SOLD - Vintage Silvertone Lap-Steel - USA 1955-56

Lap steel guitars found their place in American music through the early to mid 20th century, particularly within Hawaiian, country, and early electric blues styles. Their horizontal playing position and sliding technique gave players a completely different way to approach phrasing and tone, with a smooth, vocal like quality that set them apart from standard fretted instruments.

By the mid 1950s, brands like Silvertone were bringing these instruments to a wider audience. Sold through Sears, Silvertone instruments were designed to be accessible and affordable, offering working players and beginners a way into electric instruments without the higher price tags of major manufacturers. Despite that, many of these guitars were well built and have since become appreciated for their character and simplicity.

This Silvertone 1310 lap steel, produced between 1955 and 1956, is a great example from that period. It retains its original pearloid finish, which remains intact and gives the instrument its distinctive look. The original pickup cover is also present, adding to its originality.

Lap steels are typically set up in open tunings rather than standard guitar tuning, allowing for full chord voicings with a straight bar. Common setups include C6 for a more traditional Hawaiian and jazz leaning sound, as well as open E or open D for blues and rock styles. The simplicity of the layout makes them approachable, while still offering plenty of depth depending on how the player chooses to tune and voice the instrument.

In the hands it delivers the direct, singing tone lap steels are known for, with a clear attack and smooth sustain that suits both traditional styles and more experimental playing.

Overall, it stands as a well preserved piece from a time when instruments like this were opening up new ways of playing and new sounds for musicians.

Specs:

Model: Silvertone 1310 Lap Steel

Year: Circa 1955–1956

Finish: Pearloid

Pickup: Original single coil

Hardware: Original pickup cover

Case: Original hard shell case

Crafted in: USA