WORKING CONDITION: Very Good. All three necks tune up to C6 and E9 easily, as the tuning keys are in solid working condition. The sound of this steel is pure western swing, and the tone pot has that magical "doo wah" train sweep - think Speedy West on "Stratosphere Boogie." The switching is smooth and quiet, and all three Boxcar pickups sound bold and clear. 

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Very Good. Aside from the tweed case, which is barely hanging on by its last tweed thread(see photos), the guitar itself has been well-preserved over the past 74 years. The ash body has its share of knicks but is not cracked at all. The finish is sublime, and the metal parts are shiny, with a beautiful patina only true aging can imbue. 

The threaded portion of one of the legs is loose and will require some epoxy or other metal cohesive glue to make it secure. 

INVENTORY #59054

BRAND: Fender

MODEL: Custom Triple 8 Console

FUNCTION: Steel Guitar

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a 1953 Fender Custom Triple 8 Console 8 String x3 Steel Guitar w/ 3 Legs & Tweed Case. The Fender Custom Triple 8 Console Steel Guitar is a rare, early professional instrument produced between approximately 1949 and 1953, serving as the immediate predecessor to the iconic Stringmaster series. Highly valued by collectors of Western Swing and country music history, these transitional "Pre-Stringmaster" models are distinguished by several key vintage features.

Please note: the Clarostat pots are stamped 33rd Week of 1952. Consequently, we are adding the customary six months from the pot date to determine the actual date the guitar was built and released for sale.

SPECS:

• Serial # 9377
• Weight: 33 lbs (including legs)
• Body: Solid Swamp Ash
• Finish: Blonde
• Necks: Three separate necks, 8 strings each
• Scale Length: 22.5"
• Pickups: Early models feature "boxcar" pickups, later transitioning to trapezoid pickups.
• Controls: Each neck has its own volume and tone controls, plus a 3-way neck selector switch and a master "all necks on" switch
• Hardware: Chrome-plated hardware, including Kluson tuners and a heavy-duty bridge.
• Bridge: Individual bridge assemblies for each string on each neck, designed for precise intonation
• Legs: Three telescoping, adjustable legs
• Case: Original Tweed hard shell case
• Pot Codes:
  • CM11546 - 
    • Manufacturer: Clarostat
    • Dating: The "11546" code specifically aligns with 1952 potentiometer production.
    • Usage: Frequently found in vintage Fender instruments from that era. 
  • 140233 -
    • Manufacturer: Clarostat
    • Dating: 140 = Clarostat / 233 = 1952, 33rd Week
• Design & Hardware: Features three 8-string necks on a tiered ash body, typically with a blonde or butterscotch blonde finish. It is notable for its trapezoid or "boxcar" pickups, which differ from the dual single-coil setup found on later Stringmasters.
• Controls: Includes master volume and tone knobs, a 3-way neck selector switch, and often an "all-on" toggle switch to activate all necks simultaneously.

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: This item comes as seen in photos and includes three telescoping legs and its Original Tweed Hardshell Case. Please note:  the case is in very poor condition and cannot be trusted for safety and will be wrapped in stretch film when boxed up and shipped. 

UNPACKAGED WEIGHT: 41 lbs.

UNPACKAGED DIMENSIONS: 31" x 5" x 22"