Rickenbacker Model B-7 Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1938)
LOADING IMAGES
Rickenbacker Model B-7 Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1938), made in Los Angeles, serial # C-1454, polished black finish, molded Bakelite body and neck, original black hard shell case.
This is a very nice example of a relatively rare variation of the pre-war Rickenbacker Bakelite steel guitar, the most successful instrument in its class prior to WWII. The B-7 seven-string version was built in much smaller numbers than the standard B-6; in 1938 the extra string option cost you an additional $10! With the famous 1 1/2" horseshoe magnet pickup found only on prewar guitars and strings loading through the body, this B-7 has a combination of features considered to produce the ultimate Rickenbacker tone. These instruments are considered by many to be the finest-sounding lap steel guitar ever made. This guitar's pickup has been rewound to the exact original spec. by Tom Brantley (the master of such things) and sounds exactly as it should.
The body is molded black Bakelite with hollow cavities covered by screwed-on silver metal plates. The bolt-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset white position dots. This guitar is fitted with metal button tuners, the standard three individual units on the bass side and a single strip of four on the treble. The headstock is adorned with the metal "Rickenbacher Electro, Los Angeles" nameplate.
The pickup is adjustable for height with knurled knobs on either side. The pickup mounting flange on the bass side is marked "PAT PEND" while the bass side piece is marked with the patent number; this is the first time we have seen this transitional oddity which dates the guitar to around mid-1938. The volume pot is on the treble side, the tone control and output jack are mounted on the bass side. This is a great-sounding 7-string steel and a fine example of the most sought-after guitar of its type, with a truly fantastic sound.
Overall length is 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.).
This is a very clean and original guitar, with the re-wound pickup being the only alteration since the instrument left the Los Angeles factory in 1938. The polished bakelite body and especially the chromed plates show some light wear overall, mostly scuffing and light scratching on the back. The wiring 1930s "pan" pots and bakelite knobs remain original, and the re-wound pickup retains the original cloth wire leads and coil wrapping. The guitar rests ijn the original shaped hard case which is still intact and functional. Overall Excellent - Condition.
This is a very nice example of a relatively rare variation of the pre-war Rickenbacker Bakelite steel guitar, the most successful instrument in its class prior to WWII. The B-7 seven-string version was built in much smaller numbers than the standard B-6; in 1938 the extra string option cost you an additional $10! With the famous 1 1/2" horseshoe magnet pickup found only on prewar guitars and strings loading through the body, this B-7 has a combination of features considered to produce the ultimate Rickenbacker tone. These instruments are considered by many to be the finest-sounding lap steel guitar ever made. This guitar's pickup has been rewound to the exact original spec. by Tom Brantley (the master of such things) and sounds exactly as it should.
The body is molded black Bakelite with hollow cavities covered by screwed-on silver metal plates. The bolt-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset white position dots. This guitar is fitted with metal button tuners, the standard three individual units on the bass side and a single strip of four on the treble. The headstock is adorned with the metal "Rickenbacher Electro, Los Angeles" nameplate.
The pickup is adjustable for height with knurled knobs on either side. The pickup mounting flange on the bass side is marked "PAT PEND" while the bass side piece is marked with the patent number; this is the first time we have seen this transitional oddity which dates the guitar to around mid-1938. The volume pot is on the treble side, the tone control and output jack are mounted on the bass side. This is a great-sounding 7-string steel and a fine example of the most sought-after guitar of its type, with a truly fantastic sound.
Overall length is 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.).
This is a very clean and original guitar, with the re-wound pickup being the only alteration since the instrument left the Los Angeles factory in 1938. The polished bakelite body and especially the chromed plates show some light wear overall, mostly scuffing and light scratching on the back. The wiring 1930s "pan" pots and bakelite knobs remain original, and the re-wound pickup retains the original cloth wire leads and coil wrapping. The guitar rests ijn the original shaped hard case which is still intact and functional. Overall Excellent - Condition.