Magnatone Leilani / Varsity* Lap Steels
with matching amps.
Sky blue pearloid MOTS

~ Both Sets' Index Page ~

*(Magnatone Steels and Amps were widely marketed and often not labeled with a model name or number while some were.  The model of the Steels on this page have been marketed as both Leilani and Varsity models, while I've never seen these amp models marketed as anything but Leilanis).

DENNY'S NOTE:  By far, I have played these little Mots Maggies more than any other Steel Guitar.  They are very light, carry effortlessly and play and sound just terrific.  I have 2 slightly different sets of these I can mix and match to suit your desires (more info on mix-matching further below).  Both Steels are identical except that bad tuners on one have been removed, while the other Steel needs tuner button knobs.  One amp has a chrome "refrigerator" handle while the other has a wide-spanning plastic handle.  Both amps have the palm tree and sailboat motiff printed on the speaker grill cloth;   The grill cloth printing on the one shown here is in Excellent condition, while the other amps is quite worn.

Better than grits and poi to swoon yer Hula Girl's heart and scrooples away !
Specs and Info:

THE STEEL GUITARS:

Steel #1:

--Magnatone Leilani model. (Sometimes marketed as Varsity model).
--Serial number: 12905.
--Magnatone logo decal on headstock in Excellent condition.
--Steel blade bridge (bettern than folded light metal on some Varsity
models).
--Kluson Deluxe tuners in excellent condition except plastic button knobs
are disentigrated.
--Scale Length 22.5"
--String spacing: 3/8" nut;  7/16" bridge.

Both of the Leilani Steels are the exact same model.

One of the Steels needs only the tuner knob-buttons replaced; Common / typical crumbling deterioriation of the old plastic buttons.  In case you are not aware, replacing the buttons is a common and not-too-difficult a job for a person reasonably handy with hand tools and minor repairs.  I can give you the sources for them with full instructions there.

The other Steel #2 is identical but needs complete tuning machines and volume and tone pots.

The rest of both guitars are in Excellent condition.  Except for the said issues, the Steels are all-original.  The only mark I can find is a slight stain about half the area of a dime where a small piece of scotch tape was stuck to the bottom edge at one time (I've seen that a number of times and recognize it);  Probably picked up un-noticed and stored away with the guitar for a long time, leaving a slight tan stain.  I have found that wiping with a dishwasing machine gel soap & water solution usually takes such stains out.  Except for much less than normal use / wear,
there are no other marks on the guitar that would warrant mention.  Metal corrosion is very minimal.

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THE AMPLIFIERS:

--Leilani model.  Serial number 13054 (#1) and 45727 (#2);  1947 and 1953 respectively.
--Original Hawaiian scenery grill cloth; #1 in Excellent-or-better condition; Darkened by age.  PROFESSIONAL dry cleaners can remove dust and discoloration without removing grill cloth from amp.
--2 inputs.
--Volume control w/ on-off switch.
--35Z5 tube rectifier.
--12SL7 preamp tube.
--Single-ended, class A power 50L6 Beam Power tube.
--Original 8" Oxford model 75K (not ohms) speaker.

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I HAVE 2 OF THESE AMPS.  BOTH NEED WORK.
AMP #1 NEEDS A NEW FILTER CAP "CAN" (problem: 2/10 60 cycle hum);
THE OTHER AMP #2 NEEDS TO BE TROUBLESHOOTED AND REPAIRED.
INFO ABOUT BOTH AMPS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND LINKED BELOW

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I will mix and match either of the two sets shown here, or mix and match their major componants to make up a best set or to suit someone's desires .....for around $500.

I will also do such mix-matching for a best set and sell the very restorable remaining set for $350.

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Amp #1:  SOLD
ce. 1947; White Bakelite Handle; Nice Hawaiian grill cloth motiff; Needs filter cap and chassis clean-up.
:
Amp #2:  Still Available
  1953; Refrigerator handle; Needs electronics troubleshooting, repair and chassis cleanup.

Matching Steel Guitar #1  SOLD
ce. 1947 --- Needs tuner buttons.

Matching Steel Guitar #2  Still Available
1953 --- Needs Tuners and Vol. & Tone pots.

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PLEASE NOTE:  I no longer do amplifier repair;
But see examples of my work on guitars and amp cleanups here.

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If you do not have a reasonable understanding of electronics and amps:
ll  PLEASE READ MY ADVICE ABOUT PURCHASING AMPS  ll

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