A meeting of two very different pieces of musical history....

Let's start with the more interesting of the two.... The Premiervox (Rickenbacker) Model B 'Spanish Neck' Lap Steel Circa. 1936
The first ever solid body, round neck electric guitar to be sold in the UK.

Exerpt from 'A History of the Electric Guitar 1927 - 1957':

"This is one of the rarest and most unusual electric guitars and almost certainly one of the very first electric guitars ever seen in the UK. This guitar branded Premiervox is the"Export Model" of the Rickenbacker Bakelite "Model B" Hawaiian Guitar, which is in itself
is a considerable rarity.

"Model B" Hawaiian Guitars where introduced in 1933/4. They where thecompany's second steel guitar model after the legendary "A"-model (aka. the “Frying Pan").

As on the “Frying Pan" the guitar features an electromagnetic "Horse-shoe-magnet"- pick-up, invented by Mr. Beauchamp. The company was issued a patent on the pick-up in 1937.

This instrument was assembled in England from parts supplied by Rickenbacher from California around 1935-6. Much of the instrument is the same as its American cousin, but there are fascinating differences as well. The pickup appears to be made of
Rickenbacher components but wound in England to different specifications ending up in a slightly variant English wound Rickenbacher 1 1/2 in. horseshoe pickup. The original hard-wired output cable has been replaced with a standard 1/4in. jack fitting.

The rectangular hardshell case is English, with different fittings from the American version. The metal headstock tag reads "Premiervox Electric Guitar, British Made" which is obviously not exactly the case."

by Luc Henzig

This particular 'Spanish' guitar is complete with the original additional metal nut piece which alows the guitar to be converted (nut raised) for Hawaiian playing.
Cosmetically, the bakelite is in good condition, though as with many of these the neck is slightly bowed due to the absence of any truss rod. The original Grover machine heads have some corrosion and need attention though they do work, one is slightly bent. Electronically the instrument works well and has a good output level.  The frets are in good condition. There is some light corrosion and scratching to the chromed metal plates, and one screw is absent.

Overall the instrument is in good condition for its age but would benefit from a set up and re-string before being used.

Now we turn to the case. The pink ex - Duran Duran Anvil Flightcase has clearly been on tour around the world with said band, though I am almost certain this Premiervox guitar was not their secret weapon live or the studio!!  The heavy duty Anvil roadcase was repurposed by the late owner (a touring guitar tech/roadie) as to best protect this historic instrument.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have and I will do my best to answer.

Collection preferred. Postage will be fully insured.