Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1937), made in Los Angeles, California, nickel plated finish, stamped metal body, original black hard shell case.
A very nice, early example of a Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Steel Guitar, one of the most striking pure deco era instrumants. The headstock logo plate reads Richenbacher " Electro" Los Angeles. The horsrshoe pickup is the much-beloved prewar 1 1/2" magnet model with a mounting flange marked "Pat Pend", with the output jack on the bass side. The single volume control is on the treble side, with original arrow-top black bakelite knob-the tone knob had yet to be added. This example has a metal bridge and nut; later examples use molded plastic for these components.
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.
Overall length is 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.). Some light plating wear, scratching and small spots of corrosion but all original and a nice example overall. Sounds great; includes the original HSC in worn but functional condition. Generally Excellent Condition.
