K & F Student Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1945), made in Fullerton, California, grey crinkle enamel finish, pinewood body, brown canvas gig bag case.
One of the very earliest Fender-made instruments, and a major historic piece of American guitar history. This plain and unassuming steel is Leo Fender's first commercially produced instrument and the seed from which the entire Fender legend would grow. These steel guitars were only available locally in California for a very limited period between November 1945 and mid-1946, and are extremely rare. Leo's partner, Clayton Orr "Doc" Kauffman, left the business in early 1946, but with typical Fender frugality, the instruments still carried the "K&F" logo for several more months until the nameplates were used up.
This crinkle-finished guitar carries the earliest version of the Fender "direct string" pickup, with the strings passing through individual holes in a wooden block with the coil wrapped around. The chrome top cover of the unit is stamped "Pat.Pend.", while the baseplate carries the string tailpiece notches, jack on the back end, and individual volume and tone controls with the original Bakelite radio knobs. The body is carved with an attractive stepped ledge, painted with a baked enamel finish with the fingerboard markings stenciled on.
Doc Kauffman himself personally assembled and tested most of these earliest steels, and this simple, practical, and still great sounding lap guitar is a testament to the talent and creative drive shared by himself and Leo Fender during their short but historic collaboration.
Overall length is 28 3/4 in. (73 cm.), 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) deep. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
Excellent original overall condition. Some light staining and wear to the paint finish; several dings to the edges. Electronics original with an added ground wire and tuner buttons replaced. Includes the original canvas gig bag. Excellent Condition.
