Orpheus Lap Steel

Bob Knight · Post by **Bob Knight** » 12 Dec 1999 6:01 pm

I just traded for this,
I had one of these in the early 50s, and it seemed pretty old then. Does anyone know how to figure out the age of these? Serial #480XX
This thing is awesome, strings through the body it sustains for days. It has Kluson keys with the split post just like the old Fenders.
Someone take a guess?

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Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 13 Dec 1999 12:03 pm

This looks like it was made by Magnatone, although I've never seen a good list of serial numbers for these guitars.
The best way to check for age on these guitars is to date the guitar using the potentiometer codes (assuming the volume and tone controls are original).

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www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Bob Knight · Post by **Bob Knight** » 13 Dec 1999 12:15 pm

Thanks Brad,
The pots date late 1954, but they have been changed.
Do you have any idea what this one might be worth.

Regards,
Bob

Troy Cody · Post by **Troy Cody** » 13 Dec 1999 6:30 pm

I have a 1950 or 51 Magnatone that I got new for my 9th birthday. Your guitar is a match to it.

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