Early 1930's Rickenbacher Amplifier
April 1, 2021 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
From the very beginning, Rickenbacher developed and sold guitar amplifiers. After all, the first electric lap steel guitar worked only in conjunction with them. Their early pioneering work has gone largely unnoticed!
The first Rickenbacher production-model amplifier was designed by C.W. Lane and built by the Van Nest Radio Shop in Los Angeles.
The wooden cabinet of the amp was made by the Johnson Cabinet Works. It is built of plywood and covered with Keratol, a protective covering.
In 1935 the Rickenbacher Frying Pan steel guitar and amplifier set sold for $125.00, a huge amount in post-Depression years. Also, many rural areas and urban households did not yet have electricity to plug an amp in!
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Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna Lani
December 14-17, 2023 – Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Waimea, Hawai‘i Island.
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Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘iFebruary 17, 2024 – Ka Makana Ali‘i Shopping Center, Kapolei
Kona Steel Guitar Festival
April 4-6, 2024 – Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Keauhou, Hawai‘i
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May 19, 2024 – Kukui Grove Center, Lihue, Hawai‘i
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June 8, 2024 – 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM HST
Windward Mall, Kāne‘ohe (O‘ahu), Hawai‘i
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week (July 10-15, 2023)
July 8-13, 2024 – 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī (O‘ahu), Hawai‘i
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 12, 2024 – 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī (O‘ahu), Hawai‘i
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 13, 2024 – 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī (O‘ahu), Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall
August 17, 2024 – Time 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (tentative)
Kahala Mall, Honolulu, Hawai‘i
2024 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘i
February 17, 2024 – 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM HST
Kona Steel Guitar Festival
April 6, 2024 Ho‘olaule‘a concert – 12:00 Noon - 3 PM and 5 PM - 8 PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall
June 8, 2024 – 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 12, 2024 Ho‘olaule‘a concert – 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 13, 2024 Ho‘olaule‘a concert – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall
August 17, 2024 – Time 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (tentative)
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