Vintage Guyatone HG-306 Lap Steel - 1960/1970s

Guyatone was one of the early Japanese builders helping shape the post war electric guitar market, producing a wide range of instruments through the 1960s and 70s. Their lap steels in particular drew clear influence from American designs of the time, offering similar styling and tone in a more accessible format.

The HG 306C sits right in that space. Produced in the late 1960s to early 1970s, it carries a look reminiscent of Fender’s Stringmaster style instruments, with a solid body design and a straightforward control layout.

Fitted with dual single coil pickups, it delivers a bright, clear response with that characteristic “shimmery” attack lap steels are known for. The master volume and tone controls, along with slider style pickup selectors, give it a good range of usable sounds while keeping things simple.

In use it has a lively, immediate feel, with a strong attack and smooth sustain that suits traditional lap steel playing as well as more modern approaches. It’s a tone that sits well in a mix without becoming overly heavy.

These Guyatone instruments are often compared to other Japanese builders of the era such as Teisco, with a reputation for being well made and consistent, while still carrying their own distinct character.

Overall, it stands as a solid example from this period, with both player appeal and vintage character.

Specs:

Model: Guyatone HG 306C Lap Steel

Year: Circa late 1960s to early 1970s

Body: Solid wood

Finish: White

Pickups: 2 × single coil

Controls: Master volume, master tone, slider pickup selectors

Bridge: Adjustable

Case: OHSC

Crafted in: Japan