1953 Fender Champion Lap Steel: The Broadcaster-Era Steel That Built Fender's Foundation

Why the 1953 Champion Lap Steel Matters

The 1953 Fender Champion Lap Steel represents a pivotal moment in Fender's early history—built during the same era as the legendary Broadcaster and early Telecaster guitars, these lap steels literally helped keep Leo Fender's company afloat during its formative years. Although designed as a student instrument, the Champion Steel was—and remains—a great-sounding guitar fully suited to professional use then or now.

What makes the 1953 Champion special:

• Broadcaster-era pickup: These Champion Lap Steel used the same pickups as the early Fender Broadcasters, making them direct relatives of the most sought-after vintage Telecasters

• Original hardwood construction: Built with quality American hardwood bodies before cost-cutting measures affected later production

• Iconic yellow pearloid finish: The flashy plastic-covered symmetrical two-bout body that became synonymous with 1950s Americana

• Factory documentation: Mary's masking tape signature inside indicates she wired it up on 10-28-53 - a window into Fender's early hand-assembly process

• Historical significance: These instruments bridged the gap between Hawaiian music popularity and the emerging electric guitar revolution

Historical Context: Fender's Survival Instrument

In 1953, Fender was still a young company riding the wave of the Hawaiian music craze while simultaneously developing the electric guitars that would change music forever. The Champion Steel was the instrument that kept the company afloat in the first years. Leo Fender understood that lap steel guitars had a ready market among both amateur and professional players, providing crucial revenue while the company perfected their revolutionary solid-body Spanish guitars.

The year 1953 was particularly significant for Fender:

• The Telecaster was gaining recognition among country and western players

• Manufacturing processes were becoming more refined and consistent

• The pots and wiring are original; the visible date codes on one pot is the 25th week of 1953 showing Fender's attention to quality control documentation

• The Champion was Fender's "bread and butter" product, generating steady income

Leo Fender starting building these in the late 1940s to cater to the Hawaiian music craze, but they also became favorites of Rock, Blues and Country players as well. Artists like Jerry Byrd, Alvino Rey, and later Speedy West were demonstrating the expressive potential of electric steel guitar, creating demand for quality instruments like the Champion.

Detailed Identification Guide for 1953 Champions

Serial Numbers and Dating

This one has the serial number 7058 is stamped on the bridgeplate where the strings anchor through the body. Serial numbers for 1953 Champions typically range from approximately 6,500 to 8,000, though Fender's early numbering wasn't always sequential.

Location: Serial numbers are stamped on the chrome bridge plate where the strings anchor through the body, not on a separate neck plate like later Fender guitars.

Dating verification: The most reliable dating method combines serial numbers with pot codes. The visible date codes on one pot is the 25th week of 1953 - look for CTS potentiometer codes reading "xxx53" where the first three digits indicate the week.

Key Visual Identifiers

Body Construction:

• Overall length is 29 3/4 in. (75.6 cm.), 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) in depth

• Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/4 in. (57 mm.)

• Yellow pearloid plastic covering over hardwood body

• A metal fingerboard pinned to the body has black paint screening to outline fret positions

Hardware Specifications:

• The headstock has metal facing with integral nut stamped with lighting bolt logo and "Fender Electric Instrument Co. Fullerton, California"

• Chrome bridge and cover plate

• Original Kluson strip tuners (though the buttons on the original Kluson strip tuners have been neatly replaced; the originals have nearly always crumbled by now)

• Dome-top knurled chrome knobs (volume and tone)

Pickup Identification: The 1953 Champion used the same pickup design as early Telecasters, making them highly sought after. All original, circa 1953-55. 6.04k, average for the period. The pickup features:

• Single-coil design with flatwork similar to Broadcaster/Telecaster pickups

• Different baseplate than guitar versions but same coil construction

• The pickup would be a drop-in replacement in an early Tele if the baseplate was made the same as the guitar version

Detailed Physical Specifications

Dimensions:

• Overall length: 29 3/4 inches (75.6 cm)

• Body width at lower bout: 7 1/2 inches (19 cm)

• Body depth: 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm)

• Scale length: 22 1/2 inches (572 mm)

• Nut width: 2 1/4 inches (57 mm)

• Weighs 1.65kg only!

Construction Details:

• Hardwood body (typically poplar or other American hardwood)

• Yellow pearloid plastic covering

• Chrome-plated bridge and tailpiece

• Metal fingerboard with painted fret position markers

• Aluminum headstock facing with integral nut

• Original electronics: CTS potentiometers, paper-in-oil capacitor

Electronics:

• Single-coil pickup (approximately 6.0-6.5k ohms resistance)

• Volume and tone controls

• 1/4" output jack in chrome housing

• Simple wiring scheme with cloth-covered wire

Tonal Characteristics

It remains a fine-sounding steel guitar with a bright, singing tone - a characteristic that has made these instruments enduring favorites among players. The 1953 Champion's sound profile includes:

Core Tone: The Broadcaster-era pickup provides the foundational tone that made early Telecasters legendary - bright, cutting, and articulate with excellent note definition and sustain.

Playing Response: The early 50s Fender Champion lap steel is a monster, thanks to the Broadcaster (Telecaster) pickup. The pickup responds dynamically to playing touch, from crystalline clean tones to warm, musical overdrive when pushed through a tube amplifier.

Frequency Response: The pickup emphasizes midrange presence and treble clarity while maintaining enough low-end warmth to avoid sounding thin. The hardwood body contributes to the instrument's resonance and sustain characteristics.

Comparison to Modern Instruments: Unlike many modern lap steels with hotter pickups, the 1953 Champion offers vintage output levels that work beautifully with period-appropriate amplifiers, especially the Fender Champion 600 amp that was often sold with these instruments.

Common Issues & Modifications

When evaluating a 1953 Champion, watch for these common problems and modifications:

Pickup Harvesting: It is quite hard to find these intact with all original parts. People snatch the pickups and dome knobs off of these to pick on Telecasters. Many Champions have had their original pickups removed for use in Telecaster recreations.

Tuner Button Replacement: The only alteration is the buttons on the original Kluson strip tuners have been neatly replaced; the originals have nearly always crumbled by now. This is almost universal and doesn't significantly affect value if done properly.

Electronics Modifications: The knobs, 1 pot, and the buttons on the tuners are not. The pickup is original but has been rewound. Check for:

• Replaced potentiometers (look for date codes)

• Modern capacitors replacing original paper-in-oil types

• Rewound pickups (should still measure in the 6k range)

Finish Issues: The pearloid covering can develop cracks, holes, or areas where it has pulled away from the body. The plastic body covering has puckered up in some places on the face, with a couple of small holes is typical of aging pearloid.

Warning Signs of Problems:

• Non-original chrome parts (should have specific 1950s styling)

• Modern pickup rings or covers

• Incorrect logo placement or font on headstock

• Serial numbers that don't match the 1953 range

Why Players and Collectors Value the 1953 Champion

Historical Significance: These instruments represent a crucial chapter in Fender's development story. The instrument that kept the company afloat in the first years - owning a 1953 Champion means owning a piece of the foundation upon which the Fender legacy was built.

Tonal Authenticity: GE Smith was highly inspired by his very early 1948 Fender Champion Lap Steel and his signature Fender Telecaster shows this. GE had Fender use the same style for the fret markers and mounted the bridge pickup directly into the wood.

Playing Characteristics: The 22.5" scale length and comfortable string spacing make these instruments accessible to players while maintaining professional-level sound quality. The simple control layout (volume and tone) allows players to focus on technique rather than complicated electronics.

Investment Potential: With original examples becoming increasingly rare due to pickup harvesting, intact 1953 Champions with original pickups and electronics represent solid investments in vintage American musical instrument manufacturing.

Collector Appeal: The combination of historical significance, quality construction, and relative affordability compared to vintage Telecasters makes these instruments attractive to collectors seeking authentic early Fender pieces.

Selling Your 1953 Fender Champion Lap Steel

If you own a 1953 Fender Champion Lap Steel, you're holding a significant piece of musical history. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in fairly valuing and purchasing these historically important instruments.

Why Choose Edgewater for Your Vintage Lap Steel:

• Expert Authentication: Our team specializes in early Fender instruments and can properly identify original components versus modifications

• Premium Valuations: We pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops, particularly for instruments with intact original pickups

• Historical Understanding: We appreciate the significance of these instruments beyond just their monetary value

• Immediate Cash Offers: No consignment delays or seller fees

Our Evaluation Process:

1. Serial number verification and cross-referencing with pot codes

2. Pickup authenticity assessment (crucial for proper valuation)

3. Complete originality inspection including hardware and electronics

4. Condition assessment with appropriate market value determination

What Makes Your Champion More Valuable:

• Original pickup intact and functioning

• Factory wiring and Mary's signature tape still present

• Original tweed hard case included

• Minimal modifications or professional restoration only

• Complete documentation or provenance when available

Ready to get a professional evaluation of your 1953 Champion Lap Steel? Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation assessment. Call us at (440) 219-3607 or fill out our online evaluation form.

Understanding Lap Steel Tunings and Setup

For those interested in playing their 1953 Champion, understanding proper tuning is essential. Lap steel guitars are not tuned in standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E, low to high). Usually they are tuned to an open chord like G, D, E or even A.

Common Tuning Options:

Open G Tuning: D-G-D-G-B-D (low to high) - Popular for rock and blues applications

Open A Tuning: During the 1920s and 1930s, much of the sheet music written for lap steel utilized open A tuning as the de facto standard tuning for the instrument.

C6 Tuning: Western Swing and Country lap steel players generally use a C6 tuning. There is no one 'standard" C6 tuning. A popular one is C-E-G-A-C-E.

E7 Tuning: The E7 tuning is used when learning with the Mel Bay Steel Guitar Method instructional books. E7 tuning is B0-D-E-G#-B-E

Related Resources for Champion Lap Steel Owners

Authentication and Dating Resources:

• Fender Serial Number Lookup Tools

• Potentiometer Code Dating Guides

• Early Fender Electronics Identification Guides

• Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide for current market values

Technical Resources:

• Original Fender Champion 600 amplifier manuals (the matching amp)

• Lap steel playing method books and online tutorials

• String gauge recommendations for different tunings

• Maintenance guides for vintage pearloid finishes

Community Resources:

• Steel Guitar Forum discussions on vintage Champions

• Vintage Fender collector groups

• Regional vintage guitar shows where Champions frequently appear

  
  

Conclusion: Your 1953 Champion's Legacy

The 1953 Fender Champion Lap Steel represents more than just a vintage instrument - it's a tangible connection to the formative years of the company that would revolutionize popular music. Whether you're considering selling or simply want to understand your instrument's significance, these Champions deserve recognition as the foundation stones of the Fender legacy.

Edgewater Guitars serves vintage instrument owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. We travel to you for high-value instruments like 1953 Champions, ensuring secure and professional transactions.

Ready to learn more about your vintage lap steel's value? Contact us today for your free evaluation: (440) 219-3607

About the Author: Our team at Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage American-made instruments with particular expertise in early Fender lap steels and guitars. With decades of combined experience in vintage instrument authentication and valuation, we're committed to helping vintage instrument owners understand and realize the true value of their musical treasures.