Oahu Tonemaster Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1950, made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer finish, maple body and neck, original brown hard shell case.
A cool and fairly deluxe Oahu-branded steel guitar built by Kay, from the early 1950's. The wood body is built of a solid center block with outlying wings (like later Rickenbacker guitars) with striking checkerboard binding on all edges. The metal bridge unit holds the pickup and controls, with a knob on each side and a fairly heavy stamped metal cover. The pickup itself is very similar in design to a Gibson P-90, if somewhat brighter sounding. The headstock is faced in tortoise celluloid with an "Tonemaster" stencil in a music note motif. A rather conservative if classy looking and well made steel.
Overall length is 34 in. (86.4 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 15/16 in. (49 mm.). Overall relatively clean; this steel does not appear to have seen a lot of use. There is a repaired seam where the bass side body section is mounted to the neck/body centerpiece, this is more noticeable on the back. There is also a spot of curly-cord burn on the upper back. There are a couple of rust spots on the bridge/pickup assembly through the chrome plating-most of the plating itself is still quite shiny but it has flaked a bit in these two areas. The Kluson tuners are original with a bit of corrosion and new buttons. The jackplate is polished aluminum and may not be original although it appears period. Overall a nice and fairly high-end steel for Oahu with a bright but fairly sweet sound; complete with a good original HSC. Excellent - Condition.
