Now, let this humble story on the development of the Electric Guitar stand as testament to the true origin of our beloved instrument. May it ne’er find itself cast under the dross of stagnant history, may it ne’er cease to inspire. May we carry forth into the unseen future the continued growth of the wondrous and ever-evolving Electric Guitar.
1931: The Rickenbacker “Frying Pan”
The “frying pan” was the first electric guitar ever produced. The instrument was created in 1931 by George Beauchamp, and subsequently manufactured by Rickenbacker Electro. The instrument earned its name because its shape resembles a frying pan: it has a flat, circular body, and the neck represents the “handle.” It was a lap steel guitar designed to cash in on the popularity of Hawaiian music during the 1930s. Beauchamp and machinist Adolph Rickenbacker began selling the Frying Pan in 1932; however, Beauchamp was not awarded a patent for his idea until 1937, a fact that allowed other guitar companies to produce electric guitars during the same period.