Slingerland’s Historic Leap: The Songster Model 401 Electric Guitar

The story of the electric guitar features many renowned names, but one often overlooked is Slingerland. While the brand is primarily known today for its drums, particularly the iconic Radio King set from the 1930s, Slingerland began its journey in the 1920s as a manufacturer of affordable banjos. This evolution led to the creation of the Songster Model 401 in 1936, a significant milestone in the history of electric guitars.

The Songster Model 401 is frequently recognized as one of the first solidbody electric guitars that resembles modern designs. Currently featured for sale as serial #132 on Reverb through Retrofret Vintage Guitars, this instrument stands out in a market filled with electric archtops and flattops. By the mid-1930s, several brands had already begun attaching pickups to acoustic guitars, but the Songster was unique in its construction and design.

While Rickenbacker had introduced its frying pan lap steel guitar in 1931 and a plastic-bodied Bakelite guitar in 1935, the Songster’s solid wood body marked a significant step forward. The Model 401 featured a neck-through design, crafted from poplar and adorned with a stunning flamed maple veneer, finished with a sunburst coating.

Design and Features of the Songster Model 401

The dimensions of the Songster Model 401 are notable; it measures 15.25 inches in length and 11.5 inches in width at the lower bout, making it comparatively smaller than the large archtops of its time. Weighing in at over 7 pounds, the guitar feels closer to a lightweight Telecaster than its contemporaries. The instrument features a D-shaped neck with a comfortable 12-inch radius and a 25-inch scale length.

In terms of electronics, the Songster’s pickup design is particularly intriguing. Mounted on a single plate akin to a Stratocaster’s pickguard, it incorporates a volume and tone control, all secured to the body. According to Lynn Wheelwright in “The Pinecaster Collection,” the Songster pickup utilized six individual pole pieces, one for each string. These pole pieces were connected to elongated coils, energized by a horseshoe magnet, producing an effect similar to that of a modern humbucker.

When it was first released, the Songster Model 401, paired with its amplifier, was priced at $135. Adjusted for inflation, this would be approximately $3,000 today. Its innovative solid wood construction, coupled with its aesthetic appeal and modern features, made it a forward-thinking instrument for its era. Unfortunately, production ceased by 1940, with only a limited number of units ever made, which has contributed to its rarity and value today.

The Legacy and Current Market for the Songster Model 401

Today, collectors can find the Songster Model 401 priced between its original inflation-adjusted value and $9,000. The featured listing at $5,950 on Reverb illustrates that while the guitar is highly sought after, it remains accessible for those looking to own a piece of electric guitar history.

The Slingerland Songster Model 401 is a testament to the innovative spirit of the 1930s, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the electric guitar. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this instrument not only represents a significant advancement in design but also embodies a rich legacy that continues to influence modern music. As the electric guitar landscape evolves, the Songster remains a remarkable example of early ingenuity and craftsmanship.