This year, WAMA is having a SPECIAL DRAWING for
submitting a completed Pickersfest Survey.
The drawing is for 4 - $50.00 gift cards.
(Please, only 1 survey per household. You do not need to
be present to win.)
Our 2026 Pickersfest Raffle features a very good condition
Magnatone Lap Steel Vintage 1950s Grey Pearl Guitar w/ Original Case.
(Click above images for a larger view)
A Collector's Dream Awaits at Pickersfest 2026
The 2026 WAMA Pickersfest raffle is showcasing an absolute gem—a Magnatone Lap Steel guitar from the 1950s in very good condition, complete with its original case. This isn't just an instrument; it's a piece of vintage Americana that represents the golden age of electric guitar innovation.
Why This Guitar Deserves the Buzz
Magnatone's legendary status in lap steel history makes this a serious
contender for collectors and vintage gear enthusiasts. The brand was synonymous with quality
craftsmanship and warm, resonant tones during the post-war era when lap steel guitars were
at the height of their cultural relevance. The distinctive grey pearl finish adds visual
appeal that instantly catches the eye—it's the kind of aesthetic detail that screams
authenticity and care.
The fact that it comes with the original case is a massive win. Original cases dramatically
increase value and protect the instrument's investment potential. Finding a 1950s lap steel
still in very good condition with its matching case is no small feat; many have been lost to
time, neglect, or the shuffle of ownership.
Who Wants This?
This raffle prize speaks to a diverse crowd: serious vintage guitar
collectors, lap steel enthusiasts who appreciate the instrument's unique voice, retro
musicians exploring mid-century sounds, and anyone who appreciates finely-made instruments
with real history. Whether someone's a seasoned pro or a passionate hobbyist, a pristine
Magnatone is a bucket-list acquisition.
The Pickersfest 2026 raffle just got a whole lot more interesting
The proceeds from every raffle ticket go directly to making improvements to our annual festival.
This 1950s Magnatone Lap Steel is authentic to its era, though the serial number cannot be definitively verified. The construction and components serve as reliable dating markers.
Remarkably well-preserved for a 70-year-old instrument, it bears only minor cosmetic wear—light scratches that are entirely consistent with normal use. The original electronics are fully functional, and the instrument plays and sounds as it should. The tuner buttons are original but show some age-related fragility, typical of 1950s plastic construction. Importantly, the tuning mechanisms themselves remain original.
The instrument includes the original alligator case (in good condition), and some picks.
A raffle ticket sells for only $5.00 or 5 tickets for $20.00, but there is no limit on the number of tickets you may purchase and the more tickets you have, the better the odds are that you will be the lucky winner.
Keep in mind that 100% of the proceeds go to support the Washington Acoustic Music Association (WAMA), a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organisation.
This prize will be displayed at the information booth at Pickersfest 2027. Be
sure to check it out along with other great Pickersfest regalia (Pickersfest and WAMA T-shirts,
WAMA stickers, and WAMA Pick Cards).
All sales support WAMA. Buy a bunch and give them as gifts!
While you're enjoying Pickersfest, don't forget to buy raffle tickets for our
50/50 Split. There's a good chance you could win both great prizes
and can play your new guitar all the way to the bank!
Don't forget! You don't have to be present to win the instrument raffle or the survey drawing.
You DO have to be present for the 50/50 Split raffle and any other raffle we may have.