The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi Folks, a friend of mine just bought this nifty Model M Epiphone guitar. It has the Serial No. 1404.

I wonder if anybody can shed any light on the era of manufacture and if they have any comments on it, good, bad or indifferent.

Thank you.

George

1937

The Model M was made between 1936 and 1939. First year ones had two knobs, volume and tone. In mid-'37 they added the third knob (an additional tone knob), which this one has. In mid-'38 they removed the third knob and added a chrome pickup cover (which this one does not have).

The serial number dates it to late 1937, assuming that the lap steel numbers follow the same sequence as Epiphone's electric guitars of that period.

I had one of these Epis several years ago, and I have a 10 string Epi lap steel now, late 40s. I would describe the tone as dark and mellow, but a very sweet tone. Just my subjective opinion. It's a nice guitar and it looks to be in great condition. I hope your friend enjoys it!

WOW Doug, that was quick. Thanks for all the data.

Geo

This is exactly what David Kelii used during the early years of Hawaii Calls.

Yeah, that is a horseshoe pick up, and later they went to a normal type with a cover. Rickenbacher maybe threatened them about the 'shoes.

Here is my 1935 Model M. It is serial number 25. You will see some differences from the 1404 you have found.
Mine has no etching on the nickel plated top. The horseshoe is polished nickel plated as well. No Pat Pending permission plate from Rickenbacher. ALso, note the matching amp I have as well.
The model with the etching, permission plate and the black pickup seems to be the finalized version of the Model M, and it started in 1936.

More 1935 Electar Model M photos:

Chris, I'd love to see pictures of your collection some day.

The first steel I ever bought/saw was a Model M. Picked it up at Englishtown Flea Market in NJ for $25 about 20 years ago. Still have it, too, but it has an Aiello pickup in it now.

I had that thing for about 10 years before I ever figured out what to do with it.

delete

Thanks to one and all who responded. Great stuff.

George

WHAT's the REST O'the Story on the BIGSBY?

You can share it with us........we're family.

I recently acquired one of these. 3 knobs and black top with the same design. Only difference is mine is a 7 string. I'm getting the pickup rewound now. I have no idea what this thing is gonna sound like!

Here's what mine sounds like with Rick Aiello's pickup on it (this is an old video, sorry to bring it up again, quality is not very good):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4w_vzaQO4g

Wow... that sounds great. However, the pickup is my concern. I've heard that the stock PU's are not bright at all.

Chris,

You can't thrown in hints of your new Bigsby find like that without showing us the whole thing.