1934 Rickenbacher Model A-25
June 22, 2016 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
The Frying Pan lap steel guitar was manufactured by Rickenbacher Electro from 1932 until the mid 1950's. It is the first electric guitar to be successfully marketed.
It has an aluminum body cast by Adolf Rickenbacker & the famous "horseshoe" electro-magnetic pickup first invented by George Beauchamp.
This steel guitar pickup is considered to be the ultimate in power & tone. Players and collectors alike seek out this lap steel guitar for its historical worth, its quirky looks, and its piercing sound.
The instrument earned its name because it is shaped like a frying pan. Sizzling!
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2025 Festivals and Workshops
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna LaniNovember 13-16, 2025
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Waimea, Hawai‘i Island
2025 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna Lani
November 14, 2025 – 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM HST - Ho‘olaule‘a concert
November 15, 2025 – 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM HST- Open Stage Performances
2026 Festivals and Workshops
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week - July 5-11, 2026
July 6-9, 2026 – 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST (Nightly Concerts)
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 10, 2026 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
2025 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival (J-FESTA)
July 10, 2026 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2026 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Other Events
2025 Events
Steel Guitar FridaysEvery Friday – 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Steel Guitar Sundays
July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM - Noon
Hula Grill Waikiki, Waikīkī
* Registration Fee Required
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