Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian 8-String Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1937, made in Los Angeles, California, nickel plated finish, stamped metal body.
A rare example of an 8-string version of Rickenbacker's popular Silver Hawaiian Steel Guitar. The Silver Hawaiian was the next model designed after the bakelite Model B, coming into production about two years later in 1937. The stamped metal body was less expensive to build, resulting in a retail price 30-40% cheaper than the model B. The hollow chambered body gives a more 'reverby' sound than the earlier solid instruments, with a slightly more acoustic character.
The plated metal gives a very flashy appearance- Rickenbacker's original description states "...delights the eye with its flashing beauty" and indeed this is a most striking looking and fine sounding prewar steel. These steels were quite successful are fairly common in 6-string format; this 8 string variation is rarely seen and is a wonderful find for a steel player or collector with a penchant for 8-string tunings.
Overall length is 29 7/8 in. (75.9 cm.), 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.). All original finish and hardware but well played; a lot of wear to the plating but a very good sounding steel. The single knob is set up as a tone control, making for easy "doo-wah" effects when used with a volume pedal. An excellent gigging example of a very rare steel. Overall Very Good + Condition.
