First of all, allow me to introduce myself... my name is Lynn Ritger, and I've been a Rickenbacker fan for years. Thanks to the info I found here on the board and on the RickResource site, I decided to pick up a positively mint 1966 450/12 in Jetglo with original case AND strap (serial FD 1166). Paid more than "typical" market value, but it's sure to appreciate over the coming years.
One of the questions I have concerns the Smith data on the RickResource site- according to what's there, it appears there were only 7 Jetglo 450/12s manufactured in 1966. Could anyone else here shed some light on this?
Lynn: It's common knowledge that the Smith numbers aren't entirely accurate. But I would venture that very few 450/12 JG's were built in '66, as the predominent finish was FG, like my 450/12 FG (serial FI 3017). His figure of (7) may be correct. Welcome to the Forum!
Hi from Australia, Lynn! Lovely guitar you've picked up there. I am an ignoramus when it comes to vintage Ricks but there are dozens here who would know. Any chance of posting a pic or two?
Welcome!
So when do you pick up the next one - can't stop at one, you know...........
Although you seem to be a new rick owner, you're already way ahead of me in terms of what you've got there (my FG 360/6, while not exactly junk, isn't the rarest of instruments). Nice work!
Welcome to the wonderful world of vintage Rickenbackers Lynn! My first RIck was/is my '67 4005WB in Jetglo, another one of those extremely rare instument/year/color combinations.
Thanks much for the kind welcome, guys! I'm still somewhat in shock that I even own it... I found it in a damn flea market, of all places, near here in Virginia Beach. The guy who ran that booth *sort of* knew what he had- he said the FD code meant it was made in August 66 (close, but wrong... April 66), and wouldn't budge on the price. Everyone who's seen it agrees I did the right thing in snagging it, even at the rather high price of $2000 even.
I will be taking pics when I return home and posting info into the Registry; I'm absolutely amazed at the condition of this beauty, almost ZERO wear on the fingerboard varnish and NO wear on the back of the guitar. It's almost as if it were played ten times in 1966, then put back in the case for the next 40 years.
Thanks again for your kind words, and for having such a helpful and friendly community here... I spent about six hours trawling the Net looking for info on this thing Sunday night, and there was a LOT of good data here on this board.
I liked your flea market story and congratulations on obtaining a nice vintage Rickenbacker. It's nice to know they still show up once in a while at these places...it's a pity you couldn't buy it for a flea market price though!
Like everyone else, I eagerly await the posting of your photos!
