As stated in the 1960 Selmer catalog, the Selmer Pro-Electric was the company’s flagship lap steel guitar—an instrument designed for top-tier performance and craftsmanship.
The catalog describes it as follows:
“The Selmer Pro-Electric has a pick-up (Pat. No. 2660/45) which is actually six units in one, each string vibrating over an independently turned pole-piece. Weak strings can be individually adjusted, assuring correct balanced output, adjustable by means of built-in tone and volume controls. The body is fashioned from finest selected mahogany and finished in rich golden sunburst tones, with inlaid frets and engraved and plated metal parts.”
True to this description, the body of the instrument is crafted from high-quality mahogany and features a stunning golden sunburst finish. The pickup is particularly notable, offering six individually adjustable pole pieces—one for each string. This allows for precise tonal balancing, making it a highly versatile instrument. Both tone and volume can be adjusted directly on the guitar, giving the player full control over their sound.
This specific Selmer Pro-Electric lap steel comes from a single-owner family collection. It originally belonged to Jim Van der Jeught, a respected Belgian guitarist who played with several renowned ensembles, including the Stan Brenders Orchestra and the Louis Billen Quartette.
One especially notable moment in Van der Jeught’s career took place on May 8, 1942, when he performed rhythm guitar alongside the legendary Django Reinhardt during a concert in Brussels with the Stan Brenders Orchestra. That performance was recorded and later released on a disc featuring eight tracks, making it a significant moment in European jazz history.
Jim Van der Jeught purchased this lap steel guitar in 1960, and it has remained well-preserved ever since. The instrument is still in excellent playing condition, with all electronic components functioning perfectly. It comes complete with its original hard case, which is also in remarkably good condition, and includes a vintage tone bar—a classic accessory that enhances its appeal to collectors and players alike.
Whether viewed as a historic artifact or a finely built musical instrument, this Selmer Pro-Electric lap steel stands out as a rare and beautiful example of 1960s craftsmanship, with a legacy tied to one of jazz’s greatest icons.
Specs
Brand : Selmer London
Model : Pro Electric
Year : 1959
Body : Mahogany
Pickup : single coil (Pat. No. 2660/45)
Tuners : original tuners
Case : original hardcase
Pots : original 1959 pots
Knobs : original chicken-head knobs