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Vintage 1930s Weissenborn Hawaiian Style 1 Teardrop Koa Lap Steel With Soft Shell Case

SKU 84WEI000
Save 7% Save 7%
Original price $ 4,299.99
Original price $ 4,299.99 - Original price $ 4,299.99
Original price $ 4,299.99
Current price $ 3,999.99
$ 3,999.99 - $ 3,999.99
Current price $ 3,999.99

Used and Vintage Acoustic Guitars

 We are proud to present a very cool vintage piece that is sure to get attention - it's a Weissenborn Hawaiian lap steel, built in the early 1930's.  These can be hard to find, and even harder to score in such excellent condition.  This was recently brought to us by a local professional player and collector.  It's a great example of what Weissenboard was making during this era.  This is the Style 1 model, known as the "Teardrop", made out of beautiful koa.


The Teardrop is an unofficial name given by collectors, as there is no known documentation of this body shape.  It's a variation of the Weissenborn Style 1 - koa construction, no binding, single dot fretmarkers, three inlaid rings around the soundhole and no upper bout.  Key dimensions are the same otherwise.  Teardrops have only been seen with Style 1 appointments or even a little plainer (never with the fanciness of Styles 2, 3 and 4).  This version has a tailpiece similar to those seen on Harmony and Supertone guitars of the period, and a pinless batwing bridge (no bridge pin or endpin holes were drilled).  Waverly tuners with notched plates correlate with other guitars circa 1933.

How does it sound?  Flat out amazing.  It has a beautifully smooth midrange presence, warm but present top end clarity, and round but not boomy low-end.  It's a great showcase for why most Hawaiian lapsteels built these days are based on it. With its all Hawaiian Koa construction, it has a pleasing presence and projection that fits into a mix perfectly.   This Style 1 Teardrop embodies the tonally resonant and sought after sonic richness of these classic, all Koa Hawaiian steels. 


It comes with a vintage style case that fits, but don't worry - if we are shipping this instrument, it will be well-packed and protected beyond what the case provides.

For those that know what a Weissenborn is, and know how to play one, this is a serious find.  This guitar is rare, even among Weissenborns, and would be extremely hard to replace.  There were some minor crack repairs done over the years, and obvious wear, as to be expected with an instrument that is around 90 years old.  Make it yours and take it across the 100 year mark!