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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2023 Festivals and Workshops
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall
June 10, 2023 – 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 10-13, 2023 – 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 14, 2023 – 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 15, 2023 – 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 Kāhala Mall
August 19, 2023 – 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Kahala Mall, Honolulu, Hawai‘i
2023 Northern California Hawaiian Steel Guitar Symposium *
September 24, 2023 – Odd Fellows Lodge, Cupertino, CA
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
October 14, 2023 – 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM HST
The Shops at Wailea, Wailea, Hawai‘i
October 15, 2023 – 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM HST
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Kahului, Hawai‘i
2023 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Livestream Broadcasts
All broadcasts originate from the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. Festival broadcasts may also stream from the respective festival's Facebook Page.
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall
June 10, 2023 – 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 14, 2023 Ho‘olaule‘a concert – 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival
July 15, 2023 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 19, 2023 – 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM HST
Livestream Steel Guitar Saturday — CANCELED
September 9, 2023 – 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM HST
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
October 15, 2023 Ho‘olaule‘a concert – Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, – 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM HST
Livestream Steel Guitar Saturday — CANCELED
November 19, 2023 – 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM HST
Other Events
HSGA Virtual Festival 4February 4, 2023
2023 AISGC Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival *
July 27-29, 2023 – Towne Square Community Center, Winchester, IN
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association (HSGA) 2023 Festival *
September 21-23, 2023 – Odd Fellows Lodge, Cupertino, CA
* Registration Fee Required
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