What is this? Rebranded Oahu?? other?

Mark Evans · Post by **Mark Evans** » 27 Dec 2024 9:04 am

In my quest to find a second sorta-vintage lap steel (w/long scale, string-thru, 6 strings) I came across this… but it has some mysterious elements - the least of which is the whack a-doodle finish.

Can anyone chime in or opine ?

(Side note: I’m still open to a trade - my Lazy River teardrop Weiss for a lap steel)

Noah Miller · Post by **Noah Miller** » 27 Dec 2024 9:28 am

I've been looking at that for a while. My final, omniscient, definitive answer is: I don't know.

It appears to have the bridge plate from an Oahu, but the body shape is just a bit off. The fretboard and headstock are much further off, not to mention the finish.

David Venzke · Post by **David Venzke** » 27 Dec 2024 9:57 am

It's a kludge of some sort. I asked for an under the hood (pickup cover removed) photo ... it didn't look pretty to me. It may be a salvageable body though.

Mark Evans · Post by **Mark Evans** » 27 Dec 2024 10:24 am

David Venzke wrote:It's a kludge of some sort. I asked for an under the hood (pickup cover removed) photo ... it didn't look pretty to me. It may be a salvageable body though.

I concur
Seller sent me pics under the hood…
Unrecognizable (def not string thru), chunked out body cavity… almost looks like a modified humbucker.

And the body looks like it has chunks of kosher salt sprinkled in the finish

Second opinions help

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 27 Dec 2024 10:45 am

Appearance would indicate it's Chicagoan. From Regal, perhaps?

Frank James Pracher · Post by **Frank James Pracher** » 27 Dec 2024 12:52 pm

I've actually seen a few of these over the years... and old bandmate of mine owns one. The couple I've had a chance to look at up close both had what appeared to be a Kay pickup.. Oahu bridge and body... even the case was the same as my Oahu Tonemasters. I always wondered if someone bought a lot of Tonemaster bodies and finished them off...

Noah Miller · Post by **Noah Miller** » 27 Dec 2024 12:53 pm

It's not from any of the big Chicago factories.

Frank James Pracher · Post by **Frank James Pracher** » 27 Dec 2024 12:57 pm

Interesting side note... the one currently on REVERB is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The other two are here in MI as well...

Maybe they were put together locally...

For what it's worth. The ones I've got my hands on played fine, but the pickup was pretty thin sounding... nothing like my Tonemasters.

John Keefe · Post by **John Keefe** » 27 Dec 2024 3:11 pm

If it has a 26 inch scale I would say it's an Oahu Diana, although the headstock is not native. I figure the pickup has been replaced, but my old Diana has a bobbin with two circular magnets beneath. Also, the headstock on mine is shaped like a Harmony.

JK