C.1950 Rickenbacker Bakelite BD (B Deluxe) 8-String Lap Steel Used

The Rickenbacker Model BD, colloquially known as the Panda, is one of our favorite steel guitars. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. This is indeed an original eight-string model.

There’s no serial number, but Rickenbacker started using the cover over the tuning machines on the Deluxe model around 1949, so we know it was made after that. This example is in excellent structural and cosmetic condition and has all of its original parts including the horseshoe pickup with the 1 ¼” magnet, the tuning machines and the brown hardshell case. These Bakelite beauties have a wonderful, round tone that can’t be beat.