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Topic: Alkire Ten String Steel Guitar |
Roger Rajotte
From:
British Columbia, Canada
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Posted 13 May 2024 10:26 am |
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Alkire ten string steel guitar. Era is mid 1940’s to mid 1950’s with serial # X62289. Built by Epiphone which was later purchased by its rival Gibson in 1957 according to the history I found.
Eddie Alkire came up with a unique ten string tuning which paved the way into the “Alkire E-Harp” branding. History describes that Alkire involved Rickenbacher in the late 30’s with a “one off” pre-production ten string steel which never got into full production possibly due to WW-2.
Epiphone started manufacturing ten string steels for Alkire in the late 1940’s. Other manufactures under a variety of names like Valco, National, Gibson, Supro and Oahu were also involved in producing the E-Harp brand.
This Epiphone version is in average to good playing condition and refitted with newer “tuner buttons” on original Kluson tuners otherwise I believe everything else is original. Install a new set of ten strings in C6th or E9th.
The original case has taken a beating however still provides adequate protection for this steel and and storage for the telescopic legs @ 70 years young. The players wrist rest was a novel innovation back then. This steel plays well and sounds great and provides a nice lightweight package minus
pedals and leavers for practice.
Send me your regular email if interested for pictures as I have a terrible time loading files thru the SGF. Asking $795.00 plus $65.00 shipping in the lower 48 states including Hawaii.
Any forum member would like add or correct any info is appreciated. |
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David Renson
From:
Louisiana, USA
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Posted 18 May 2024 2:31 pm
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The serial number posted, x62289 is a Valco serial number from 1956, not an Epiphone. The Epiphone Eharps had a 3 digit serial number ranging for 101 to 371, the last being made in 1950. Valco made many instruments and amps for National, Supro, Oahu, Sears Silvertone and others. I have an Epi Eharp #330 and 3 different Valco Eharps. They are ALL good instruments.
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MajorBacon |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 18 May 2024 4:50 pm
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Well, I bought one of those Alkire 10 Strings steel Guitar! And I sold it, here yrs ago. I'm sorry I sold it. Because I like it, a lot.
Oh Well...I have Jesus; and that's all that Matters; at age 92 old! Amen.
C.
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A broken heart + † = a new heart. |
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