? on Fender Champion lapsteel

Jay L. Taylor · From: Greer SC 29651

I an considering buying one of these guitars in excellent condition. I would appreciate any information such as years this guitar was produced, the guitars worth, etc. Thanks, Jay

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

According to Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars, the Fender Champion was produced between 1949 and 1955. Most are yellowish pearloid, but some are blue (the blue might have faded to a greenish color).
These lap steels have a sound that to me resembles the Fender Telecasters of the same period.
The most common problem on these guitars is crumbled tuning buttons - the plastic used for the tuner buttons did not hold up well. Fortunately replacement tuners are easily available.
It's worth whatever you pay for it; I see them going for between $150 and $500 depending on condition and where it's being sold.

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Brad's Page of Steel:
www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Sur Singh · From: Mass

Are these champs "Student Guitars"? There is another Fender guitar called Champ, is that different or the same as Champion? I think I might have read in a Fender book that Champion name was changed to Champ due to some copyright issue or something. While we are on Fenders, is an Organ-Button a coveted instrument? What is roughly a good price for it?

Thanks.
-Surinder Singh

[This message was edited by Surinder Singh on 11 August 2000 at 09:31 AM.]

Lew Collins · From: Boulder, Colorado, USA

These are great guitars if you like Telecasters! I don't play my Champion to often anymore...it's just so bright sounding. I like my bakelite Rick alot more...sweeter and warmer and rounder sounding. But the Champions are great little guitars for soloing through a little tweed Fender amp...sounds alot like the lead pickup on a great old Tele or Broadcaster.

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