Request Assistance In Identifying Brand of Steel Guitar.

William Connerley · Post by **William Connerley** » 26 Oct 2020 9:14 am

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 26 Oct 2020 11:24 am

The endplates and changer housing suggests to me that it might be a Marlen

Bobby D. Jones · Post by **Bobby D. Jones** » 26 Oct 2020 7:53 pm

It has been a 12 string at some time in it's life. The Key Head and Changer are 12 string. With 1st and 12th keys missing, And the changer in the picture has 1st and 12th string fingers missing.

Pretty body with walnut or mahogany top and maple front apron with the trim strips.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 30 Oct 2020 10:25 am

Definitely a Marlen, probably mid-to-late '60s model.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 30 Oct 2020 11:51 am

Donny Hinson wrote:Definitely a Marlen, probably mid-to-late '60s model.

I agree. The cut endplates and the quality of the castings are of the period and that area of the country.

Note that the bolt-on changer pillows are identical to the early Emmons bolt-on design. Not surprising since Ron Lashley worked with and for Leonard Stadler on Marlens before launching the Emmons guitar project with Buddy. Mike Cass could correct me, but I think the same foundry produced parts for both Marlen AND Emmons.

Did the bolt-on design come from Big Ron? Or from Leonard? Inquiring minds want to know.