| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Oahu Iolana
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Oahu Iolana
Bob McEvoy

 

From:
Delaware, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jun 2018 11:06 am    
Reply with quote

How can one determine the model of an Oahu Iolana? I have the one pictured but cannot find a model number. It was purchased in the late 50's, I think new.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bill Sinclair


From:
Waynesboro, PA, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jun 2018 11:35 am    
Reply with quote

Most Valco products have a serial number plate on the backside. Your's would probably start with a V or an X. If you can find it, here's the webpage to look it up:

http://www.oldfrets.com/Valco/Dating.html

Wow, two stringtones mounted. I guess that means you can get six different quick tunings from this double neck!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bob McEvoy

 

From:
Delaware, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jun 2018 11:50 am     Oahu Iolana
Reply with quote

Thanks for that information. I found the serial number X25409. Which tells me it was built in 1950. So, my parents bought it used. I think we paid $250 (based on faulty memories).
Yes - There are 6 tunings.
Ron Dearth claimed to own the patent on those changers and I remember seeing his prototype model.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bill Groner


From:
QUAKERTOWN, PA
Post  Posted 21 Jun 2018 12:02 pm    
Reply with quote

That sure is a beautiful guitar.
_________________
Currently own, 6 Groner-tone lap steels, one 1953 Alamo Lap steel, Roland Cube, Fender Champion 40
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bob McEvoy

 

From:
Delaware, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jun 2018 3:47 pm     Oa
Reply with quote

Thanks! It doesn't get played enough. Playing Dobro mostly.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
John Dahms

 

From:
Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA
Post  Posted 21 Jun 2018 5:36 pm    
Reply with quote

I had one for a few years. The tuners really messed with my head. Check out the low bass string goes to the last tuner on the 1st neck.
_________________
Time flies like an eagle
Fruit flies like a banana.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron