Vega Commander Lap Steel 1940s Black

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This 1940s Vega Commander lap steel in classic black finish is a wonderful example of Vega’s electric-era craftsmanship—an instrument built during a period when the company was transitioning from its celebrated acoustic roots into high-quality electric Hawaiian and lap steel designs. Known primarily for their banjos and mandolins, Vega produced a small but respected line of lap steels in the 1930s–40s, making these models highly collectible today.

The Commander features a sleek hardwood body with a glossy black finish, a gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard plate, and Vega’s early single-coil pickup, prized for its warm sustain, singing highs, and rich, bell-like clarity. These pickups are known for a rounded vintage character that works beautifully for Hawaiian, western swing, early country, and blues styles. The tone is expressive and vocal—exactly what players seek from prewar and wartime American lap steels.

Historically, Vega lap steels were used by western swing and early country players looking for affordable yet professional instruments during the expanding popularity of electric steel guitar in the 1930s–40s. Today, they remain valued for their vintage tone, unique aesthetics, and relative rarity.

This example is in excellent condition with less than expected cosmetic wear an original hard case.  One tuner button shaft is bent, but works just fine.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every vintage instrument is inspected, photographed accurately, and described honestly. Explore our full Lap Steel collection, Fender Amplifiers Collection, or Sell or Trade Your Gear page.

Original case shows a little wear. 

• Color: Black
• Weight: 6lbs 8.3ozs
• Fretboard: Brazilian Rosewood
  
• Inlays: Clay dots 
• Fret marker count: 24
• Nut: Original Brazilian Rosewood
• Nut width: 2 1/4"
• Scale: 23"
• Total length: 30 13/16"
• Lower bout: 6 5/8"
  
• Body depth/thickness: 1 7/8"
• String gauge: .015-.053"
  
• Hardware Color: Nickel
• Bridge Pickup: Vega
• Bridge Pickup Reading: 4.42k
• Pickup Original?: Yes
• Bridge: Original
• Tuners: Original #4 tuner button shaft is bent slightly
• Pots: Original
• Knobs: Original 
• Case: Original
• Notes:

Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.