Dating RIC pots for Guitars/Basses

[aladams]

Hi, Just wondering what the criteria is for dating the pots on Ric Guitars. I know we've gone over this before, but I was the "F" student who didn't listen. I know there are 2 sets of numbers, but dang if I can figure them out! ANY help would be greatly appreciated...especially since I've got the pickguard pulled up and the guitar is on blocks. AL A.

[rob]

Go down about 11 subtopics under this topic. "Dating Potometers" it's called. This should help you.

[aladams]

Thanks, Rob: I missed that posting previously, when the eye-sight goes, it all goes!!! God Bless!!! Al A.

[aladams]

BTW: ALL YOU "RICKITES" (as opposed to "RICKETS")-The CTS pots in my 81 Ric date back to 78. does that mean that the pots sat at RIC for 3 years? OR that the serial number incorrect? How valid is dating the pots to the time that the guitar was produced and to the time that the guitar is sold? Thanks, AL A.

[markthemd]

Pots are made in HUGE lots .... CTS runs batches of them and then they get distributed .

The batch that was made ,that Rickenbacker bought into , was most likely also used by many other guitar makers/manufacturers .

The volume that CTS or any other potentiometer maker assembles is HUGE . Rick is a drop in that bucket .
If they order 10,000 of them ... the other 300,000 went elsewhere ... so they sat in the CTS wherehouse , or at a 'jobber' .

This is why pot dating is NOT "THE" way to date a guitar/bass... but one of the pieces of a puzzle.

[aladams]

Thanks, Mark! I guess we all wish that the pots counted for most of the information: I'd love to have an early 60's Ric that was somehow mis marked. I guess we can always DREAM!!!! Thanks for your help. You are an invaluable asset to this discussion site...God Bless! AL A.