Mid-1946 Doc Kauffman & Leo Fender “Deluxe” Lap Steel

Serial # 715

Note:

  • 1959 Fender 5F1 Tweed Champ on picture is not included, but also available separately

Condition: Very good

  • The pots, knobs, tuners – all is original (but replaced tuner-buttons) and it even includes the original gig bag (the zipper is funky however).

Upgrades / modifications:

  • The original pickup has been rewound by the very fine luthier Joel Wilkens.
  • Black tuner-buttons are replaced since they have shrunken over time which is common.
History: 

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=3044976

Whether you’re a collector, musician, or vintage gear enthusiast, this is a chance to own a guitar that helped shape modern music.

Specifications:
Body & Construction:
  • Material: Solid wood body (maple or ash?)

  • Shape: Classic rectangular lap steel design, reflecting the early electric guitar era.

  • Finish: Original models often featured a simple lacquer or painted finish, with some showing natural wear over time.

Neck & Fingerboard:
  • Neck Type: Integrated neck-body construction (non-detachable).

  • Scale Length: Approximately 22.5 inches, a standard scale for lap steel guitars.

  • Fingerboard: Chrome metal with painted-on frets, as lap steels do not have traditional frets.

Electronics & Hardware:
  • Pickup: Single-coil pickup, output; 10.37, original but rewound, encased in a distinctive cast-aluminum housing.

  • Controls: Simple volume and tone knobs for tonal adjustments.

  • Potentiometers: original (see pics)
  • Capacitor: SPRAGUE-U.S_PAT. NO 1.900.093 Made in USA- original (see pics)
  • Bridge: Fixed metal bridge with string-through-body design for enhanced sustain.

  • Nut: Metal nut to accommodate raised string height, optimizing slide playability.

  • Tuning Machines: Open-gear tuners, often nickel-plated, ensuring stable tuning.

  • Output Jack: 1/4-inch jack for standard instrument cables.
Weight:
  • 6.183 lbs / 2.805 kg

Case:

  • Original Canvas Bag

Tuning:

  • AEBEAB

All guitars are professionally inspected and set up, ensuring optimal playability and performance.

  • Manufacturing date codes and interior pics are available per request: e-mail