1940s Kalamazoo Lap Steel by Gibson – Vintage USA Made – Ready to Play
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Up for sale is a 1940s-era Kalamazoo Lap Steel, manufactured by Gibson during the golden age of American electric instruments. Simple, elegant, and full of vintage character, this steel features a single volume control and delivers the warm, singing tone that made these early lap steels so popular with Hawaiian, country, western swing, blues, and early electric guitar players.
The electronics are in good working condition and the instrument is ready to be played and enjoyed.
Condition & Details:
- Original vintage Kalamazoo lap steel made by Gibson
- Electronics function properly
- Single volume control
- Equipped with a 1/4" output jack
I've seen examples of similar Kalamazoo steels with hardwired cables from the factory. This instrument currently has a standard 1/4" output jack. While I cannot say with certainty whether the jack is original, the gray wire visible in the control cavity suggests it may have been added at some point during the instrument's life. Regardless, it functions properly and makes the guitar much more convenient to use with modern equipment.
Like many vintage Gibson-family instruments from this era, the original tuner buttons had deteriorated over time. The tuner buttons have been replaced and are fully functional. As shown in the photos, two of the replacement buttons have taken on a slightly darker ivoroid appearance from the installation process, but all tuners work as intended.
Why You'll Love It:
- Authentic 1940s Gibson-built lap steel
- Classic vintage American tone
- Simple and reliable controls
- Great for Hawaiian, country, blues, western swing, ambient, and recording applications
- Increasingly difficult to find in playable condition
This is a wonderful piece of American musical history that still has plenty of music left to make. Whether you're a collector, player, or studio owner looking for authentic vintage lap steel sounds, this Kalamazoo is ready for its next chapter.
Please review all photos carefully and feel free to reach out with any questions. The instrument will be packed securely and shipped with care.
A charming and increasingly collectible Gibson-built lap steel from the 1940s—full of vintage vibe and ready to be played and loved.
| Listed | 4 years ago |
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| Condition | Good (Used) Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more |
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Product safety information may be available here.
