Who actually designed Rickenbacker guitars?

fergs40 · Post by **fergs40** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 4:56 am

Since planning to acquire my first Ric (see my other post...) I've been avidly reading everything I can about these wonderful instruments.

But I don't recall ever reading who came up with the actual body designs. Have I just missed it, or is the name of the designer lost in the mists of time?

Thanks

Mike

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:54 am

Roger Rossmeisl designed many of them. You can find out quite a bit about him from a websearch.

fergs40 · Post by **fergs40** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 9:25 am

Thanks for the info, Dave. I did a bit of research and found out a fair bit about Roger Rossmeisl.

But I guess the one question that I couldn't find an answer to was 'why?'. Why the crested wave? Was it just an idea dreamt up by Roger, or was there some cultural or other significance to it?

For instance, I believe the Gibson Flying V was originally designed as a novelty guitar for an act with a Western theme. Any such interesting little anecdotes attaching to the designs of Rickenbackers?

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 9:47 am

Mike, the cresting wave started out as a Tulip shape (Combo 400 - 450). Rickenbacker (Roger?) removed a bit of the wood on both bouts, probably to make the upper frets more accessible. There you have it, the "Cresting Wave". Good thread.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 10:37 am

Nah, it's because of the surfing culture down there in So Cal!

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 5:45 am

Art Deco.

wim · Post by **wim** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 6:30 am

Maybe Roger discovered the letter "O"
In most Ric designs the cutaways are carved in this shape. (slanted ellipse)
The body shape itself is quite traditional.

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:16 am

I always thought of it as a "C."

wim · Post by **wim** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 11:03 am

C would probably be a better choice indeed.
C from 'Cutaway'

fergs40 · Post by **fergs40** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 2:26 pm

That Art Deco guy sure designed a lot of cool stuff...

blur · Post by **blur** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 4:01 pm

*Groan*

Hi Mike - I'm in much the same boat as you; currently trying to figure out what model to buy as my first, while I continue to sell stuff on eBay to fund it!