Electric Hawaiian guitar
Alternate name(s)
- Electric lap-steel guitar
Maker
Slingerland Drum Company
Date1936
Place MadeChicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
ModelSongster
Serial No.101
SignedEngraved on silver glitter plastic inlaid on headstock: SLINGERLANDEngraved on silver glitter plastic inlaid on headstock: SONGSTER
MarkingsStamped on top of headstock: 101
DescriptionThe Slingerland Songster is an incredibly special and rare guitar dating from the early period when electric guitars were exploding in popularity. Slingerland was mainly known for its drums and banjos, but they also introduced one of the first solid-body Spanish electric guitars made, beginning in fall of 1936. Slingerland’s electric guitars were first advertised in Popular Mechanics in September of that year. The steel-style instruments are nearly as rare, and both models feature a high-quality, advanced pickup with a “humbucking” design to reduce noise from electrical hum. Even more interesting, the NMM’s Hawaiian steel-style example is numbered 101 on the headstock, which appears to make it the earliest known serial number.
ProvenanceAbout 1987, purchased by donor, Eric Shoaf, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Published ReferencesShoaf, Eric C. "Slingerland Songster: Cool enough for Sol Hoppi!" _Vintage Guitar Magazine_ (April 2001). Online at: http://www.vintageguitar.com/1931/slingerland-songster/
Credit LineGift of Eric C. Shoaf, 2018
Object number15065
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