Rickenbacker historians, why is 1972...

[Colonel Sanders]

... considered as a milestone.

By the look of it, there is the pre 1972 era, and the post 1972.

What did change?

[ilan]

1973 was the transition year. Toaster-top neck pickups were phased out and replaced by button-top Hi-Gains. Around May '73 the wide fretboard inlays changed to the narrow type. And by September '73, the checkerboard binding was gone in favor of plain white binding. Years later, the discontinued features became sought after.

I'm not sure about the wavy Grover tuners but I think '73 was their last year too.

[Seans]

... considered as a milestone.

By the look of it, there is the pre 1972 era, and the post 1972.

What did change?

The Shedua stripe was added and the Walnut wings went.

[badeggs]

Also tugbars disappeared during '72, aluminum tails/bridges in '73...

Thing is, though every year seems to see one or two subtle changes to these, 72-73 featured many changes, some fairly major.

[Colonel Sanders]

So everything relate more to design changes than shift in "operating philosophy" (similar to Fender Post CBS)?

I still have to receive my two 1972 I bought so I am curious to compare the built quality with my others.

[heinpete]

...I'm not sure about the wavy Grover tuners but I think '73 was their last year too.

...they reappeared early 80ies on the 4003.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

'74 and some '75 had wavys, '72 into '73 change to a larger rear pickup mag.

[RicOSoundMan]

Very interesting topic thanks>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[wim]

... considered as a milestone.

By the look of it, there is the pre 1972 era, and the post 1972.

What did change?

I was born in march that year.

[badeggs]

So everything relate more to design changes than shift in "operating philosophy" (similar to Fender Post CBS)?

Exactly. And as a result, you'll find the '72s have just as fine a build quality on the whole as a 4001/4003 from any era.

Rick never had a "down period" like the ones Fender, Gibson and others have suffered through.

[heinpete]

... considered as a milestone.

By the look of it, there is the pre 1972 era, and the post 1972.

What did change?

I was born in march that year.

I kissed my first girlfriend!

[Seans]

So everything relate more to design changes than shift in "operating philosophy" (similar to Fender Post CBS)?

Exactly. And as a result, you'll find the '72s have just as fine a build quality on the whole as a 4001/4003 from any era.

Rick never had a "down period" like the ones Fender, Gibson and others have suffered through.

I would say that 71/72/73 was certainly above the mark on quality that you would expect IME, plus the introduction of the 'Stripe' made a definite change in sound to the 4000 series, the 71 was the last of the 60's, fantastically refined and the 72 was the start of next generation, plus all the goodies.

[teeder]

72 was the start of next generation, plus most of the goodies.

There, I fixed it for you!

They are missing one very important thing, IMO.



The '60's pegheads are awesome!

[Colonel Sanders]

I would say that 71/72/73 was certainly above the mark on quality that you would expect IME, plus the introduction of the 'Stripe' made a definite change in sound to the 4000 series, the 71 was the last of the 60's, fantastically refined and the 72 was the start of next generation, plus all the goodies.

I would agree about the skunk stripe, and going to quarter sawn necks, changing the sound. Build quality wise though, it came with the advantage of greater neck stiffness and reduced the risk of neck warpage.

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Seans]

72 was the start of next generation, plus most of the goodies.

There, I fixed it for you!

They are missing one very important thing, IMO.



The '60's pegheads are awesome!

They certainly are Kevin, looks like a 67RM there, what could be better.