hawaiian music. Plus, it comes with its original hard shell case!
Condition: The console is in excellent condition overall, which is particularly remarkable considering the instrument is over 60 years old. The finish is weather checked beautifully, but has worn along “upper neck” side of the instrument from sitting in its case. The tortoise shell pyralin binding has held up fantastically, with only a few small splits from shrinking over its lifetime. The bottom of the console still has the majority of its original green flocking. However, the original removable pickup covers/handrests were misplaced at some point in its lifetime and are not included with the console.
Body: Rectangular rock maple body with tortoise shell pyralin binding in blonde finish. The maple has a lovely flamed appearance that looks three dimensional. White plastic jack plate and control plate covers. Green flocking texture on the underside of the console. Aluminum nut and bridge. Gold Epiphone logo decal.
Neck: Dual Black aluminum fingerboards with etched “bowtie” fret markers. Enclosed nickel plated tuning machines with white plastic buttons. 2 3/8” nut width.
Electronics: Dual Epiphone single coil pickups, Master volume and master tone control. 2-way selector switch. All electronics are original and in excellent working condition.
Neck #1: 4.6k ohms
Neck #2: 4.7k ohms
Weight: 13.20 lbs.
Playability/Sound: The console has a lovely clear midrange bite that immediately evokes the classic country and Hawaiian music that was so popular when these consoles were first produced. There is a surprising amount of throw on the tone control capable of dialing in a wide variety of sounds.
Case: Includes original hard shell case, Nick Manoloff chrome bar, and a selection of vintage national thumb picks. The piping on the case has come loose, but is still attached.
