Symfonia Grand

[jwilli]

Symfonia Grand is the name of a brand that was built by Rickenbacker or Electro String in 1962. Back in the late '90s, a fellow who owned one got in touch with me about his. I've been trying to find out the history of these since then. As far as I know, they are all shaped like an early '60s 420. They have one pickup, a compensated bridge and a trapeze tailpiece! Also, the upper horn is shaped like McCartney's bass! Meaning, shaved down. Oh yeah...they were finished in a Blue Burst. I've since come across two more. Bjorn Eriksson of http://www.rickbeat.com sent one owner my way. I bought the guitar knowing that it needed a full restoration. Hopefully this year, it will happen. And just the other day, I found out that the owner of Dave's Guitar owns one.
Here are some pics...
http://web.mac.com/jc_williams/Site/Symfonia_Grand.html So cool.

I got in touch with John Hall about these. This is what he said:
"This is somewhat interesting- at first I was going to tell you that this
serial number is impossible, out of sequence, should be a 3 digit number.

However, in a separate column of the serial log, there's a notation of 50
guitars produced on 4/25/1962, description "624-460" with the serial
numbers

Looks like they changed their minds about the serial format after making
some units.

I don't have easy access to anything beyond that, sorry.

Cheers,
John Hall
Chief Executive Officer"

Now, what does this mean? Were they all 420 style? Or were some 625/460 style? Who knows? Just when you think that you know all about Rickenbackers....these pop up, lol.

[leftybass]

Dave says his is Green, but I think it's just blue that's faded out. Wonder where he found his at...

These are way cool, no doubt about it.

[Scastles]

Nifty, unearthed stuff, John. I'm quite taken by the model name, Symfonia Grand.

[johneek]

Jeez John, just about the time some of us neophytes start to think we know something about Rickenbackers, you have to resurrect a whole new category, of which, naturally, you're the most knowledgeable....it's just not fair....

[jwilli]

John, just trying to spread the RIC knowledge, er Symfonia Grand knowledge around.

[johneek]

John, just trying to spread the RIC knowledge, er Symfonia Grand knowledge around.

Of course you know I'm kidding ....I LOVE having all that knowledge and wisdom (not to mention good advice about restaurants in SC) just an email or phone call away.....you rock!

[rick_ovic]

A tip o' the hat to you, Mr Williams. A great thread - thanks for the information!

[leftybass]

I want one, waaahhh....

[wints]

Very cool....

Are there any more out there, one wonders?

[jwilli]

I believe that they made a run of at least 50. How many survived? We know of three.