Rickenbacker B-6 Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1948, made in Los Angeles, California, molded bakelite body and neck.
A nice post-WWII example of the original Rickenbacker Electro Model B-6 six-string Bakelite steel guitar. These instruments were the standard of their day and are still generally considered the finest lap steel ever made. This B-6 features the second version of the famous horseshoe magnet pickup with the smaller 1 1/4" magnets and surrounding mounting flange with strings loading through the tailpiece section. The body is molded black Bakelite with hollow cavities covered by white-enameled metal plates; the screwed-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset white plastic position dots. This guitar still has pre-war style tuners, individual Grover units with a cloverleaf base, and plastic buttons.
The pickup is adjustable for height with slot-head screws and features a coil wrapped in cloth-covered wire. The volume and tone controls are on the treble side equipped with the original black plastic "flying saucer" knobs used up into the 1950's. The pickup mounting flange is marked with the patent number, with a Bakelite saddle mounted directly in front of it. The headstock carries the large post war "Rickenbacker Electro" T-shaped metal nameplate. This is a fine sounding B-6, a nice example of the classic Rickenbacker steel guitar.
Overall length is 30 in. (76.2 cm.), 9 3/8 in. (23.8 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.).
All original; some overall wear, but no damage or repair with the exception of a chip out of the tone knob. Excellent Condition.
