New to Rickenbacker - please help me !

[0353203]

Hi Everyone,

I'm very new to Rickenbacker and have recently got hold of what I believe to be a 425 Combo model (see pic). I've been researching the guitar to try and date it, as you can see the serial number on the bridge is 4C346 - yes, the '3' is quite faint, so I removed the pickguard and bridge and the serial number is also written twice in the bridge and control cavities. When I put the serial number into a decoder, it tells me 1953, but if this is a 425 then I don't think these were made until 1958. I guess the simple answer is that its a 1963, but I didn't think that the serial numbers were printed on the bridge at this point. The body depth is also 1 and 5/8 inch, which I've read is the size of an earlier model.

Any help very much appreciated as I'm sure that although this is confusing to me, its plain as day to some of you guys

Cheers, Si

[jdogric12]

You got it from Indiana, USA, I take it? Looks like it's already in the register, as a 1960. A few other close serials have that year too. Welcome Si, nice guitar!

[0353203]

Wow, I didn't expect an answer that quickly, so many thanks
Yes, I won it on ebay...just really liked the look of it...its taken ages to arrive but certainly worth it.
I'm still confused about the serial number though and how 4C346 dates to 1960...is it just this format is a bit unreliable ?
Cheers, Si

[cjj]

Yep, up until about 1961, the serial numbers were kinda weird. I think they went through several different systems back then, even using parts of the serial number to designate the models in some cases. So, it's almost impossible to make a "decoder" that actually works in all cases. Much easier to look at the numbers on the pots (vol & tone controls) as they have a date code on them too.

[1oldricky]

welcome to the ric forum
very nice looking vintage ric! did you get a good deal on ebay?

[0353203]

I paid about $1,500 for it which was a bit of a guess as I wasn't sure of the year from a rather scant listing. If it is a 1960 model, though, I think that's an ok price ? The case appears to be the original aswell and is in great condition - its a dark, slate grey colour with leather bound ends and a ruby red fur-lined interior.

[Ric N. Backer]

Cool retro look!!!

[badeggs]

The case appears to be the original...it's a dark, slate grey colour with leather bound ends and a ruby red fur-lined interior.

That sounds right! Congrats on the purchase!