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Slingerland/May Bell Stringed Instruments

I am currently searching for information about instruments produced by the Slingerland Musical Instrument Company of Chicago, IL. I have hopes to collect enough information to be able to put together a book that will give an accurate picture of the production of their stringed instrument line. There currently exists very little information about this.

Specifically, I’m interested in the Slingerland line of guitars, mandolins, and lap steels (Songster and Nite Hawk models). Also, Marvel and May Bell guitars (many models) and lap steels. Other instruments may have been made as well — they started out as a ukulele company, but the only ukuleles that I have ever seen were all May Bell banjo ukuleles, but I know that they produced wooden models as well.

PLEASE NOTE: I am not looking for information about banjos or drums — these have both been documented already, the banjos somewhat, the drums in great detail by Rob Cook.

I am interested in any and all information that may be available. It is unlikely that very many of the people who worked at Slingerland in the 20’s and 30’s are still alive, but their relatives might have information that was handed down to them. Such things as descriptions of the instruments made, descriptions of work in the factory, whether or not they were made in-house or made by Harmony and Regal and shipped to the Slingerland factory for assembly and finishing; how many instruments were produced, pictures of the factory, pictures of instruments, pictures of people with the instruments, etc.

I am also a collector of these instruments and would be interested to know if there are other collectors as well. On the website listed below, I have a “wanted” and “for sale” section, as well as an area where I will be glad to post pictures of various instruments that people have.

I am willing to travel if necessary to conduct interviews, view/copy pictures, photograph instruments, purchase instruments, etc. I am located 60 miles West of Chicago, IL in DeKalb, IL.

Thank you in advance for any assistance that you can give! Dave “DK” Kolars

99 thoughts on “Slingerland/May Bell Stringed Instruments”

  1. Slingerland May belle guitar
    David C.

    I acquired a Maybelke guitar this summer. (23) it’s complete tho in kind of roughshape . The birch top is rippled ,missing back brace stained MoT fretboard.needs fretjob if not new frets Its 12 fret body and size Ed like a small Martin , im thinking mid20s to early 30s , fret marker at 9 and the gears on the headstick are reversed.
    I’m thinking to remove and reflated the birch SB or replace with a cedar or spruce top , spruce being the preference.
    Then attend to the other deficiencies .
    Expressions of interest are welcome. Located in Gravenhurst Ont.
    David
    http://Www.muskokaguitars.com

  2. Slingerland Nighthawk Maybell Guitar
    Carl

    I have a Slingerland Nighthawk Maybell guitar and am wondering if anybody knows what they are worth? I see pictures of these guitars but yet never see one that has both names nighthawk and maybell engraved in the head piece. Is that real gold flakes or just glitter?
    I know the condition makes a lot of difference in the price and this one needs a little work on the fret board. Other than that it is in pretty good shape for how old it is. Yes i do want to sell it. My phone # is 250 260 6096 in Vernon B.C. Canada

    1. May Bell Nitehawk
      Steve Eddy/Blue Room Guitars

      Doing some follow up work on a few May Bell models…I’ve been looking for other “Nitehawk” models as I have a “Recording” Nitehawk. I’m wondering if they have any comparisons.

  3. Slingerland May Bell Ukulele Banjo
    Dave George

    I have a May Bell Ukulele Banjo, with a Serial Number 026 ‘burnt’ into the central spar, together with ‘Slingerland’
    On the head is MayBell with two stars each side of the name. Its in first class original condition and was once owned by a British Army Officer, Lt-Colonel A.C.E. Caiger, who had it shipped out to Multan (now in Pakistan) in 1928.
    Comments please!

  4. May Bell Jumbo 74
    anonymous

    I have owned this guitar for many years with out knowing much about it. Any information on this unusual May Bell would be greatly appreciated.

  5. Slingerland Songster
    Musicdog

    Hi Dave, I have a SS very cool looking in a flight case, that I would very much like to sell. Seems to be in good shape, straight neck, playable, cool inlays on head. I need to get $300, can send pics. I live in Tx if you travel this direction. Thanx,Casey

  6. i really would like to know how much my maybell is worth.
    Anonymous

    Hi I was wondering if anyone can help me out. My grandfather handed me down his old maybell guitar and I have no idea what it coould be worth. He bought it used when he was 12 wich was back in the 40s and it doesn’t have any numbers or stickers on it. It is solid wood and has a fancey ring around the sound whole. If anyone one knows please let me know how much it could be worth!

    1. 1930s May Bell Guitar
      Carol

      #1…Why doesn’t ANYONE reply to the questions posted??

      I have a May Bell Guitar (1930s I believe).

      The only markings are at the head of the guitar…”May-Belle”. My mom was given this as a gift many, many years ago.

      Without having $500 to have it appraised, can ANYONE tell me ‘ballpark’, what this guitar may be worth?

      Thx!

  7. Slingerland Diamond Fret markers
    Jimmy War

    My VG Condition 1920’s 6 string parlor has no model or serial visable.
    Slingerland MGFG Co chicago USA inside.
    I would like to find a better home for her.
    she sounds like “one of a kind” possible early production. Diamonds instead of dots.

  8. may bell
    john powell

    I have a metal disc top may bell , looks like a slide dobro, from grand father from 1920,s was wondering if anyone knows the worth . in great shape.

  9. May Bell guitars
    Bob

    I recently found several old May Bell guitars at an estate sale. On the last day of the sale everything was 50% off. I passed up 2 old May Bell f-hole guitars that were in great condition. I could have gotten one for $50 and the other for $37.50. Now that I have done some research, I could kick myself for passing on these. Even though I know guitars, I did not know enough about the May Bells.

  10. May Bell guitars
    Bob

    I recently found several old May Bell guitars at an estate sale. On the last day of the sale everything was 50% off. I passed up 2 old May Bell f-hole guitars that were in great condition. I could have gotten one for $50 and the other for $37.50. Now that I have done some research, I could kick myself for passing on these. Even though I know guitars, I did not know enough about the May Bells.

  11. May Bell mandolin
    Mike Walker

    I just opened a music store in Fort Qu’Appelle sask Canada and I have acquired a May Bell mandolin. It is in rough shape as the side has come unglued at the seam at the bottom. It has an oval hole and looks much like the one in the 1936 catalogue on this site. When I get it back from the repair shop I will send a picture

    1. May Bell Mandolin
      Leon

      I recently found a old May Bell Mandolin. I would like to find out more information on it. It has a oval sound hole and a flat back. The cut on the neck by the hole is S-shaped. I cannot find a serial number or any other information on it. If you could help me that would be great. Thanks.

    2. may bell mandolin price
      fenderhed

      Hi.. i wanted to know how much u paid for the may bell 1936.?

      : I just opened a music store in Fort Qu’Appelle sask Canada and I have acquired a May Bell mandolin. It is in rough shape as the side has come unglued at the seam at the bottom. It has an oval hole and looks much like the one in the 1936 catalogue on this site. When I get it back from the repair shop I will send a picture

  12. Slingerland MayBell Guitar Style 1, Size 0
    Art Mullen

    I inherited my Uncle Dan’s 1920’s Slingerland MayBell Guitar Style 1, Size 0. It needs a lot of work but I found a guy who’s been in the guitar repair business for 35 years and says he will restore to new condition (and warranty it for life) for about $400. Does anyone one know the value of this guitar….will it be worth the $400 restoration cost? Any information you can provide is appreciated.

  13. slingerland ,maybell
    lee

    l purchased a maybell,slingerland guitar project. its like the model 74 jumbo but slightly smaller. it has a all rosewood body ,mahogany neck, rosewood finger board. the body is highly figuered . it needed a lot of work somebody repaired it with hot glue (idiot) . so it had to come apart . but its turned out really nice and a keeper.its the only one l have with arched top and round hole .

  14. Slingerland guitars
    Joe S

    Hi, i have a slingerland guitar. there are no markings on it other than the name on the headstock. It looks very similar to a grover deluxe i found on ebay but it has a different tailpiece. im curious to know what its worth and any thing else you may know about it. thanks

  15. May Bell wooden ukulele
    eeej

    I recently(today, actually) acquired a May Bell soprano uke on an online auction site. I’m no expert, but it sure looks like a Harmony to me… There’s lotsa pix on eBay if you search completed listings. If you have any ? or would like some images of it, please feel free…I love what you’re doing here.

  16. Slingeerland Songsters Guitar from the 1930's
    Sondra

    My father use to play professionally in the big band era. He played at the main night club in down town Cleveland, Ohio in the 1930 and 1940’s and was the lead singer and guitar player. I still have his guitar and music. I have no idea of its value. It plays perfect and is in great condition. If you are interested in any other information contact me back.

  17. MAY BELL GUITAR
    DEAN ZUG

    DAVE: I HAVE A MAY BELL GUITAR COMING UP IN AN AUCTION IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I WILL SEND A PHOTO ASAP. THE STRINGS APPEAR TO HAVE THE SPACING OF A CLASSICAL MODEL. DO YOU KNOW IF THEY MADE A CLASSICAL GUITAR? IT IS IN THE ORIGINAL CASE WHICH OPENS ON THE BOTTOM. ANY INFO YOU HAVE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS, DEAN

  18. Antique May-Bell w/ Young Roy Rogers Decal on it
    RJ

    My Grandfather handed down a small spanish May-Bell guitar that my dad (when he was young) put on it a decal of Roy Rogers and Trigger, when he was starting in films. The guitar must be over 55 years old.
    It has a rounded head, ivory machine thumbs and ivory neck spots, decaled plain soundhole rings and an ivory soundhole inner-ring.
    I would be interested in hearing from you, I might be able to dig more info about this guitar. Tx RJ

  19. May Bell Slingerland Guitar
    Dean Philbrick

    I have a May Bell Slingerland Guitar in excelent condition. I am having trouble finding out how much it is worth. It has a sold peg head.

    1. Re: May Bell Slingerland Guitar
      Mark S. Bianco

      : I have a May Bell Slingerland Guitar in excelent condition. I am having trouble finding out how much it is worth. It has a sold peg head.

      I just cleaned up my dad’s late ’30s nitehawk and was wondering the same thing. It appears the better ones are going for $2K. I also have a slingerland banjo, circa early ’30’s.

    2. Re: May Bell Slingerland Guitar
      Dean Philbrick

      : I have a May Bell Slingerland Guitar style 0 in excellent condition. I am having trouble finding out how much it is worth, how old It is, and how did they get so much volume out of a small guitar? It has a sold peg head. What a great instrument, this thing rings like a bell.

    1. Re: Maybell Slingerland Banjo-ukulele
      Keith Wood

      : I own and play an early 20’s Maybel Slingerland banjo Ukulele. I’m looking for some info about it. Does any exist?

      : Andrew

      hi, i have a maybell slingerlander. sorry but i am trying to find out about mine. it is signed by someone rogers jrn. i can’t work out the first name of the signiture. it has made in u.s.a. if you did find anything out could you let me know and if i can find out anything i will let you know. cheers keith.

      1. Re: Maybell Slingerland Banjo-ukulele
        XKarenX

        : : I own and play an early 20’s Maybel Slingerland banjo Ukulele. I’m looking for some info about it. Does any exist?

        : : Andrew

        : hi, i have a maybell slingerlander. sorry but i am trying to find out about mine. it is signed by someone rogers jrn. i can’t work out the first name of the signiture. it has made in u.s.a. if you did find anything out could you let me know and if i can find out anything i will let you know. cheers keith.
        ——————————–
        Some info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjo_ukulele

        and here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slingerland_Drum_Company

    1. Re: may bell slingerland guitar
      Mark Bianco

      : My father found a may bell guitar at a garage sale and wanted to see what the value of it is. thank you

      I have an old Slingerland NiteHawk circa early ’30s and I’m wondering the same thing.

    1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Carl Van Gundy
      Carl Van Gundy

      I am in the posession of a Slingerland guitar. My wife’s dad had bought this guitar used in the 1930’S and had used it a lot as one can tell buy the fret board being used all thr way up to the 8th and 9th fret. Now my question is, I find that it looks a lot like a model 83, but has nitehawk inlaid in the top of the tunner head instead of slingerland and has may bell inlaid on the bottom of the tuner head instead of nitehawk as shown in the differant pictures that I find on the internet. Everything else looks the same as near as I can tell. The tuning pegs are plastic, and are singular not on a metal strip with 3 on each strip. So maybe this is not a model 83?
      Would like to know if possable which model this is and if it is worth anything to a collector.
      hope to hear from you.
      Thank you.
      Carl

  20. Fancy Slingerland
    Steve

    Does anyone have info on the fancy Maybell Slingerland with a pink pearliod fingerboard and painting on the top? I am going to look at one someone called me about and trying to figure out what to pay for it.

    1. Hello… I realize this post is very old but it sounds like I have the same guitar and was wondering if you ever found out how much it was worth.

      thank you!

  21. question
    Stefan Gustafsson

    hello Dave, j have recently bought a slingerland songster guitar from elderly Music, on the net,the strings j am using is electric jazz flat wound strings 011,etc,,they didnt sound that good to me,can you please give me recomendation of strinsgs that fit?J am from Sweden,nice to have a guitar of this kind anyway.my E-mail is [email protected]

    sincerely Stefan

  22. question
    Stefan Gustafsson

    hello Dave, j have recently bought a slingerland songster guitar from elderly Music, on the net,the strings j am using is electric jazz flat wound strings 011,etc,,they didnt sound that good to me,can you please give me recomendation of strinsgs that fit?J am from Sweden,nice to have a guitar of this kind anyway.

    sincerely Stefan

  23. May Bell Arch Top on ebay
    John

    I posted a Slingerland May Bell guitar on ebay last night, item #200012747381, sells with no reserve, no hidden bids, no shipping rip-offs, ect. Thanks!

  24. May Bell guitar
    steve gossard

    I have an old May Bell guitar. It has the nickel plate on the front, but I’ve read that these guitars do not have a resonator like a real dobro. I call it my "pseudo-dobro." It roughly resembles the Slingerland "Cathedranola" pictured on page 47 of Tony Bacon’s "History of the American Guitar," but it is black, the neck is different, and it does not have a trapeze tailpiece.

    Steve Gossard

  25. Maybell Guitar
    Bob Hands

    I still have the old maybell guitar.About 1910,1915,I am told.I would love some information about it,and will send pictures if anyone is interested.

    1. Re: Maybell Guitar
      greg myers

      : I own a maybell guitar. it wasmade back in the late 20’s -early 30’s. I have owned since 1947 and still plays well. this one is a flat top with a short neck. It was orignaly set up as a lap steel, or dobro. I removed the metal spacer at the head of the fret board to lower the strings so it could be played as a guitar. I still have all the orignal picks and metal slide that came with it. This guitar is what I learned to play on. It has the orignal case.

      : For the right price I would be interested in selling it. I have other guitars that has replced it over the years. I only play it now and then. John Do you have any pictures of this guitar?

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... John Pace
      John Pace

      I own a maybell guitar. it wasmade back in the late 20’s -early 30’s. I have owned since 1947 and still plays well. this one is a flat top with a short neck. It was orignaly set up as a lap steel, or dobro. I removed the metal spacer at the head of the fret board to lower the strings so it could be played as a guitar. I still have all the orignal picks and metal slide that came with it. This guitar is what I learned to play on. It has the orignal case.

      For the right price I would be interested in selling it. I have other guitars that has replced it over the years. I only play it now and then. John

  26. most famous May Bell Guitar owner was Woody Guthrie
    [email protected]

    You might like to know that thier is a 1930’s May Belle guitar on display in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame (Clevland,ohio) which was owned by Woody Guthrie!!!! Thier are all sorts of Woody’s engravings on the guitar……

    1. Re: maybell guitar
      John Lewis

      Just bought a 1937 May Bell F Hole Archtop in good shape.

      Made in Chicago, but absolutely nothing much else to tell you. It plays better than a lot of vintage Gibsons or Kalamazoos. This one was on a rack in a store for 20 years.

      It is absolutely perfect geometrically. Plays well all the way up the neck with all orginal everything including the case.

      John

      : d oes anyone know any history behind a maybell guitar.I bought one a while back,there is no labelinside just "maybell"on the headstock. If you could let me know.Thanks MARTY. tHIS GUITAR IS 00018 SIZE WITH A PICKGUARD SUSPENDED OFF THE BODY.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... marty trigg
      marty trigg

      d oes anyone know any history behind a maybell guitar.I bought one a while back,there is no labelinside just "maybell"on the headstock. If you could let me know.Thanks MARTY. tHIS GUITAR IS 00018 SIZE WITH A PICKGUARD SUSPENDED OFF THE BODY.

      1. may Bell Guitar
        Hattie Sue

        I have a May Bell , it is very lovely, it has cherubs playing horns at the bottom of the guitar, my vision is not so good, hope I can read the code

      2. slingerland hawian laptop maybell
        Craig Stevens

        Yup I have this guitar and is in beautiful shape. It was left to me by my uncle and is absoulutely my favorite guitar. And I have many to choose from!! It has stood the test of time and was produced in 1920’S. This guitar rings out loud like a true vintage masterpeice. Took it to a vimtage dealer and he offered me 600$. I laughed all the way out the door because its priceless to me. If anyone doing a book and would like like photographs of it I would be happy to help out.

  27. guitar
    matt mcclimans

    i got a 1938 slingerland style 83 nitehawk and i was woundering what the value might be its in perfect condition its a beautiful guitar and i was just woundering so write back peace,matt

  28. 1938 slingerland may bell
    marty tonner

    hi i live in holland and i have just bought a 1938 slingerland may bell from a friend of mine i play guitar in a rockabilly / hillbilly band and sometimes use it in the band, it also came with an original advertisement cutting from a newspaper its a very nice guitar

  29. Maybell Sunburst Archtop
    connelly

    I have a Maybell Sunburst Archtop with f-holes and pickguard in excellent condition, except that I lost the pickguard before I could remount it.

    1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... J. Atran
      J. Atran

      I am a guitar builder on Vancouver Island, Canada, and a friend of mine came across an old May Bell pressed archtop that belonged to his grandmother. He found it under her bed, where it had been for 25+ years, after 15 years in an attic. It has extended water damage, and wood warpage, cracks, breaks, etc.
      She got the guitar when she was five years old, and she is says it was second hand already when she got, she’s 75 but cant remeber much about. I am wondering if anybody has any info on What I have. I have photos. If anyone has info, or knows where to point me, my email is [email protected]. Thank You

  30. guitarra clasica regal de wulschner&son de indianapolis
    maxi

    Hola mi nombre es maxi soy de argentina buenos aires nesecito informacion acerca de esta guitarra. si te interesa ayudarme te mando fotos muchas gracias

  31. maybell guitars
    krys

    My father in law has a maybell guitar tht belonged to his father. He says it was made in the twenties. It is in fairly decent condition except that the bridge is damaged but it still plays.

    1. Re: maybell guitars
      Darnea Olson

      : My father in law has a maybell guitar tht belonged to his father. He says it was made in the twenties. It is in fairly decent condition except that the bridge is damaged but it still plays.

      i have a maybell acoustic that i inherited from my grandpa all i know is that it is from the late 20’s early 30’s if you have a pic of yours or any info i would appreciate it thanx Darnea

  32. Slingerland songster
    Casey McBrien

    I have a slingerland songster that i bought several years ago from and older gentleman from California who claimed that there were very few of them made, and the wear on the back of this guitar came from when it was loaned to hank williams senior. It has a flight case with it, and i would be willing to sell it for the right price. It is in decent condition and is playable, i want to buy more gear as my Larrivee DVO5E was recently stolen. Thanks CMcB

    1. Re: songster guitar
      travis watkins

      hi i have a sligerland songster but it does have some nicks and scraps the research ive done tells me thare are vary few i also have the amp and the stand that was originaly sold with it if you want to talk email me

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... raza
      raza

      I have a Slingerland Songster…perfect condition, action is a bit stiff and high. I never was a bif fan of arch-tops, I play Nationals mostley but this is an fun guitar and my brother found it in a pawn shop in chicago a few years back for about $150.00. There isn’t a scratch on it and the neck is "true"…someone took very good care of it.
      I am thinking about using lighter guage strings…it was made in the 30’s as far as I can tell and the tone far exceeds my Martin.
      Wondering what it is worth or how many are out there?

  33. MayBell Guitar Would like info
    Darnea Olson

    Hi i in herited a MayBell Guitar from my grandfather i really dont know much about it thats where i would hope you would come in at all it says is MayBell on the head of the guitar it has a short neck about 16” over all length of the guitar is 37" long and if you could find me some info on it the hole to the sound wall is 3 1/2 in in diameter im only 14 and would like some info year? model? value? not exactly sure like i said the only markings on it is maybell well if you could find me some info on it it would be appreciated just email it to [email protected] thanx Darnea Olson

  34. Strange Songster
    Tanner

    I picked up a Songster archtop with a birds eye maple back.It also has tortise shell binding on the body.However the neck is bound in white.Any information on this guitar,or one simular would be great.

  35. Maybell guitar by slingerland?
    Tony Lazzaro

    Mr. Kolars,
    A friend of mine has a maybell guitar and we are woundering who built it. The guitar does not have any markings on it other than maybell. We know that slingerland sold the guitar but would like to find out where and who made it.
    thank you
    tony

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