Oldest Ric on the Board?

clemduolian · Post by **clemduolian** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:34 pm

I have a Rickenbacher (with the "h" on the headstock logo plate) Ken Roberts model from the 30's. 17 frets clear of the mahogany "Spanish guitar" body, incredible "Pat. Pend." horseshoe magnet pick-up, vibrola tail piece. Plays and sounds great. Any others out there? Any idea of value?
Thanks.

frankabq · Post by **frankabq** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 3:45 pm

I imagine the value is what ever you're willing to let it go for. A better way to find out is to go to www.bluebookinc.com and click on Apraisals at the top. They charge $10 to tell you what your guitar is worth by email. Hastings sells a Guitar Blue Book for $30, or just do what I do, go to Hastings and find my guitar in the book for free. Can you post some pictures?

clemduolian · Post by **clemduolian** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:47 am

Here's a small photo. Enjoy. image/

clemduolian · Post by **clemduolian** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 5:48 am

Here's a small photo. Enjoy. image/

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:38 am

With an original Kaufmann! You can see how the handle doesn't interfere with the strumming area, although it isn't exactly handy, being hidden below the horseshoe!

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 10:38 pm

Geoff - I turned one down like this for $1500 a year or so ago, non original case - re-finish - re-fret etc. But maybe $1000 - $1500 IMHO??? Got some more pics??

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 2:33 am

Mine's a little bit later and a lot more used....1946 - 1948???

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 4:10 am

Here's another for sale - but he doesn't know what to sell it for either???

http://www.guitarcrazy.com.au/RicSA1930s.htm

clemduolian · Post by **clemduolian** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 7:41 am

Graham:
Thanks for the info. I think $1500 is about right, since the only thing not original is the refin (and case). Here are some other pictures. Image/

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Tue Mar 08, 2005 3:30 am

It looks nice Geoff. Is it for sale or are you just looking for an insurance value?

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Tue Mar 08, 2005 6:43 am

How do these sound/play?

8mileshigh · Post by **8mileshigh** » Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:39 am

Now this would be a good time to raise the older sounds better debate......but mine still needs some work....once it's done I'll let you know.....over to you Geoff

clemduolian · Post by **clemduolian** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:58 am

Greetings All:

It sounds incredible, particularly when playing slide (which I love to do). With the right amplifier tweaks it is a very good all around pick up, but these horse shoes were made to "drive." Sustain for days. I even the find the Vibrola a nice (if limited) vibrato effect.

The neck is a bit "meaty" by modern standards, but very playable. The action on mine is akin to a National, high enough to slide (or produce a reasonable acoustic sound) but close enough to fret.

I am going to take it to the Austin Guitar Show this weekend to see if anyone is interested in buying or trading. I need a good "working man's" electric guitar to play out and bash around with. This one is best used in studio or home where it can be appreciated and accorded the respect it is due.
Thanks,
Geoff