Mel-O-Bar instruments were made by the Smith Guitar Company (founded by Walt Smith in.the 1960s) . They were lap steel instruments mounted on a guitar body that could be played whist worn on a strap like a conventional guitar. This meant the fingerboard needed to be tilted at around 45 degrees to the body. Walt had five sons; four of which were involved in the business. Ted Smith the youngest son took over Melobar after Walt's death in 1991 and started Smith Family Music which carried on making Melobar guitars until around 2011.

Source: Melobar's Basement Genius. Guitar Player Magazine Sept. 1991

Source: Melobar website (Archived 2005)