1955 Fender Champion Lap Steel – Yellow Pearloid – Serial #9319
This is a rare opportunity to own a 1955 Fender Champion Lap Steel—the final production year of one of Leo Fender’s earliest and most influential instruments. Finished in a striking yellow plastic pearloid, this vintage lap steel carries both historical significance and undeniable visual charm.
 
The Fender Champion Lap Steel was introduced in 1949, making it one of the very first commercially available instruments produced by Fender. It was designed to appeal to students and amateur players during the post-war Hawaiian and Western music boom, but quickly found its way into professional studios thanks to its powerful single-coil pickup and solid build quality.
 
From its introduction to its final production year in 1955, the Champion remained relatively unchanged, though refinements in pickup construction and wiring evolved across its lifespan. By the early ‘50s, the model featured the now-legendary pickup design that many believe shares DNA with the early Telecaster units—resulting in a bright, fat tone with amazing clarity and sustain.
 
Specs & Condition:
Serial Number: 9319 (Final year of production)
Finish: Original yellow pearloid covering with beautiful aging
Pickup: Original Fender single-coil, full of life and vintage character
Tuners: Original 3-in-line Kluson tuners, fully functional and stable
Electronics: Pots have been professionally replaced; all other electronics and components are original
Hardware: Original bridge, control knobs, jack plate, and wiring
Condition: Overall excellent for its age, but does show dings on side, consistent with nearly 70 years of respectful use
Playability: Smooth and responsive with excellent tone output and no functional issues
Case : vintage period correct case (no Fender)
 
This instrument delivers exactly what players love about early Fender lap steels: warm, articulate tone with a shimmering high-end and rich lows. The original pickup is dynamic and responsive, with excellent note separation and harmonic complexity. Whether you're going for moody ambient textures, classic country bends, or bluesy swells, this Champion handles it all with vintage charm.
 
With its rare yellow pearloid finish, original hardware (including the Kluson tuners and pickup), and status as a last-year model, this 1955 Fender Champion Lap Steel is a prime example of mid-century American craftsmanship. The professionally replaced pots are the only deviation from originality, and the few dings on the side are a small price to pay for a true collector-grade piece that still delivers on stage or in the studio.