Alkire Eharp: anyone know how old?

Jeffrey McFadden · Post by **Jeffrey McFadden** » 27 Jul 2024 9:30 am

I bought an old Alkire Eharp here on the forum, and I wonder if anyone knows how to trace its history. I'm not a collector, but I'm quite curious. This guitar still works excellently - pickup is clear, no buzz even in a room full of tube amps. Volume control is still good. Tone control probably could do with a new cap, but I don't much care. Amazing instrument.
Serial number X62289. Alkire Eharp brand.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 27 Jul 2024 9:49 am

Jeffrey McFadden · Post by **Jeffrey McFadden** » 27 Jul 2024 9:54 am

Cool. Thanks. Where did you find that info? (Obviously you already had it, but I mean ...)

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 27 Jul 2024 10:45 am

There is a guy who maintains a list of Valco serial numbers. https://michaelmesser.proboards.com/ I found it on his site.

Jeffrey McFadden · Post by **Jeffrey McFadden** » 27 Jul 2024 4:53 pm

Cool. So Valco was the company who made them?

Noah Miller · Post by **Noah Miller** » 27 Jul 2024 4:59 pm

The earliest were made by Epiphone. Most were built by Valco, including this one.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 27 Jul 2024 5:22 pm

The original Epiphone model is the familiar lapsteel you've probably seen. About 200 made. Then Valco took over and produced 4 different models: one lap steel, two difference console models and even a double neck lapsteel. I've owned them all including the double neck. The one you have was the final model made and the one used for the double neck.