1920's Weissenborn Style 1 Vintage Hawaiian Acoustic Lapsteel Slide Guitar Koa

Up for sale, a 1920's Weissenborn Style 1 Hawaiian acoustic lapsteel guitar in excellent, 99.9% original condition. One of the more rare and sought after lapsteel brands, its widely believed that only an estimated 5000 were produced between the late 1910's to the early 1930's by Weissenborn in Los Angeles. Produced at arguably the peak of Hawaiian music's popularity, the brand couldn't compete with the volume of resonator steel guitars built by the likes of National and Dobro in the late 20's, and as a result, Weissenborn halted production in the early 1930s. With a beautifully smooth midrange presence, warm but present top end clarity, and round but not boomy low-end, you can see why this is the guitar most Hawaiian lapsteels built these days are based on. With its all Hawaiian Koa construction, this guitar has a pleasing presence and projection, helped by the hollow square neck chamber, that fits into a mix perfectly; just ask David Lindley or Ben Harper who regularly sing the praises of their Weissenborns!
The original "batwing" style bridge is in great shape, and the tuners turn smoothly and hold pitch well with five of the six original aged white buttons and one very close replacement.  Inside the soundhole, the original "H. Weissenborn" brand is clean and intact (photo #12).

The nitro finished body and neck are in great shape, showing gorgeous, light checking. Unfortunately, a previous owner decided to write keys along the fretboard (as seen in photo #11), which obviously doesn't affect playability or tone, but was a fairly common occurrence, seen on many instruments of the era. Considering this guitar is pushing 100, it's in fantastic shape and the provided pictures are a very accurate representation of the quality and condition. As would be expected with any instrument of this vintage, there are various nicks, dings and scuffs associated with honest use, but no serious or structural wear of any kind. There is one expertly repaired tiny crack adjacent to the rear strap button (a modern button has been substituted in lieu of the original), and a loose brace was recently professionally secured as well to ensure, clear sustaining tone.
This Style 1 Weissenborn embodies the tonally resonant and sought after sonic richness of these classic, all Koa Hawaiian steels.  The gorgeous grain and lightly figured bookmatched Koa back of this instrument top off this well preserved example.