50th Anniversary Rickenbacker?

fredyfredy · Post by **fredyfredy** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 6:45 am

Did Rickenbacker present a Guitar or Bass for their 50 year Celebration?
If no.
Is there a Guitar or Bass that you would consider being represented as a 50 yr Celebration?

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 6:59 am

I've not heard of a 50th anniversary edition at all (that would have been 1981), but you may have heard that RIC is producing 75th anniversary editions (75 each of models 330, 360, 660, and 4003).

2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the original 4000 Rickenbacker bass (first marketed in 1957, although it may have been developed earlier). I haven't heard anything about the company doing anything special to observe this anniversary.

krick · Post by **krick** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:09 am

At the top of page 51 in The Rickenbacker Book by Bacon and Day, there is a photo of a 360/12 with gold tuners and a 50th. Anniv. TRC.

The description says that it never went into production

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:13 am

There was at least one guitar made for the 50th anniversary, and John Hall has it in his collection room across the hall from his office.

It was a 360/12 in Autumnglo (or a very similar finish), with a special 50th anniversary TRC--white with raised gold lettering, and gold-plated machine heads. AFAIK it was the only example made. I handled it when we were in Santa Ana for the 75th. It is also pictured in the Bacon and Day book.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:14 am

LOL.. Beat me to it, Kevin!!

jsm610 · Post by **jsm610** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:16 am

What about the 50th anniv TRC that was on ebay a while back. I recall that it was the real deal - does that mean that perhaps some 50th guitars were made, and got out?

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:25 am

Yes, I seem to recall that as well, that John Hall authenticated that TRC. Maybe JH can add more to this.....I have never heard of a 50th anniversary Rickenbacker being parted out, YMMV...

John M.: That TRC on ebay was black plastic, wasn't it??

jsm610 · Post by **jsm610** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:31 am

"John M.: That TRC on ebay was black plastic, wasn't it??"

I think so. I don't think it sold... I recall it being black with gold letters - should have saved a photo!

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:00 pm

I remember that one being black/gold, also...

fredyfredy · Post by **fredyfredy** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 7:22 am

Yes! The 50th TRC is Black Plastic with Rickenbacker in raised gold lettering,
50th Anniversary is printed below that in gold, Made in USA is printed also in gold parallel the nut.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 10:25 am

Hi Fredy, thanks for the info. Good to hear from you!