The Steel Guitar Forum

Again, thanks to all for the contributions, particularly to Milton and Dave for the references to the earlier posting. I'm unfamiliar with a number of the brands Milton lists here and would appreciate whatever input anyone can give to which are electric instrument manufacturers. Bruce: Mustard was an item on the list originally passed on to me; I know nothing about it. I do recall hearing of a Mustang brand, but am reasonably sure it was American.

The Rogers that I bought here on the Island last year was made by Hank Rogers originaly from Alberta and settled in B.C.in about the early 70s, apparently he'd made in the region of about 400- 450 steels.

Harry Greenwood in Rochdale Lancashire Northern England made quite a few steels over the years 'till he got sick, he'd bought the S10 Z.B. that I now own to copy some of Zanes ideas regarding the strap mechanism and compensating pulls.
He cast all his own hardware and built them from scratch, the only things bought in were the tuning pegs.

Bob Mainwaring. Z.Bs. and other weird things.

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CLR (Chas Reece Clearwater SC)

Bill

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Columbus - Japan (Lap Steel - possibly made in the same factory as Guayatone).

Mike

century

harlin brothers

electronis (made by national/valco; possibly a model not a brand)

royal (6 string lap steel, possibly british)

tonemaster (6 string lap steel, british, possibly a model not a brand)

speedy west (doubleneck pedal steel, late 60s; i think these were made by another manufacturer and just branded "speedy west")

i have pictures of all of these, mostly from the dreaded ebay. the info i have is generally taken from the ebay description and therefore subject to error.

Ian,

Don't forget to add the LaGarritt made by Gary Rittenberry in Cookville Tn.


Dave

Springfield, Scotland, no longer made.

ALIEN-- made on the goldcoast in Australia.
A very inexpensive "starter" model.

Winnie

Good Grief!!! I had NO idea that there were this many steel builders over the years. Many of these guitars are not in production today…but that is a LOT of builders. I was going to add the Blanton, but I noticed Mike Sweeney and Milton Guilbeau beat me to it. Way to go guys!

B. Bailey Brown

I've added most of the items people have contributed here. Over the next few weeks, I'll try to verify as many as I can and post a revised list. Keep 'em coming.