1950s Magnatone Student Model
November 1, 2018 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Instruments and Luthiers
The Magna Electronics Company of Los Angeles, California, manufactured lap steel guitars and amplifiers. The instruments they made were simple, yet striking.
This 1950's Student Model is a good example of Magnatone's artistry. Its lightweight wood body is wrapped in an attractive pearloid maroon MOTS (mother-of-toilet-seat) plastic.
The fretboard is a black decal with diamond and S cleft inlays. The single coil magnetic pickup is covered by an angled chrome handrest. A matching MOTS amplifier with island themes on the speaker cover was also sold together with the guitar as a set.
Collectors seek out this lap steel for its low cost, portability, and cool vibe…
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Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘iFebruary 15, 2025 – 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM HST
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February 27-March 1, 2025
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Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Keauhou, Hawai‘i
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Windward Mall, Kane‘ohe
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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
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October 18, 2025 - 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
The Shops At Wailea, Wailea, Hawai‘i
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Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘i
February 15, 2025 – 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM HST
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March 1, 2025 Ho‘olaule‘a concert – 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall
June 7, 2025 – 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 11, 2025 – 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM HST
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
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall
August 16, 2025 (tentative)
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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
AISGC Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival *
July 24-26, 2025
Town Square Community Centre, Winchester, Indiana
* Registration Fee Required
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