1937 Rickenbacker Model B-7

$2,900.00

  • Year: 1937
  • Manufacturer: Rickenbacker
  • Model: Model B-7
  • Case: Hard
  • Color:
  • Condition: Excellent
  • Description: Rickenbacker Model B-7 Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar, c. 1937, made in Los Angeles, serial # C 874, molded Bakelite body and neck, aluminum hard shell case. A very rare variation of the pre-war Rickenbacker Bakelite steel guitar, the B-7 seven-string version was built in much smaller numbers than the standard B-6. In 1937-8 the seven string option cost an additional $10! This is a fairly early example with typical features for 1936-7. With the famous 1 1/2" horseshoe magnet pickup found only on prewar guitars and strings loading through the body this B-7 has a combination of features considered to produce the ultimate Rickenbacker tone...these instruments are generally considered the finest sounding lap steel guitar ever made. The body is molded black bakelite with hollow cavities covered by silver metal plates, the screwed-on neck has integral molded frets and nut with inset white position dots. This guitar has the second style of tuners used with seven-sided cast metal buttons, individual units on the bass side and a mandolin-type bank of four on the treble. The pickup is adjustable for height with knurled knobs and features a coil wrapped in black cloth-covered wire. The single volume pot (on the treble side) is equipped with the original black plastic octagonal knob. In common with most early models the output jack is still mounted on the bass side. Body marked below bridge with 1932 patent number, pickup mounting flange is marked "PAT PEND", which dates it to mid-1937 or earlier. This is a predictably great sounding steel and a wonderful example of the most sought-after guitar of its type.Overall length is 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.). All original except replaced volume pot and one screw on the control plate; extremely clean overall. Excellent + Condition.