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Topic: need help valuing a lap steel |
billy tam R.I.P.
From:
baton rouge, louisiana
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Posted 24 Jul 2020 9:32 am |
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A good friend of mine's father passed away a while back and I am helping sell some of his lap steels for his widow. Looking for a fair estimate for her, no money in this for me but will send money to forum.
it is an apparently original Kalamazoo built by Gibson a long time ago. pics show condition, sounds great, one tuning button not there.
Thanks in advance for your help. Billy
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Noah Miller
From:
Rocky Hill, CT
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Posted 24 Jul 2020 10:11 am
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| I have seen asking prices for this model consistently in the $4-500 range. This one is a bit grungy and doesn't appear to have a case, so maybe $400 is more reasonable. That's assuming the tuner buttons are replaced and everything works as it should. |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 24 Jul 2020 10:24 am
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im working on an old gibson mandolin. researching the serial number/model number, i learned that gibson when making instruments that were branded with other names included the first letter of the name in the serial number. if there is a G in the serial number then that is an instrument made to have the gibson name on it. the "K" in this serial number shows that it was made by gibson, but it was designated to have the kalamazoo name on it. there would also be some other things that would make it a little different than the gibson model. that would allow the price of the instrument to be different. im sure there were some other names that were used to job out gibson instruments without the gibson name on them.
so, just wanted to chime in and say that this seems to be an instrument made at the gibson factory and designated to be branded with the kalamazoo name hence the K in the serial number. |
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Noah Miller
From:
Rocky Hill, CT
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Posted 24 Jul 2020 10:31 am
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Oh there's no question it's a Gibson product; Kalamazoo was one of their "budget" brands in the '30s. This one is a 1937-9 KEH (for Kalamazoo Electric Hawaiian). Unlike Gibson-branded steels of the period, this is a true solidbody, which gives it longer sustain than the more expensive Gibson EH-150. I don't mean to offend any EH-150 enthusiasts, but in my eyes, that makes it a more desirable instrument for player than the classic, collectable Gibson.
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Don Kona Woods
From:
Hawaiian Kama'aina
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Posted 24 Jul 2020 5:23 pm
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I have bought and sold quite a few old vintage steel guitars.
If I were selling this, I would put it at $175 |
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 25 Jul 2020 6:26 am
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| Don Kona Woods wrote: |
| If I were selling this, I would put it at $175 |
If you were selling it for $175, I (and undoubtedly many others) would be a willing purchaser. |
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billy tam R.I.P.
From:
baton rouge, louisiana
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Posted 25 Jul 2020 11:18 am Kalamazoo
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Thanks for all the information . Some of this I already had found.
I really feel like this instrument is much more valuable than $175 and won’t be selling it for that price. I will clean it up some and check on replacement gears but will leave the originals on the guitar. Thanks Billy |
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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billy tam R.I.P.
From:
baton rouge, louisiana
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Posted 25 Jul 2020 1:02 pm Kalamazoo
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| Thanks Jack |
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Gary S. Lynch
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 26 Jul 2020 6:35 am
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Billy,
When you look at Stew Mac to get the buttons , also look at the how to video.
You use a soldering iron to heat the clean tuning peg before you slide on the new button.
Here are some photos of before and after.
The first change is tough.. I have done a lot of the years.
Takes time and patience.
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billy tam R.I.P.
From:
baton rouge, louisiana
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Posted 26 Jul 2020 7:39 am Kalamazoo
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| Thanks Gary will do |
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Michael Butler
From:
California, USA
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Posted 28 Jul 2020 2:05 pm
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billy, if you can get a black button then you only need to do the one. like jack said, soldering pencil on shaft and shove it on. the heat will make it pliable as you push it. i've also added a drop of CA to ensure a tight fit.
play music!
_________________
please see my Snakeskin's Virtual Music Museum below.
http://muscmp.wordpress.com/ |
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Ron Shalita
From:
California, USA
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Posted 28 Jul 2020 2:59 pm
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I have one of these ..
_________________
Been playing all of my life, Lead Guitar, and Pedal Steel, sing Lead and Harmony.. play other Instruments also but I hate to admit to it.. |
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billy tam R.I.P.
From:
baton rouge, louisiana
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Posted 28 Jul 2020 5:36 pm Kalamazoo
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Well Ron, what would you ask for yours if you were to sell it?
Thanks, Billy |
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Ron Shalita
From:
California, USA
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Posted 29 Jul 2020 4:32 am
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Hi Billy, I never really thought about it... i have had it for YEARS and i haven't played it since around the 70's .. so i really event a clue ..
_________________
Been playing all of my life, Lead Guitar, and Pedal Steel, sing Lead and Harmony.. play other Instruments also but I hate to admit to it.. |
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