The Steel Guitar Forum

Hey guys,
Just wanted to say hello. I've been lurking here for a while and finally bought a lap to learn on. I've played regular guitar for about 45 years, but my arthritis is making it more difficult with each passing year. I think holding a bar will be much easier on my right hand (I'm a lefty).
Anyway, I wanted to give it a try without sinking too much money in to it, in case I stink at it. I've read good things about Oahus with horseshoe pickups and was lucky to score one for a good price. It will be here in a week or so. Don Helms is my favorite steel guy and I plan on trying to learn his style.
Here's some pictures of the new guitar.
P.S. Anyone know where I can get a matching knob?

Hello Rick, Congratulations, those Oahu(s) with horseshoe pickups are not common. I think Rickenbacher started enforcing their patent in the mid 1930s. At that age, it may need a re-mag. If so, Rick Aiello is the man to talk to.

Nice score Rick. Have fun!!

Nice score Rick!! Try www.tubesandmore.com They sell a lot of antique / vintage radio parts and have about 7 or 8 pages of vintage style knobs. www.oldradioparts.com and www.renovatedradios.com are also a possible source
gary

Those "carousel" knobs are pretty cool, aren't they? The were also used on early Epiphones. Here's one on ebay, but this guy's prices are fairly breathtaking:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1935-US ... SwTZ1XmUuY

Hopefully you'll find a more reasonable alternative.

Thanks for the welcome guys! Also, thanks for the tips on finding knobs. Like a fool, I found an auction on eBay yesterday that had 70 Bakelite knobs for $69 dollars. There was three of these knobs in the bunch. Instead of hitting the buy it now button, I made an offer for $20 less. Before the owner replied to my offer, someone bought them....live and learn!