Lightshow Guitar

j_gary · Post by **j_gary** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:31 pm

Hello all, I usually lurk about in the bass section. However, I'm looking for a guitar expert opinion on the Rickenbacker Lightshows made back in the early 70's.

I am curious if there are many owners out there and their experience with this rare guitar. As I understand there were several variations and colors. Were there good and bad models to watch for? Are they considered a desirable item amongst guitarists? Are these babies hard to find and what should one expect to pay to get one?

Thanks for your time and consideration, Gary

jsm610 · Post by **jsm610** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:48 pm

From what I know:
- Two variations, the 'Type I' and 'Type II' - the I has lights in a straight row; the II has them scattered and uses bayonet blubs.
- Colors: BG, JG, AZ, MG
- They're all good. I like the lights on the Type II better...
- Not all that hard to find.
- $13k - $17K

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:57 pm

Thud! Thud! Oh nevermind me.....I'm just kicking myself in the a$$ for selling my perfect 331 JG in 2001 for.....$6300. ;-(

j_gary · Post by **j_gary** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:17 pm

John, even I felt that thud. Any particular reason you broomed her?

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:31 pm

Well, yes. My wife and I wanted more children. We had to go the In-vitro way. It costs about $15k a pop. We got our money's worth......we had quadruplets in Aug. of '01. It was worth it. For the record, i also sold a '63 375 FG in MINT condition and a '72 360/12 FG w/ F-hole. Nowadays, I would've only had to sell the lightshow.......

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:45 pm

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:47 pm

Waaah. I want that 375.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:48 pm

Waaah. i want the f-hole 360!

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:50 pm

Traded those for these:

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:51 pm

Hey, were those "cannon balls" there before my kids got there?

j_gary · Post by **j_gary** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:40 pm

John, you are a man amongst boys, and girls. The photo of your beautiful family has to be one of the best shots to grace this sight. It was the smart, easy, and right way to go. All of a sudden photo's of guitars seem a little dull. Well done!

You know, your crew looks a little too comfortable hanging around those cannon balls. Hope you counted them before and after. I'd search that suspicious looking fella in the striped shirt, don't let that innocent look fool you.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:51 pm

I agree one million percent, JG. That is a sensational photograph, John. You must be a very happy and proud dad!

Not a trade at all, IMO. A wonderful investment in the future. Great looking kids........ wow!!

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:51 pm

John... just take a bow. Hats off to you and your wife... wow...

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:59 am

Thanks, everyone!

bitzerguy · Post by **bitzerguy** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:34 am

What a great looking family, John. I'm betting the many passenger minivan is yours as well.

I agree with JG. The innocent look is not quite so innocent!

Congrats. I bet you all have tons of fun!

...Dean