Rickenbacker Model B-6 Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1940, made in Los Angeles, California, polished black finish, molded Bakelite body and neck, original hard shell case.
A fine original 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 the finest sounding lap steel ever made. The B-6 features the famous 1 1/2" horseshoe magnet pickup found only on pre-war guitars and strings loading thru the body; the combination of features considered to produce the finest sound. The body is molded black bakelite with hollow cavities covered by off-white enameled metal plates, the screwed-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset white position dots. This guitar has the later style of tuners used, individual units with angled Deco bases and angular cast metal buttons.
The pickup is adjustable for height with knurled knobs. The volume and tone controls are both on the treble side and equipped with the original black and white plastic "flying saucer" knobs used up into the 1950's. Unlike earlier models the output jack is mounted on the treble side of the body. The body marked below the bridge with a 1932 patent number, pickup mounting flange is marked with another patent number which dates it to 1937. This is a precictably great sounding steel, the final version of the pre-war style and an extremely nice example of the most sought-after player's instrument of its type.
Overall 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.). Quite clean overall-some light wear and scuffing, but no major wear or repair. Some small chips to the enamel on the plates, no major loss. One tuner button (the second string) has degraded somewhat-reinforced and fully functional, but a bit rough. One pot, the jack and the tone cap replaced, otherwise all original. Typical great sound, includes a very battered period HSC. Generally Excellent Condition.
