Milwaukeean lapsteel? What is?

Tim Taylor · Post by **Tim Taylor** » 23 Nov 2003 11:38 am

A friend has this at a local music store, Rockhaus. Does anyone know this manufacturer, or any historical info? The headstock is silk-screened, not a decal. Rockhaus said they had seen the logo once before, on an acoustic box, and believed the manufacturer may be local. The sound is a bit thin. Jason Lollar stated he thought the pick-up appears similar to a Kay. Please check the four pictures.
http://home.wi.rr.com/theremaniacs/steel2.JPG
http://home.wi.rr.com/theremaniacs/steel3.JPG
http://home.wi.rr.com/theremaniacs/steel4.JPG
http://home.wi.rr.com/theremaniacs/steel5.JPG

Thanks, Tim.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 23 Nov 2003 3:21 pm

I could swear I'd seen that same old "Milwaukeean" logo on a can someplace...

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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com

Tim Taylor · Post by **Tim Taylor** » 25 Nov 2003 9:41 pm

Rick Collins · Post by **Rick Collins** » 26 Nov 2003 8:49 am

Sure__that's the lap steel that "made Milwaukee famous".

It's meant to be played at "happy hour" in every bar in the city.

Rick

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 26 Nov 2003 12:49 pm

If I had to guess, I'd guess it was made by Kay of Chicago sometime in the 1950s. The body style is similar to that of the early Magnatones of that period, but the pickup and hardware are similar to other Kay lap steels I've seen.

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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Zayit · Post by **Zayit** » 26 Nov 2003 3:37 pm

That blade-type pickup is identical to a Regal/Dobro steel I have. Its an integral part of the cast face plate.

Jason Lollar · Post by **Jason Lollar** » 26 Nov 2003 8:08 pm

The pickup more than resembles a Kay, its identical.

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 26 Nov 2003 9:51 pm

I have a student who has a guitar almost identical to that one...hers has a KAY logo...perhaps this guitar came out of the KAY factory ?

Tim Taylor · Post by **Tim Taylor** » 28 Nov 2003 8:03 am

Thanks everybody. Jason, I did not mean to misquote you -- sorry. Since my friend owns the store I would like to offer a fair price. (However, I need another guitar like a hole in the head). Any idea what something similar to this is worth? Thanks, Tim.