Magnatone "My Pal" Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar and Amplifier Set (1952), made in Santa Ana, CA, grey pearloid finish.
A most unusual creation, this set consists of a small green-pearloid covered amp with a matching steel mounted directly above it on a pole. The unit is adjustable to play in sitting or standing position and the ensemble was designed for teaching studios. The tuning mechanism is eccentric: the string tension is controlled by an Allen key, allowing the teacher to set the guitar's tuning and not allowing the pesky student to adjust it!
Both steel and amp are fairly basic but good-sounding units, and the physical conjunction makes for some interesting feedback possibilities when cranked up. A cool playable novelty instrument.
