He invented a solid-body electric upright "bull-fiddle" in 1935 but it mainly served as a publicity tool. He manufactured lap steel guitars with his own "blade" pickup, and accompanying amplifiers.
In 1935, he designed a solid-body electric upright instrument called the "bull-fiddle," although its main purpose was to generate publicity. He also manufactured lap steel guitars equipped with his unique "blade" pickup and matching amplifiers.