1951  Fender Champ Lap Steel

Inspiring Lap Steel. w/bag

The year is approximate but right enough; these features disappear by 1952, but surely not all the features of this one; it's been cosmetically "specialled up" in a way that I can only consider to be a true example of fine outsider art. The basic parts are, guitar: early Tele-style pickup (and it's HOT), original pots, cap, bridge. BUT.........the body has been painted a cornsilk yellow, a little crudely but nicely; the bridge, handguard, and metal peghead plate with lightning bolt are now a fabulous dark red usually seen only on New York Harbor tugboats of a certain age (and the screw heads have been carefully done in black for subtle contrast); the 1960's tuners have been painted gold, have black buttons. But the back, here's the real artwork: a wonderful hand-painted island scene, complete with beach, volcano, blue sky and clouds, a big ol' full moon, a steamship (looks like a tramp freighter to me), and two palm trees that might be straight from a 1950's Colorforms set. Totally inspirational and makes you kinda wish that the back was showing while you're playing it. Meanwhile, it's a most wonderful early Fender lap steel, and it's a brilliant winner.