Hi, I am in New Zealand and bought a fender lap steel guitar on ebay from australia- it has just arrived and really looks very "tinny" there is teh word fender on teh neck, but no serial numbers or model number anywhere, and a tiny sticker attached saying made in china? have I been ripped off?
I can't play it yet as I don't have an amp, just a beginner here that really at this stage knows nothing, just love the sound of lap steel guitars. Thanks in advance for any opinions.

Dude; throw us a bone here. Can you link to the sale on ebay and give us a look or take a picture? It is very curious that the instrument has a made in China sticker on it. It would seem that someone who was trying to fool you would have at least scathed it off.

Oops sorry hope thius link works
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 3D1&_rdc=1


It was auction number 250681945926 in case teh link doesn't work, supposed to be a 2006 model, maybe I am just used to seeing the big solid usually home made steels the older members of teh country music bands I sometimes sing with use.

Looks like you did fine, pal.

Here is a link to a current U.S. ebay ad looking for a $499.00 price. It is a reproduction of a very early Fender from 1946.

Happy sliding.

ETA: also welcome to the forum!!!

Thank you, I just assumed that there would be a srial number on it somewhere if it was a genuine fender, just like my Takamine acoustic guitar has- thanks for replying to my post.