Double neck 8 Fender lap steel - What's it worth?

Robert Todd · Post by **Robert Todd** » 6 Jul 2009 4:39 pm

I have a pretty beat up D8 Fender lap steel I came across in a garage sale. The strings pass through the pick ups. How can I date it, and what is it worth?

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 6 Jul 2009 5:03 pm

on eBay this past year that were pristine and they were holding at around $1,400. Personally, I wouldn't go that high on a dbl-8 but that's just ME!

Robert Todd · Post by **Robert Todd** » 6 Jul 2009 5:15 pm

Thanks Ray

Jon Nygren · Post by **Jon Nygren** » 7 Jul 2009 7:29 am

To find a date, look under the tuner pans- slack the strings and take out the screws, lift out the pan. If it hasn't been refinished theres a good chance there will be a date marked in grease pencil under one of them.

The other way is to check the codes on the pots....will only get you an approximation though.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 7 Jul 2009 8:37 am

Please post photos if you can. It's impossible to guess which model you have and the approximate value based on the description so far.

There were two different types of "string through" pickups - the "boxcar" type which was basically rectangular in shape (1946-1948), and the "trapezoid" type which had a wider bass portion and narrower treble portion (1948-1957). There are other identifying marks that can provide a closer date of manufacture. Again, a set of good clear photos will help a lot.

Rich Hlaves · Post by **Rich Hlaves** » 7 Jul 2009 10:43 am

There may also be a piece of tape under the pickup selector switch or control plate with a date the guitar was wired along with the name of the worker who did it.

Robert Todd · Post by **Robert Todd** » 7 Jul 2009 1:37 pm

Here are some pics. The serial number engraved near the cord input is 1381. The bass end is 12" wide the treble end is 11" wide. A bit ratty I know

Rich Hlaves · Post by **Rich Hlaves** » 7 Jul 2009 2:41 pm

Robert,

Actually the guitar looks fairly good with normal wear for a "player". It needs a good clean up but other than some potential issues with the control pots, looks good to me. This is the trapezoid PU model so It was made in the '48-'57 era. I owned a '53 for a while identical to yours.

In my non-expert opinion it is worth $600-800 as is and $800-1000 if it where completely serviced, cleaned and all original parts where present.

If you remove those chrome plates between the necks there should be a date on a piece of tape to nail it down for you. I see it has legs, does it have the original tweed case?

Best,

Rich

Robert Todd · Post by **Robert Todd** » 9 Jul 2009 4:26 pm

No other ideas as to the value? The pots work well, I purchased the legs, when I found it had no legs. It did not come with a case.

Jon Nygren · Post by **Jon Nygren** » 9 Jul 2009 5:53 pm

Id's say 600-800 as well.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Double neck 8 Fender lap steel - What's it worth?

Double neck 8 Fender lap steel - What's it worth?

I've seen a couple.........................