LAP Steel advice (Commodore)

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smallface
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Re: LAP Steel advice (Commodore)

Post by smallface »

Hi guys,

Yes it's a Commodore for sure.

https://steelguitarforum.com/Forum2/HTML/007742.html

Dharmajester pm'd :-)
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Re: LAP Steel advice (Commodore)

Post by Timoes »

Commodore steel guitars were manufactured between 1945 and 1966 by Bunny Milne, trading as Milton Products and distributed NZ. wide by Western Enterprises.The guitar in question, celluloid covered caste aluminium body, was produced between 1956 and 1963 and was the third design change. Bunny was a sheetmetal worker by trade and used this skill to enhance his guitars. He made his own dies and did his own metal pressings, the string anchor pick up cover plate was caste by a foundry and Bunny did all his pre-plating metal polishing.

The first stel guitars were six string with our native rimu timber body, black polish, chrome on copper fittings, vertical controls and inlaid frets. Later, anodised aluminium fretboards were used on this and subsequent models. The second model, an eight string guitar, again rimu body, black polish and chrome fittings had the controls mounted horizontally and roller operated, the rollers only just protruding above the body surface. It was this model that Bill Wolfgramm used on all his recordings and radio work, using a Commodore 3 valve, 8" Rola speaker amplifier for clarity and tone. Cosmetic differences allowed the same guitar to be sold as "Royal" or "Milton" for specific shop outlets and this policy continued. The 3rd. model is the one being enquired about, the 4th., was clear laquered mahogany, still the anodised fretboard, two pick ups with a mix of either or both and a much more sedate appearance.

The advent of rock'n roll gave Bunny the incentive to design and manufacture a solid body rhythm guitar, he took up factory space, employed staff and commenced production. Severe import restrictions made musical instruments almost a prohibited import, but it was double edged, guitar parts were also difficult. The business expanded to bass guitars, accessories and amplifiers in spite of difficulties. There was continual improvement in body and pick up dsign to a semi-acoustic which was endorsed by the top players and as one put it, " Boy! This thing is alive." This instrument was Bunny's pride and joy but before he could recover his considerable outlay on heated moulds and formers, a change of government lifted all import restrictions and a flood of cheap Japanese imports killed manufacturing in New Zealand. Bunny retired, once again to a basement workshop, made a few more semis and maintained a repair service for the shops
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Re: LAP Steel advice (Commodore)

Post by smallface »

It's the 4th model I'm sure.
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Re: LAP Steel advice (Commodore)

Post by corsair »

There is no sort of aberrant behaviour that cannot be modified by use of the correct ammunition!

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