Electro String (Rickenbacker) started manufacturing bakelite guitars in 1933. Mostly square necked,  Hawaiian or ‘steel’ guitars, they also manufactured round neck, Spanish versions, the Model B. These were designed to be played as normal, fretted guitars.

Henri Selmer & Co. Ltd. sold Model B Spanish guitars in London, although it’s unclear if these were re-badged Rickenbachers, or if the were made under licence in England. The consensus of opinion is, probably the latter.

The Vibrola Spanish Guitar was invented by “Doc” Kauffman. It had an electric motor housed inside the (thicker than normal) body, which operated the vibrola tailpiece. Giving an “under-water” type sound. They were only manufactured for a relatively short period between December 1937 and October 1941. The tenor version below is exceedingly rare.

Pressed steel Hawaiian guitar production started in 1937. Manufactured from separate brass panels, the pieces were soldered together to form the instrument. They were usually filled with scrunched up newspapers, to help ease feedback. A cool feature which makes dating these instruments very easy.

Click on the thumbnails below to view full size images.