D-16 value

guitm · Post by **guitm** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 4:24 pm

Richard,
Can you help me put a value on the D-16? The strings are shot, but the lap steel is in very good condition, and it has the original hard shell case with key and all! I have had it for 20 years and never knew what it is worth. Please let me know if you can assist. I have emailed a pic of it to you, it wouldn't fit on the message board.
Thanks,
Mike

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 1:45 am

Michael: I trust that your DC-16 looks similar to this one.

guitm · Post by **guitm** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 5:08 am

Correct Peter. Thank you for attaching the pic to the inquiry!

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 5:12 am

You're welcome Michael. I have not seen very many of these models. Do you play this instrument and if so do you have any comments to make about tonality or playability.

guitm · Post by **guitm** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 5:53 pm

Peter, I do not play it very well, but I try! I have used it on a couple recordings and I am pleased with the outcome. It has the type of sound that David Lindly gets! I always wanted to take lessons, but there aren't many steel players in this area.

guitm · Post by **guitm** » Mon Apr 14, 2003 3:09 pm

Peter,
Should I look at other option's to determine the value of this guitar? Richard does not seem to be available. Please let me know the average response time, I may just be impatient!
Thanks,
Mike

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Apr 14, 2003 3:34 pm

Mike: Please send it a photo or two to peter@rickresource.com We will examine your instrument further.

There is the Rickenbacher D-16 c.1944
Two eight string bakelite necks, two horseshoe magnet pickups, cast aluminum body as well as the

Rickenbacker DC-16 c. 1950
Cast aluminum body, two eight string necks, lucite fingerboards.

I have not seen your lap steel as yet. Perhaps we can have the photos up before Richard visits. We have not broken any Guiness records as yet.

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Apr 15, 2003 5:52 am

Mike: from your information it would seem that your DC-16 was manufactured during the 1950-1952 period and instruments of this type, while not the most highly sought after, generally are sold for prices in the $500-700 US range.

Based on the good condition of this instrument I would estimate that its value falls in the $600-700 US range. To the right collector it may fetch slightly more. Please keep in mind, however, that I am no expert when it comes to the appraisal of Rickenbacker Lap Steels. Let's hope Richard stops by. In the meantime, I hope this helps and is sufficient for your needs.

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Apr 15, 2003 1:52 pm

Here is a closer look at the controls and pickups.

rshatz · Post by **rshatz** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 6:35 am

Mike,
That's a beauty and looks to be in great shape.
I agree with everything Peter has said about the instrument. The head covers make it less common than others without them. If you want to sell it, I wouldn't take less than $550. Sorry about the delay in response.
Richard

guitm · Post by **guitm** » Thu Apr 17, 2003 4:12 pm

No Problem Richard! I appreciate the advice!