Fender Champ Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1956)
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Item # 9992
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Fender Champ Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1956), made in Fullerton, California, serial # -01867, Blonde lacquer finish, ash body, gig bag case.
This is a very nice example of the "second generation" of Fender's perennial student model lap steel the Champ, the company's most popular instrument in the early '50s. In 1956 the design altered to this asymmetrical liquid sculpture form from the original pearloid covered version, finished in the "desert sand" lacquer Fender used on all their period student guitars. The pickup was changed to a more generic unit, also used for several other instruments. This Champ features original black-chromed knobs to match the black tuner buttons, an oddity seen only in this period. While not as sonically aggressive as earlier Champs with Tele-style pickups this is still a fine sounding steel and a cool affordable piece of 1950s Fender glory!
Overall length is 31 1/4 in. (79.4 cm.), 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) across at the widest point, and 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
This first-year 'new" Champ is quite clean overall with some minor dings and dents, and a slightly dulled worn spot on the chrome around the volume control from someone turning the knob a lot. The guitar is all original inside and out with untouched electronics including pots dated the 20th week of 1956. This 65 year old Champ still sounds great and comes complete with the oft-missing snap-on pivoting bridge cover. It arrived caseless and so is provided with a slightly oversize but functional tan modern gig bag. Excellent - Condition.
This is a very nice example of the "second generation" of Fender's perennial student model lap steel the Champ, the company's most popular instrument in the early '50s. In 1956 the design altered to this asymmetrical liquid sculpture form from the original pearloid covered version, finished in the "desert sand" lacquer Fender used on all their period student guitars. The pickup was changed to a more generic unit, also used for several other instruments. This Champ features original black-chromed knobs to match the black tuner buttons, an oddity seen only in this period. While not as sonically aggressive as earlier Champs with Tele-style pickups this is still a fine sounding steel and a cool affordable piece of 1950s Fender glory!
Overall length is 31 1/4 in. (79.4 cm.), 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) across at the widest point, and 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
This first-year 'new" Champ is quite clean overall with some minor dings and dents, and a slightly dulled worn spot on the chrome around the volume control from someone turning the knob a lot. The guitar is all original inside and out with untouched electronics including pots dated the 20th week of 1956. This 65 year old Champ still sounds great and comes complete with the oft-missing snap-on pivoting bridge cover. It arrived caseless and so is provided with a slightly oversize but functional tan modern gig bag. Excellent - Condition.