Completed in mid-1952 and likely sold near the end of the year, this Champion lap steel and matching 5B1 Champion 600 Amp sat dormant for nearly 70 years, nearly perfectly preserved in their original state. The Tweed wrap on both the amplifier and the lap steel case looks like it was applied just weeks ago as opposed to the better half of a century ago!
These lap steels with their companion amplifiers were designed with the student player in mind, forgoing fancy appointments and professional-grade power for simplicity and ease of use. Utilizing a single pickup in a similar style to that of the Telecaster, it provides a clear, strong fundamental response with plenty of top end. The original pickup was expertly rewound by Tom Brantley, restoring proper functionality. The shorter scale makes it very easy to play with more of a relaxed tension for bar use.
The accompanying 5B1 Champion 600 Amplifier is another marvelous example of an early Tweed Fender combo. Essentially a second-generation version of the first Champ(ion) 800 amp, these compact low-wattage amps became studio staples for their low-volume tweed grind and natural breakup. It's in equally stunning condition, with no signs of modification to be found.
Clean enough to be considered for any collection, this early 50s outfit shows us that vintage Fenders like this can still be unearthed!
