Augusta, GA, United States
About this listing
Vintage Rickenbacker Electro B-6 “Panda” 6-String Bakelite Lap Steel Guitar — Black/White — With CaseReverb Condition: GoodAsking Price: $1,499.99 + Shipping — Offers WelcomeFunctional Status: Fully Tested and OperationalEstimated Manufacturing Period: Circa 1946–Early 1950sCountry of Manufacture: USASerial Number: None FoundDESCRIPTIONVintage Rickenbacker Electro Model B-6 “Panda” six-string electric lap steel guitar featuring a black Bakelite body, contrasting white decorative plates, horseshoe-style magnetic pickup, and fitted vintage hard case.The B-6 belongs to Rickenbacker's historically significant Bakelite lap steel family, which helped establish the amplified Hawaiian guitar and influenced early electric guitar development.Its distinctive black-and-white configuration earned it the popular “Panda” nickname.This instrument has been fully tested and is operational.IDENTIFICATION AND DATING- Manufacturer: Rickenbacker / Electro String Instrument Company- Model: Electro B-6 Panda- Type: Six-string electric lap steel guitar- Construction: Molded black Bakelite- Contrasting white body plates- Rickenbacker Electro headstock badge- Horseshoe-style magnetic pickup- Metal bridge/tailpiece assembly- Two rotary controls- Six tuning machines- Made in the USAThe postwar Rickenbacker branding and construction features support an estimated production period of approximately 1946 through the early 1950s.No factory serial number has been identified on this instrument.The bridge bears PAT. NO. 2089171, a historical patent marking rather than an instrument serial number or manufacturing date.The exact production year has not been independently established.HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDRickenbacker's Model B series was among the influential early electric lap steel designs.Its molded Bakelite construction and horseshoe pickup contributed to its characteristic sustain, clarity, and amplified response.Production details evolved throughout the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s, including changes to pickups, bridge construction, control arrangements, and decorative plates.This example exhibits features associated with the postwar black-and-white B-6 configuration.ELECTRONICS AND HARDWARE- Single horseshoe-style magnetic pickup- Volume control- Tone control- Six-string bridge and tailpiece- Traditional lap steel tuning machines- Raised fret-position markers- Instrument output jackAll visible primary hardware is present.The exact manufacturing dates and originality of the pickup, tuners, potentiometers, wiring, and decorative components have not been independently authenticated.FUNCTIONAL CONDITIONFULLY TESTED AND OPERATIONALThe instrument has been tested in-store.No functional defects were reported during testing.The pickup and controls are represented as operational based on the completed functional assessment.No claim of recent electronic restoration, replacement components, or professional servicing is made.COSMETIC CONDITIONReverb Condition: GoodThis vintage instrument exhibits cosmetic wear consistent with previous use and its age.Visible details include:- Scratches, scuffs, and handling marks- Small areas of surface and material wear- Age-related hardware wear and discoloration- Previous owner's name scratched into the rear body surface- Handwritten identifying markings on the back of the neckThe name A. M. Zweyer appears in the ownership markings, although the identity and ownership history have not been independently authenticated.An additional numeric identifying marking is present on the neck. Its meaning has not been verified and it is not reproduced in this description.All markings remain on the instrument as found. No cleaning, removal, concealment, or restoration of these markings is represented.Please inspect all photographs carefully, especially the back of the body and neck.INCLUDED IN SALE- One Rickenbacker Electro B-6 Panda six-string lap steel guitar- Brown fitted vintage hard case with red plush interiorThe case's original factory association and manufacturing date have not been independently established.No additional accessories are included.ORIGINALITY AND PROVENANCENo factory serial number was found.Previous ownership markings are present, but they do not establish independently documented provenance.The originality and service history of internal components have not been verified.No claim of complete untouched factory originality, recent restoration, or documented celebrity or professional ownership is made.This is a fully tested vintage American electric lap steel guitar with its distinctive Bakelite construction, horseshoe pickup, fitted vintage case, and clearly disclosed cosmetic and ownership markings.Asking Price: $1,499.99 + Shipping — Offers Welcome440 InstrumentsAugusta, GA
Price$1,499.99
+ $125 Shipping
