In 1932 Rickenbacker's "Frying Pan" lap steel was introduced as the first electric guitar. However, the patent for their electro-magnetic pickup was not approved until 1937.
That gave many companies a chance to exploit the new technology with scant legal reprisal, and many did.
Chicago's Sound Projects Company produced Lectro Lab steels and amplifiers. They emulated the cast metal body of the Frying Pan in the design of the Troubador lap steel.
The Troubador's magnetic pickup was originally a ceramic-based piezo electric pickup built into the bridge. However, this steel guitar has a double magnet blade pickup similar to other lap steels produced in the 1930's.!
Its sound is warm and fit for the popular Hawaiian music of the time. It is a fine example of electric guitars in its early infancy.
VINTAGE
February, 2021
January, 2021
December, 2020
November, 2020
October, 2020
September, 2020
More [...]
Education and Training
Entertainment
Festivals and Conventions
Instruments and Luthiers
News
Steel Guitar History
January 23-24, 2021 – Prerecorded and available on Multiple Platforms
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
January 30, 2021 – LIVE STREAMED on Facebook 3PM - 5PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
February 27, 2021 – LIVE STREAMED on Facebook 3PM - 5PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
March 27, 2021 – LIVE STREAMED on Facebook 3PM - 5PM HST
COVID-19 Advisory: All live steel guitar festivals have been postponed Statewide until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety directives currently in effect. Live festivals will return when HIMELE and government agencies determine it is safe to do so.
Copyright ©2021 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
Community Festivals
Ka Makana Ali‘i - Kapolei
Windward Mall - Kane‘ohe
Kahala Mall - Waialae-Kahala