Electro-Spanish Model B

The Electro-Spanish Model B was the world's first production, solid body (Bakelite) electrified lap steel guitar, officially released in 1935 by Rickenbacker. Commercially, it was the most successful musical instrument manufactured by Rickenbacker. Though not entirely solid - it had thick plastic (Bakelite) walls and a detachable Spanish neck. The instrument was created to eliminate the feedback found in conventional electrification of stringed instruments.[1]

Rickenbacher Electro-Spanish Model B
Manufacturer	Rickenbacker
Construction
Body type	Solid-Body,
Neck joint	Bolt on
Scale	22.5"
Woods
Body	Bakelite
Neck	Bakelite
Fretboard	Bakelite with pearl or paint dot inlay
Hardware
Bridge	Vib-rol-a patented by Clayton Doc Kauffman Kauffman Vibrola
Pickup(s)	Horseshoe pickup Horseshoe Pickup
Colors available
black/brown

Electro-Spanish Model B

The "Electro-Spanish Model B" set the stage for solid body guitars to develop; including the notable "Les Paul" whose electric solid-body would reach mainstream notoriety in 1952, produced by Gibson Guitar Corporation.