Steel Trappings

Geri's Vintage Steels

1938 Epiphone Electar Model M

March 22, 2017 • Geronimo "Geri" ValdrizInstruments and Luthiers

The Model M is a stylish icon of art deco steel design, with an anodized aluminum top bearing a geometric pattern etched into the metal.

Its most distinctive feature is the crinkle black painted horsehoe magnet pickup. It looks just like a Rickenbacher pickup!

1938 Epiphone Electar Model M

Epiphone probably did not buy these pickups from Rickenbacher but instead developed their own design based on the horseshoe magnet.

1938 Epiphone Electar Model M

Rickenbacher sued Epiphone for producing this design without paying patent royalties. The early years of the electric guitar market is filled with secrecy, subterfuge, and legal challenges!

Vintage

Archives

December, 2024
November, 2024
October, 2024
September, 2024
August, 2024
July, 2024

Complete Issue Archive
Complete Series Archive


Categories

Education and Training
Entertainment
Equipment
Festivals and Conventions
Instruments and Luthiers
News
Steel Guitar History


Authors
Author Index

Events

2025 Festivals and Workshops
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘i
February 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

Facebook LiveYouTube
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

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.