1930's Oahu

[Ed Owen]

I trying to find a 1930/1940 Oahu. All the ones I've seen have tuner issues. Is there a direct replacement for the 3-on-a-side tuners? Stewmac part #? And the wooden pickup cover, how are these removed from the guitar? Any issues to be aware of when buying one of these lap steels?

[Brad Bechtel]

Are you talking electric or acoustic? Oahu lap steels were made by several different companies, including Valco, Kay, and Dickerson/Magnatone. Without knowing which model or style you're talking about, it's hard to answer those questions.

Most "tuner issues" are due to deteriorated plastic tuner buttons. Stewart-Macdonald (among others) carries replacement buttons which are pretty easy to install.

[Ed Owen]

Here's a pic of what I'm talking about:
http://www.hat.hi-ho.ne.jp/es345/oahu%20ariyama.jpg

[Richard Shatz]

This one is almost the same.

Link to auction on eBay.

[Tom Baylis]

I trying to find a 1930/1940 Oahu. All the ones I've seen have tuner issues. Is there a direct replacement for the 3-on-a-side tuners? Stewmac part #? And the wooden pickup cover, how are these removed from the guitar? Any issues to be aware of when buying one of these lap steels?

The front pickup cover is attached with 4 wood screws from the rear. Here's what's going on behind the rear cover plate:

Tuners are the most typical age related issue. I think that this Stew-Mac part is a direct replacement:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Guit ... ml#details

[Ed Owen]

That's good picture, thanks. Really clean too. That's a nice one!!

These tuners may be closer to what's on there: Link to tuners on Stewart-Macdonald web site.

[Tom Baylis]

That's good picture, thanks. Really clean too. That's a nice one!!

These tuners may be closer to what's on there: Link to tuners on Stewart-Macdonald web site.

Yeah, I imagine it depends on the age. I've seen both styles of tuners on these...