This is a fantastic piece of American mid-century steel guitar history: an early 1950s Valco-built Supro Comet 6-string lap steel, retrofitted with a rare vintage Rowe Industries StringTone mechanical tuning changer.

If you are looking for that classic 1950s warm, singing, high-output Valco tone combined with instant, on-the-fly key shifts, this is a uniquely complete rig.

The Instrument & Setup

• Condition: Very Good overall cosmetic and structural condition. The MOTS (Mother of Toilet Seat) pearloid finish shines beautifully with expected light vintage patina. Showcases some light cosmetic wear on the fingerboard area, including a faint line running down the treble side of the fret markers (likely residue left behind from an old student position guide once affixed to the board).
• Electronics: Original Valco string-through pickup—punchy, warm, highly dynamic, and full of vintage character. Includes the original attached cord.
• The Rowe StringTone: Installed at the tail block. The mechanical lever is currently calibrated and preset to flip between three popular open tunings: A Major, E Major, and C# Minor.
• Original Supro Badge: The original tailpiece logo was neatly removed to mount the StringTone unit. The original metal badge is included in the sale and can easily be reinstalled if you ever choose to restore the instrument to its factory configuration.

Documentation & Case

• Ultra-Rare StringTone Box & Papers: Includes the original 1950s Rowe Industries box and instruction/tuning documentation—an exceptional find for DeArmond/Rowe collectors that rarely survives with these units.
• Hardshell Case: Ships in its original 1950s hardshell case in good, fully functional condition with working latches and solid handle.

Highlights:

• Vintage Early 1950s Valco/Supro Comet Lap Steel
• Period-correct Rowe Industries StringTone Pitch Changer installed
• Lever preset to A Major / E Major / C# Minor
• Original Supro tailpiece logo included (uninstalled)
• Includes original StringTone box and vintage documentation
• Includes original cord and original hardshell case in good condition

See pics for details.

Message me with any other questions (I usually answer within 24 hours).