Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey guys, I have the opportunity to pick up this ES16 and wanted some opinions first. This looks to be a very clean guitar but has obviously had some changes. It looks like the pickguard has been replaced, the input jack moved to the side of the body, new wiring, new switch, new pots, new bridge and also a bit of routing. Is the pickup vintage 60s? What would be a fair price for this guitar? Your input is appreciated!

Neat little guitar.

Even in mint condition, these aren't particularly valuable guitars (mostly because of the incredibly short scale, and it's the Ryder student line and not a Rickenbacker). With the modifications, $800-$900 is probably more realistic.

collin wrote:. . . .and it's the Ryder student line and not a Rickenbacker). . . . .

No such thing. Ryder's were Electros, just rebranded with the music school's logo. They were sold by the school as as kit- guitar, amp, music lessons.

The OP photos clearly show an Electro TRC. How did Ryder get mixed up in this? Didn't Ryders have a Ryder TRC?

Of the 32 ES-16 models listed in the Register, about 25 have headstock photos, of which 5 have the "Ryder" TRC.
As to the OP's request for a value estimate, I would put this piece in the $500 range given the numerous mods. Fully intact ES-16s have sold in the $900 range.

jdogric12 wrote:The OP photos clearly show an Electro TRC. How did Ryder get mixed up in this? Didn't Ryders have a Ryder TRC?

That's one cool guitar - just buy it to have fun with it! When you're done, trade it out for something else that's cool! "Cool" guitars are hard to come by.

I forget, have we ever seen a Contello TRC?

johnhall wrote:

collin wrote:. . . .and it's the Ryder student line and not a Rickenbacker). . . . .

No such thing. Ryder's were Electros, just rebranded with the music school's logo. They were sold by the school as as kit- guitar, amp, music lessons.

Thanks for the clarification, John.

Out of curiosity - is it the same story for the Symphonia Grand instruments?

jdogric12 wrote:The OP photos clearly show an Electro TRC. How did Ryder get mixed up in this? Didn't Ryders have a Ryder TRC?

I saw the thread, clearly read Electro... then wrote Ryder in my post. Go figure..

Maybe I subconsciously knew that many of the ES-16s I've seen in the past were badged Ryder.

collin wrote:

jdogric12 wrote:The OP photos clearly show an Electro TRC. How did Ryder get mixed up in this? Didn't Ryders have a Ryder TRC?

I saw the thread, clearly read Electro... then wrote Ryder in my post. Go figure...

Must be an age thing. That happens more and more frequently as one gets older.

collin wrote:

jdogric12 wrote:The OP photos clearly show an Electro TRC. How did Ryder get mixed up in this? Didn't Ryders have a Ryder TRC?

I saw the thread, clearly read Electro... then wrote Ryder in my post. Go figure..

Maybe I subconsciously knew that many of the ES-16s I've seen in the past were badged Ryder.

You're not crazy - the thread is titled "Ryder!"

Update, Adam has the guitar on San Diego craiglist.

Not a bad deal at $700, that's definitely an affordable entry point into vintage guitars!


https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/msg ... 62099.html


p.s. Jdog, you're absolutely right. It's in the thread title! Glad I'm not losing my mind.

I owned a 60' version of this guitar and, to this day, I continue to kick myself for selling it. Of all the 3/4 sized guitars I've owned, it was the best sounding and overall feel, great neck too. Mine was a thicker version, no tapered edge.

Good luck!

abluesky wrote:I owned a 60' version of this guitar...

Did you have to go up to the penthouse level to tune the guitar?

1960 that is....