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Average Price: $799
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$799
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Description
The Fender Champ Lap Steel is more than just an instrument; it's a journey through time. Originally taking the baton from the iconic "Champion" Lap Steel in 1956, this piece of musical history ran through the vibrant decades up to the late '70s. Tailor-made for musicians seeking that authentic, vintage sound, the Fender Champ Lap Steel embodies a fusion of classic craftsmanship and sonic innovation.
Crafted with a sleek single-cutaway body, this lap steel offers effortless playability and a resonant tone that has become a hallmark of Fender's dedication to quality. The chrome bridge cover and unique pickup design deliver a bright, sustained sound that cuts through any mix, making it a favorite among lap steel enthusiasts and studio musicians alike. Whether you're delving into blues, country, or Hawaiian styles, the Fender Champ Lap Steel is your gateway to smooth, expressive melodies that captivate and inspire.
Perfect for both collectors and active players, this instrument is a testament to Fender's legacy in shaping music history. Its robust build and unmistakable sound ensure it remains a cherished piece for years to come.
Key Features:
- Single-cutaway body design for enhanced playability
- Chrome bridge cover for a classic aesthetic
- Unique pickup for bright and sustained tone
- Vintage styling with modern durability
- Ideal for blues, country, and Hawaiian music styles
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | "Champ" Student 6-String Lap Steel Guitar |
| Finish | Black, Blonde |
| Year | 1956 - 1979 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Lap Steel Guitars |
| Body Shape | Non Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Top-Load |
| Color Family | Black, Yellow |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Frets | Fretless |
| Model Family | Fender Champ Lap Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Vintage CBS Era |
FAQs
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What is the primary tuning for the Fender Champ Lap Steel?
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The Fender Champ Lap Steel is often tuned to open tunings such as A6 or C6, which are popular for Hawaiian and Country music styles. However, players can explore various tunings based on their musical preferences.
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Is the Fender Champ Lap Steel suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender Champ Lap Steel was originally designed as a student-level instrument, making it accessible and easy to play for beginners while still offering quality sound and build.
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What type of pickup does the Fender Champ Lap Steel use?
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The Fender Champ Lap Steel features a single-coil pickup, known for its clear and bright tone, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres.
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What are the finish options available for the Fender Champ Lap Steel?
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The Fender Champ Lap Steel is available in Black and Blonde finishes, providing a classic and stylish look for players.
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Does the Fender Champ Lap Steel have frets?
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No, the Fender Champ Lap Steel is a fretless instrument, which allows for smooth gliding and unique tonal possibilities typical of lap steel guitars.
Videos
GravityMusicGearCO
Vintage Fender Champ Lap Steel Gravity Music Gear Demo!
Reviews
PROS
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Bright, clear sound surpasses older models like the Gibson BR-9
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First-generation magical pickup offers rounded, beefed-up tones
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Versatile for creating subtle sonic flavors with effects like ebows
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Fantastic condition and visually appealing vintage design
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Perfect for both spacey effects and traditional honky-tonk sounds
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Quick setup and instant playability for classic blues
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Exceptional value for its sound quality under a grand
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Delivers authentic tones for early country & western music
CONS
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Lower register pickup can sound muddy compared to other frequencies
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Champ Lap Steel.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
User experience
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Owners report that many Fender Champs have had their pickups removed and repurposed into telecasters, indicating a high demand for its pickup quality.
Source
Value and pricing
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It's noted that lap steels, including the Fender Champ, can be more affordable compared to guitars, offering a budget-friendly entry into slide guitar sounds.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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it's seen at 22:54. used on Star Treatment and American Sports. also used by Tom Rowley.
In this photo from 2006 you can see him with a Fender Champ Lap Steel, I found a youtube video of him playing it in 2002 on the Cocky Tour but the quality is horrible because the guy filming it was in the nosebleeds and zooming in looks horrible.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Champ Lap Steel, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Fender Champ Lap Steel, curated by the Equipboard community.
The White branded High Steel was a briefly produced, rebranded version of the Fender Champ student model lap steel. According to an article by RetroFret;
The White high steel is basically similar to a 1956 Fender Champ lap steel with added legs. The slightly asymmetrical carved alder body carries a stenciled metal fingerboard plate, metal "ashtray" tuner well with 6 plastic-button Kluson tuners and a chrome plate carrying the pickup, bridge, two ribbed Tele-style knobs and the jack. The pickup is the same white plastic-covered piece as other period Fenders and the bridge is a single steel bar adjustable at each end.
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