A very unusual and rare LeiLani Lap Steel, all wood with early pickup and contract jack. Likely made for the Leilani brand by the Southern California/Dickerson–Fator manufacturing operation. it is earlier than the familiar Magnatone/Leilani pearloid steels.
Specifications
6-string electric lap steel
Solid/wood mahogany guitar-shaped body
Dark brown sunburst finish, rather than pearloid/MOTS covering
Square neck design
Distinctive Leilani script decal
Elaborate Hawaiian palm-tree/island headstock artwork
Six individual, period-style open-back tuners Patent Number Safe Ti-String with replaced buttons
Wooden fretboard with simple dot markers
Early-style bridge/pickup/control arrangement
No later Magnatone serial-number plate visible
Dimensions: 33.5” long, 10” wide
Custom volume and tone Bakelite knobs with stamped metal surrounds
Early contact jack versus later 1/4'“ jack
The historical record supports an early Leilani connection with Delbert Dickerson's Southern California operation. Dickerson was producing lap steels in the 1930s and later supplied instruments under various brand names, including Leilani. The company was acquired by Gaston Fator in 1944 and subsequently became associated with Magna Electronics/Magnatone.
This piece is in very good to excellent condition. No case.
A very unusual and rare LeiLani Lap Steel, all wood with early pickup and contract jack. Likely made for the Leilani brand by the Southern California/Dickerson–Fator manufacturing operation. it is earlier than the familiar Magnatone/Leilani pearloid steels.
Specifications
6-string electric lap steel
Solid/wood mahogany guitar-shaped body
Dark brown sunburst finish, rather than pearloid/MOTS covering
Square neck design
Distinctive Leilani script decal
Elaborate Hawaiian palm-tree/island headstock artwork
Six individual, period-style open-back tuners Patent Number Safe Ti-String with replaced buttons
Wooden fretboard with simple dot markers
Early-style bridge/pickup/control arrangement
No later Magnatone serial-number plate visible
Dimensions: 33.5” long, 10” wide
Custom volume and tone Bakelite knobs with stamped metal surrounds
Early contact jack versus later 1/4'“ jack
The historical record supports an early Leilani connection with Delbert Dickerson's Southern California operation. Dickerson was producing lap steels in the 1930s and later supplied instruments under various brand names, including Leilani. The company was acquired by Gaston Fator in 1944 and subsequently became associated with Magna Electronics/Magnatone.
This piece is in very good to excellent condition. No case.
