paper stuffing????

[(marksquaredmark)]

Hello,
New to forum. Just picked up a 1938? model 59 serial #E1439. Two white knobs, one on each side. OK condition, non original tuners. Would like to know if it is worth it to search done originals. Also a couple weird things. First it has a couple of holes drilled all the way through at about the 12th fret on the outer bottom edge. ?? Also the whole inside was stuffed with shredded newspaper. What? Should I re-stuff it, fire hazard? Any help would be great. Place to shop down parts. Thanks

[(libratune)]

Welcome to the forum!

Most model 59s were stuffed with newspaper. I believe it had something to do with the sonic quality, as they are basically a hollow stamped metal instrument. It's a good way to date them, if you get the paper out!

Don't know what's up with those two holes. Ventilation?

Here's an external link to some info re vintage Rickenbacker lapsteels: http://home.provide.net/~cfh/rick.html#ricklaps

Here are some model 59s to look at for comparison: http://www.rickresource.com/register/in ... celebrity=

[(marksquaredmark)]

Thanks,
The newspaper was dated March 1939. A lot of it was is Spanish. I'll check out those sites right now.
Thanks

[(gbart14)]

Just purchased a Model G Deluxe steel body, gold plating. Had newspaper inside from Dec 8 1948. Also had a bunch of black junk that someone poured or injected into the back of the cavity. Anybody ever seen that?
Thanks