A couple of decades before the Beatles, Rickenbacker was already building extraordinary instruments. This model comes from the company’s golden era and features the legendary horseshoe pickup. In my humble opinion, it is one of the finest pickups ever designed.

It can sound hot and aggressive through a small pre-1950 amplifier, or beautifully clear and almost angelic when given a little more headroom. It is a truly exceptional pickup, and without question the heart of this instrument.

The body is, of course, made from Bakelite. Even unplugged, its resonance is surprisingly lively. The original tuners have been replaced with individual machines fitted with attractive vintage-style buttons.

If you’re looking for a great lap steel, I honestly don’t think you can do much better. That’s just my opinion, but I’ve been playing lap steel for nearly 30 years and I’ve never found anything more organic than these early Rickenbackers, including the finest Gibsons.

This particular instrument comes from my own collection. I had promised myself I would never sell it, but I’m no different from the rest of us. Sometimes you have to let one go so you can bring another one home.

It comes with its original period case.

If you buy it and one day decide to sell it, please promise me you’ll call me first.