Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome...

[dale_fortune]

To my knowledge from 1961 on, if the instrument had black knobs, then it had a black 3 way switch button.

[studiotwosession]

I have a '65 450/12 with what look like original white tipped plastic tuners...the only 450 I've ever seen with not metal knob tuners. Seems like there were exceptions?

Look forward to more pics of this one. How about one with it in the case?

[leftybass]

Dale, from what I've seen it started even earlier than that, probably 1960. Of the guitars I've handled made in that year, I remember most if not all having a black switch-tip.

I agree with you that as a rule most Rickenbackers after 1960 had a black tip, but I have seen a few guitars and basses from about 1966-67 and later that have white switch-tips. Although I can't directly prove that the tips were original, I didn't have a reason to think they were a replacement part. Come to think of it, the ones I remember had chrome-top knobs....YMMV..

Glenn, it just may have been what they had to use that day for your guitar, not the norm of course but works just fine. The very first 450/12s made in 1964 had open-back tuners(!) similar to a Grover Sta-Tite, but with a different button. I've seen two made like that, both were real close in numbers...

[studiotwosession]

That is cool, John. I have noticed that they often used the white plastic tipped ones on the 425s.

[doctorwho]

And on some 300 series guitars, such as my 1966 340/345:

[kennyhowes]

Original (or at least correct period) parts on this guitar are: body, frets, finish, pickups, wiring harness (incl. white toggle bat), and nameplate.

Bridge, nut, tuners, and strap pegs are current RIC parts, except the "normal" tuners, which are split-shaft Gotohs (I like those). Bridge is standard six-saddle. Knobs are direct from my parts box, no idea how old they are.

It plays GREAT. Totally rocks.

And yes Jeff, a 4005 would be nice. No way I can even approach what the market bears on those now, so I will have to scour the ends of the earth for one with its fingerboard popped off or something...

[notviceversa]

Kenny's guitar plays and looks like a dream. Just an awesome guitar. Lucky me, I get to play it as long as he has it here.

[studiotwosession]

Gonna make some recordings with it?

(Cool photo Dr. Who.)

[kennyhowes]

Of course! Already have, last weekend, on a track from the upcoming cool collaborative collection with my boss, whom you all know.

[studiotwosession]

They say that cool guitars are so special, not playing them is a crime. Yours, Kenny, is too cool not to track with. And inspiration for a great tune or two I'm sure.

[kennyhowes]

You got that right mister!

[shinynewtoy]

I believe all things have a reason to live. By not playing them and caging their inner soul, you take away that reason. And if someone took away my reason to live, man, I'd have no reason to live.

Of course, I could find another...

[ric330]

Beautiful Guitar! And nice work but who is Dale?
Is he a member here at the forum?

[kog]

Who is Dale? Ah, my friend, check these links out:
../43/71477.html"../43/110804.html" target=_top>../43/110804.html"http://www.rickenbacker.com" target=_top>www.rickenbacker.com.

You will soon recognize the immense depth of knowledge among a LOT of the members in this Forum, and you'll find that Dale and Paul are particularly knowledgeable on guitars and Rickenbackers in particular. You can generally take their word to the bank.

[ric330]

Jerry, thanks for the info. Now that I'm starting to get into the forum - it's good to know who these guys are.