Rickenbacker Model B Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1935)
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Item # 4852
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Rickenbacker Model B Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1935), made in Los Angeles, California, serial # C 319, polished black finish, molded Bakelite body and neck, original black hard shell case.
A lovely original pre-war Rickenbacker (spelled Rickenbacher on the nameplate) model B-6 six-string bakelite steel guitar. These instruments are generally considered the finest sounding lap steel guitar ever made, especially the mid-1930's models. This instrument features the famous 1 1/2" horseshoe magnet pickup found only on these early guitars and strings loading thru the body; the combination of features considered to produce the best sound. The body is molded black bakelite with hollow cavities covered by silver metal plates, the screwed-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset silver position dots. This guitar has the first style of tuners used, Grover strip units with cast metal buttons.
The pickup is adjustable for height with knurled knobs and features a coil wrapped in black cloth-covered wire. The single volume pot (on the treble side) is equipped with the original black plastic knob with an etched arrow pointer. As is typical of these early models the output jack is mounted on the bass side. The body marked below bridge with a 1932 patent number, and the metal pickup mounting flange is marked "PAT PEND", which is only found mid-1937 or earlier. This is a precictably great sounding steel and a nice example of the most sought-after guitar of its type.
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.). Minor scuffing and wear overall, but no major damage or repair, the D string tuner is a little bent but functions fine. All original except the volume pot, which is of more recent vintage and currently wired "backwards" which some players find more convenient for volume manipulation in this position. Overall a very nice example of an early Bakelite Rickenbacker steel. Overall Excellent Condition.
A lovely original pre-war Rickenbacker (spelled Rickenbacher on the nameplate) model B-6 six-string bakelite steel guitar. These instruments are generally considered the finest sounding lap steel guitar ever made, especially the mid-1930's models. This instrument features the famous 1 1/2" horseshoe magnet pickup found only on these early guitars and strings loading thru the body; the combination of features considered to produce the best sound. The body is molded black bakelite with hollow cavities covered by silver metal plates, the screwed-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset silver position dots. This guitar has the first style of tuners used, Grover strip units with cast metal buttons.
The pickup is adjustable for height with knurled knobs and features a coil wrapped in black cloth-covered wire. The single volume pot (on the treble side) is equipped with the original black plastic knob with an etched arrow pointer. As is typical of these early models the output jack is mounted on the bass side. The body marked below bridge with a 1932 patent number, and the metal pickup mounting flange is marked "PAT PEND", which is only found mid-1937 or earlier. This is a precictably great sounding steel and a nice example of the most sought-after guitar of its type.
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.). Minor scuffing and wear overall, but no major damage or repair, the D string tuner is a little bent but functions fine. All original except the volume pot, which is of more recent vintage and currently wired "backwards" which some players find more convenient for volume manipulation in this position. Overall a very nice example of an early Bakelite Rickenbacker steel. Overall Excellent Condition.