{"product_id":"vintage-silvertone-lap-steel-1955-1956","title":"SOLD - Vintage Silvertone Lap-Steel - USA 1955-56","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"499\"\u003eLap 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"931\"\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"1212\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1648\"\u003eLap 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1830\"\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"1981\"\u003eOverall, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1983\" data-end=\"1989\"\u003eSpecs:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2025\"\u003eModel: Silvertone 1310 Lap Steel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2027\" data-end=\"2050\"\u003eYear: Circa 1955–1956\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2052\" data-end=\"2070\"\u003eFinish: Pearloid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2072\" data-end=\"2102\"\u003ePickup: Original single coil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2137\"\u003eHardware: Original pickup cover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2171\"\u003eCase: Original hard shell case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2173\" data-end=\"2190\"\u003eCrafted in: USA\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Silvertone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46925244498073,"sku":"26069","price":695.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0283\/1905\/6012\/files\/26069-1.webp?v=1778461548","url":"https:\/\/www.premierguitars.com.au\/products\/vintage-silvertone-lap-steel-1955-1956","provider":"Premier Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}