The National String Instrument Corp. was known for its eye-catching acoustic resonator guitars with engraved floral designs and etched or painted tropical scenes.
In 1930, George Beauchamp was a musician - inventor seeking to electrify the acoustic Hawaiian steel guitar.
The company's penchant for imaginative ornamentation found a new medium with the development of Hawaiian lap steels.
The "New Yorker" model took its design from the Art Deco elements of the Empire State Building in New York City. It features stair-stepped sides, a multi- colored fretboard marker pattern, and a clear Lucite pickup cover.
Downtown Manhattan in style!
Vintage
March, 2025
February, 2025
January, 2025
December, 2024
November, 2024
October, 2024
Complete Issue Archive
Complete Series Archive
2025 Festivals and Workshops
2025 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
2025 Events
Copyright ©2017 by Hawaii Institute for Music Enrichment and Learning Experiences, Inc., and Cyberventures Unlimited.Terms of Use
About HIMELE
HIMELE is a Hawai‘i non-profit corporation that supports music enrichment and education for people of all ages. Our purpose is to educate, promote, and perpetuate Hawaiian music, Hawaiian culture and Hawaiian musical instruments.
Visit HIMELE
Board of Directors
Mission Statement
Support Us
Learning Resources
Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Symposium
Statewide Festivals
Kaua‘i Steel Guitar Festival
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival
Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
Kona Steel Guitar Festival
Community Festivals
Ka Makana Ali‘i - Kapolei
Windward Mall - Kāne‘ohe
Kahala Mall - Wai‘alae-Kāhala
Livestream Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase