1937 Rickenbacher B6
July 30, 2016 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
In 1909, Belgium chemist, L.H. Bakeland devised a resin that hardened into a tough, dense material. The result was "Bakelite," a precursor to plastic.
Adolph Rickenbacker poured this resin into a guitar shaped mold and created the Bakelite steel guitar.
The horseshoe magnet pickup provides enormous volume and rich tone, and Bakelite's mass density causes these lap steel guitars to ring and sustain forever.
Bakelite models with white cover plates are known by collectors as the "panda" model. It is favored by players like David Lindley and Feet Rogers.
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2025 Festivals and Workshops
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘iFebruary 15, 2025 – 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM HST
Ka Makana Ali‘i Shopping Center, Kapolei
Kona Steel Guitar Festival
February 27-March 1, 2025
(see website for complete program)
Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Keauhou, Hawai‘i
Kaua‘i Steel Guitar Festival
May 4, 2025 - 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM HST
Kukui Grove Center, Lihue, Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall
June 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM HST
Windward Mall, Kane‘ohe
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week - July 7-12, 2025
July 7-10, 2025 – 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 11, 2025 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 12, 2025 – 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall
August 16, 2025 (tentative)
Kahala Mall, Waialae-Kāhala
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
October 18, 2025 - 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
The Shops At Wailea, Wailea, Hawai‘i
2025 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 15, 2025 – 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM HST
Kona Steel Guitar Festival
March 1, 2025 Ho‘olaule‘a concert – 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM HST
Other Events
2025 Events
HSGA Hawai‘i Convention Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
July 9, 2025 – 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM HST (HSGA Hawai‘i Convention Performances) Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
* Registration Fee Required
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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
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Community Festivals
Ka Makana Ali‘i - Kapolei
Windward Mall - Kāne‘ohe
Kahala Mall - Wai‘alae-Kāhala
Livestream Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase