In fact, many players who didn’t like the stagger of the later Tele pickups pulled these out of lap steels and converted them into Tele lead pickups so they could get back to the old flat pole look and sound of the 53 Tele. Many of you guys probably know more about it than I do, so please send comments/questions. This is a flat pole, single coil pickup that is very similar in certain respects to a Tele lead pickup. The case is in good condition on the inside, but has some wear and discoloration on parts of the outside. The Switchcraft output mono jack is just like the original. Antiquity For 1950 Fender Lap Steel In the Antiquity-series of pickups we have a dedicated lapsteel pickup too This pickup is a bit less twangy than the usual tele lead pickup and will offer you a clean, chimey tone but with enough power in the low end for the pickup to not sound harsh. Chrome Telecaster Dome Knobs (available from most guitar stores). It has all slotted screws, Broadcaster knobs, Broadcaster jack cup, and is the rare blue color (Gruhn's guide says that blue was made in batches, with one being in 1949, and the other batches a little later - but those would not have had slot-head screws, or the type of case this one has (tweed, no leather ends, with this kind of handle.) Overall, i would say it is in Very Good condition. The pickup in the Fender Champion Lap Steel is mounted on two springs that allow for an adjustment in height. Replacement pick-up for BR-6 & BR-9 Lap Steel Guitar 4.8K ohms Handwound with 41 awg formvar 58.9mm string spread 1/4' diameter alnico 5 slugs Magnetic pole south to strings. I did not remove the pots to look at the date codes, but they look like they have never been touched to me. For Champion lap steel 15.3 K 0hms 43AWG Alnico 3 rods 3/4' tall Handwound. Built with a lightly contoured Alder or Ash body, a single pickup mounted on a metal control / bridge plate and a fairly standard six-string tuning set at the head. All guitars sold receive a 35-point inspection, ensuring an incredible playing experience.
I purchased it from a family who had it for a long time. Fender began producing lap steels around 1948, and in 1955 their Champion entry level model was replaced by the simpler Fender Champ lap steel. Cream City Music is one of the worlds finest gutar shops with selections including the Vintage 1954 Fender Champion Lap Steel Yellow Pearloid Finish.
Rare blue color, faded to green (very similar to the color of an alligator, as it is from Louisiana.) Serial number 2205.