Magnatone Mark III Deluxe 1958 - Sunburst Lacquer

The Magnatone Mark III was the company's first entry into the 1950's solidbody stakes -- this is the much rarer two-pickup version, the Magnatone Mk III Deluxe.

The original 1956-7 design of these guitars was sourced from Paul Bigsby, who at the time had just phased out personally building electric Spanish guitars in favor of pedal steels and marketing his signature Bigsby vibrato. By the time this one was built around 1958 the Mark III had been re-designed from a neck-through body to a set-neck instrument, which was easier to build.

• The two great-looking pickups are mounted into a Formica-topped pickguard, controlled by a 3-way switch and a single tone and volume control.
• The nut is aluminum, and the unique bridge/tailpiece unit has a "cast Beryllium" saddle that adjust for height and intonation with screws mounted through the cover.
• This is a great sounding and good playing instrument, similar to the early Harmony Stratotones in feel but definitely built to a higher standard.
• Overall length is 36 3/8 in. (92.4 cm.), 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
• All original with some general wear and tear but no modifications or any major repair:There are notable chips to the finish all along the body and headstock edges.
  The neck finish also has some chips, and an area of wear on the treble side of the neck at the first position that goes into the wood.
  The original serial number plate is intact, pinned to the back of the headstock.
  The frets and fingerboard show some light wear though the instrument plays very well.
  A nice example of this very rare 1950's solidbody
  Purchase includes original hard case which is in decent shape and working order
  
• Note:Given the 64 years of age on this guitar, the original tuning buttons are showing some severe degradation (as pictured) -- either the buttons or replacement tuners will need to be added.  This guitar will ship with some buttons or new tuning units can be purchased.