The Steel Guitar Forum

I have this old steel I bought from my drummer. His brother had this for many decades, and when he passed, my drummer inherited it. He has NO idea what it is, or anything about its history.

I can't even find a serial number on it. It looks like it was refinished at some point. The main thing is, it's very light (pine, maybe?) and the pickup sound INCREDIBLE! Great tone.

I don't really need to know, but it would be nice to at least get an approximate make/model and at least decade (I'm guessing 50's).

Thanks for any help!
TJW

Here's a link to my Facebook page where I uploaded a short clip of it yesterday, demonstrating its sound. Not a great recording, but one gets the idea. Hopefully, the link will work. Never tried this before!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=71 ... =2&theater

That's a Supro. I think those were available under a few different names, like Federated teachers' service Corp.

It's not a Supro. I believe it was built by Regal, judging by the pickup assembly, but I'm not 100% sure. As Mike said, it was sold under a variety of brands; the one I've seen the most is Epitome.

Looks like some sort of Harmony to me, but I'm no expert. Like Mike and Noah pointed out, back in the day, jobbers like Harmony, Regal, Kay, Valco, etc made steels for many brands.

Ah, yes--Regal!

Thanks, everyone. I found an ad showing what looks just like this one, along with a matching amp. They're saying it's a Supro (or derivation) set from the 50's and that works enough for me. Regal, Supro, Valco -- main thing is, the pickup rocks!

Thanks again!
TJW

All Chicago-made.

Isn't that an Epitome lap steel?