1976 4001 and a 1957 Combo 400

[libratune]

Here's pics of a 400 Combo JG 1957, front and back:

There are examples from several years (either 400 or 450) in the Register. Go to "Rickenbacker Register" on upper right of screen, click on "Advanced Search," enter model no., etc. and see what's there. Many entries have photos. There is a 1958 450 Combo that has a solid back like yours.

[jingle_jangle]

Most obvious, perhaps, is the upper left corner of the scratchplate, which is supposed to be cut at an angle for a '56 (like your '57 is), and rounded off for a '57, as this photo shows:



But, it seems that the actual change must have happened in mid-run in '57 sometime.

[nortega]

After careful inspection I do see the slight difference in the scratch plate there. Mine definitely has the 56 angle on the top right. I couldn't see any instance of the diamond knobs being used on any of the pictured 400's or 450's, so those probably aren't original to the guitar, but they look cool and are easy work, with the exception of this mystery spinning past the pot stop issue.

[jingle_jangle]

How far past the stop do they spin? Are you sure it's not just a loose pot?

[nortega]

It's weird. I looked at it again. The pot doesn't seem to spin past it's stop. Nor is it spinning on the guard surface. It's the black diamond nob that is spinning on the post of the pot, it's like there is no screw down in the the little thread. In fact, after messing with it bit more that is the case. There is no threaded screw to pinch the pot post. So that is why it is spinning. Someone has used a little epoxy or decades of sweat to hold it down.