{"product_id":"rickenbacker-model-b-6-lap-steel-electric-guitar-1936-13887","title":"Rickenbacker Model B-6 Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1936)","description":"Rickenbacker Model B-6 Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1936), made in Los Angeles, California, serial # B-338, polished black finish, molded Bakelite body and neck, original black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a lightly played-in but super vibey, great sounding early example of a pre-WWII Rickenbacker (spelled Rickenbacher on the nameplate) Model B-6 six-string Bakelite steel guitar. These instruments were the standard of their day and are still generally considered about the finest-sounding lap steel ever made. This B-6 features the famous 1 1\/2\" horseshoe magnet pickup found only on pre-war guitars and strings loading through the body, the combination of features generally considered to produce the finest sound.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe body is molded black Bakelite with hollow cavities covered by chromed metal plates; the screwed-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset white position dots. This guitar has the style of tuners used in 1935-6, strip units with metal buttons. The Horseshoe magnet pickup is adjustable for height with knurled knobs on either side. The single volume control is mounted on the treble side topped with an octagonal black plastic knob with an arrow pointer typical of the mid-1930s. On these earlier models the output jack is mounted on the bass side of the body, where the audience couldn't see it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe body is marked below the bridge with a 1932 patent number; the pickup mounting flange is marked \"Pat. Pend.\" which dates it to earlier than mid-1937. The specific combination of serial number and features on this example indicate a build date of (probably early) 1936. As with all the early Bakelite Rickenbackers, this is a great-sounding steel, an extremely nice example of the most sought-after player's instrument of its type. This is a one-family instrument used when new in a band called \"The White Flyer Troupe\"; 90 years later it still sings with that unmistakable Model B tone.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 29 3\/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 9 1\/2 in. (24.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3\/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 9\/16 in. (573 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1\/4 in. (57 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis B-6 was a gigging instrument but shows only fairly light wear overall and remains all original and complete. The Bakelite body and neck are still shiny showing just some small scratches and scuffs with no major damage or surface chipping. The plating on the metal parts has a bit more wear, with a spot down to the bare metal on the upper treble side cover plate and a smaller area worn away above the volume control on the lower treble side plate. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll electronics are original and unaltered; the horse shoe magnet pickup is original and sounds fantastic. This B-6 is an very fine-sounding one; even not plugged in it rings for days! It is housed in a nice shaped OHSC with an original period cord, ready to fly again. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Rickenbacker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50371540320396,"sku":"13887","price":2650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_f650c87d-f6f9-4cb6-a742-9ebbdda93793.jpg?v=1780261607","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/rickenbacker-model-b-6-lap-steel-electric-guitar-1936-13887","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}