Alkire E Harp

The Eddie Alkire Eharp was the most harmonically advanced single-neck steel lap guitar available when it was designed around 1940. Alkire was a well-known Hawaiian guitarist and early pioneer of the ten-string steel who operated a successful teaching studio. These instruments were primarily sold to his advanced students. Although made by Epiphone, they carry only the "Alkire Eharp" nameplate.

Elbern H "Eddie" Alkire was born in West Virginia, and operated his music publishing company in Easton, PA. Known as a virtuoso steel guitarist, he invented the E-Harp (a 10-string steel guitar). But he collaborated with Chas E. King and Lani McIntire who were both impressed with his invention.

Alkire was a major network radio performer throughout the 1930s, and became renowned as a teacher. He composed over 150 songs and instrumentals for steel guitar.