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