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Average Price: $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

What is the primary tuning for the Fender Champ Lap Steel?

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.

Is the Fender Champ Lap Steel suitable for beginners?

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.

What type of pickup does the Fender Champ Lap Steel use?

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.

What are the finish options available for the Fender Champ Lap Steel?

The Fender Champ Lap Steel is available in Black and Blonde finishes, providing a classic and stylish look for players.

Does the Fender Champ Lap Steel have frets?

No, the Fender Champ Lap Steel is a fretless instrument, which allows for smooth gliding and unique tonal possibilities typical of lap steel guitars.

GravityMusicGearCO

GravityMusicGearCO

Vintage Fender Champ Lap Steel Gravity Music Gear Demo!

Video thumbnail for Vintage Fender Champ Lap Steel Gravity Music Gear Demo! by GravityMusicGearCO

Vintage Fender Champ Lap Steel Gravity Music Gear Demo!

GravityMusicGearCO

GravityMusicGearCO

Video thumbnail for 1958 Fender Champ Lap Steel | @themusicemporium1177 by The Music Emporium

1958 Fender Champ Lap Steel | @themusicemporium1177

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for 1950 Fender Champ lapsteel by Oscar Guitars

1950 Fender Champ lapsteel

Oscar Guitars

Oscar Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Bright, clear sound surpasses older models like the Gibson BR-9

  • First-generation magical pickup offers rounded, beefed-up tones

  • Versatile for creating subtle sonic flavors with effects like ebows

  • Fantastic condition and visually appealing vintage design

  • Perfect for both spacey effects and traditional honky-tonk sounds

  • Quick setup and instant playability for classic blues

  • Exceptional value for its sound quality under a grand

  • Delivers authentic tones for early country & western music

CONS

  • 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

  • The 1957 Fender Champ lap steel is known for its distinctive knurled metal knobs, adding a unique tactile element to its design.

    Source
  • Rickenbacker lap steels may experience degaussed magnets over time, potentially altering their expected sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Often linked to the iconic sounds of David Gilmour and Pink Floyd, this lap steel is ideal for those seeking a similar musical style.

    Source
  • The Fender Champ is suggested for those interested in 1950s lap steel sounds, particularly for recreating classic tracks like "Sleep Walk."

    Source

User experience

  • 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

  • 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

Comparisons

  • The Fender Champ is recommended for achieving the "Sleep Walk" sound, closely resembling Santo Farina's original recording on a Fender console.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jamie Cook uses Fender Champ Lap Steel

Jamie Cook

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

it's seen at 22:54. used on Star Treatment and American Sports. also used by Tom Rowley.

See how Mike Oldfield uses Fender Champ Lap Steel

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified

In this photo oldfield is seen with the lap steel

See how Kid Rock uses Fender Champ Lap Steel

Kid Rock

Guitarist, Rapper

The Twisted Brown Trucker

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Douglass McComb uses Fender Champ Lap Steel

Douglass McComb

Guitarist, Bassist

Tortoise

...
Verified via YouTube

A Fender Champ Lap Steel can be seen amongst Doug McCombs' setup in this performance.

See how Chris Vos uses Fender Champ Lap Steel

Chris Vos

Singer, Guitarist

The Record Company

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this MusicRadar video article from 2019, Chris Vos discusses his lap steel guitar technique, demonstrating his 1957 Fender Champ in the process. The year and model are also referenced in the text of the accompanying article.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Champ Lap Steel, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Fender Champ Lap Steel, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Studio Deluxe 'Forrest White' Lap Steel

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

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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