Oahu Diana Deluxe Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1940, made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer with stenciling finish, laminated mahogany body and neck, original brown tolex hard shell case.
Oahu's fanciest wood-body steel guitar in 1940, the Diana Deluxe was a direct descendant of the company's first electric guitar, originally introduced in 1938. This Kay-made steel retailed at $60.00 in 1940 in the same price range as Gibson and Rickenbacker instruments. The top is shaded mahogany with gold leaf stenciling, bound in tortoise celluloid. The headstock is the fancy peaked design used on Oahu's deluxe Kay-made jumbo guitars. The pickup has a wooden handrest and tone and volume controls mounted on either side. A nice-looking and very well-made prewar steel.
Overall length is 35 in. (88.9 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 3/4 in. (654 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
Replaced tuners, added strap button, and pickup appears rebuilt with newer coil; otherwise original. Minor wear overall. Excellent Condition.
