Fender Champ Lap Steel 1955

This lap steel dates to the first year of the Champ, the design aligned with Fender’s professional Stringmaster steel guitar range at the time.  While Fender’s earlier ‘Champion’ lap steel that ran from 1949 to early ’55 used a modified Telecaster pickup, the Champ pickup is essentially a first edition Stratocaster flat pole pickup inside a black rather than white plastic cover.  Other features are the integrated pickguard/tailpiece/bridge cover and the heavy duty stamped metal tuner tray.  Unlike some Champs, this one does not have a pencilled date under the patent chromed metal tuner (we looked) but its untouched pots show code 304 541 indicating Stackpole first week of 1954.  This is a totally clean two-owner instrument, including its original pickup and electronics, patent tuner tray, bridge assembly with hinged cover and Desert Sand nitro finish.  Comes with its original tweed case also in excellent condition, with original bakelite/metal handle and red plush interior.  Gruhn’s Guide confirms early 1955 for this serial number. A historic lap steel with classic Fender features and fantastic tone.