Description
NATIONAL NEW YORKER LAP STEEL – 1947
The National New Yorker Lap Steel, first produced in 1935, features an art deco design modeled after the Empire State Building completed just a few years before (1931). It is the only instrument to be produced continuously throughout the life of the National-Doboro and Valco companies (save during WWII when their production shifted to support the war effort). This particular instrument is the first iteration that followed the War years and was produce from 1946-1947. It features a six pole rectangular single coil pickup with volume and tone controls. The tone control is variable potentiometer that rolls from “Hawaiian” to “Chimes” to “Harp” The Fingerboard features colored roman numeral position indicators and the pickup cover is a clear Perspec/Lucite (a result of the Valco companies war time production of plastic nose cones for bombers and other aircraft).
This instrument is in very good condition with only minor cosmetic starches and scuffs in the finish and on the control plate. Sounds and plays great, a very cool piece of American musical instrument history. Includes period hard shell case. $950
