Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Having looked at the '71 21 fret TRC's shown here I have to point out that the one on mine is completely different to all of them.

It goes the other way!

You will notice edits in this thread. As always, I tried to save as much factual information as possible as the discussion is interesting and highly informative.

I would ask that we proceed in what I consider was the true spirit of the comments made. Namely, what are the features of this bass that might have an impact on its value.

It is understood that our comments are points of view based on our knowledge of Rickenbacker basses of the period and may not be in and of themselves hard and fast rules. We all learn from the collective knowledge of others.

Peter, you really need the wisdom of Solomon on this site. As ever, very well sorted. At times like this I really don't envy you.

All I can say Gene is I'll swap you my '91 CS and my '73 4001 Paul W conversion (when it's done)!!!! I'd love a 21 fretter, and I love the 71/72 pre-skunk basses anyway....best of luck selling it.

squirebass wrote: I'm not sure that the TRC were maybe as uniform during that time period as they are now, and I compared it with my '73 and they look quite similar, it has that Lexan glassy look to it that doesn't seem to show very well in pics, and my v63s don't have that look to them.

They were uniform, made from Plexiglas (methyl methylacrylate, commonly known as "acrylic"). Now they are made from acrylic, but Plexiglas brand is no longer made; logo silkscreened on back, then back-painted in white (or gold, depending on model). They were never made from Lexan (which is a brand name for polycarbonate, a whole 'nuther animal.)

The TRC does not look like a bass TRC of any vintage to me. It does look like a 12 string guitar TRC, which usually has a cutaway top sweep to clear the string slots. This TRC does not have a smooth arc on top or bottom--usually a dead giveaway that it's a 12er.

I am glad to see this cleaned up.

Before I forget, Jeff. You have a fantastic avatar.

Thanks, Peter! A different way to see what I look like.

jps wrote:I am glad to see this cleaned up.

Interesting comment considering from your avatar your nose is all bent out of shape!

Sorry, I had to......

So, do we have a #, taking into account all pro's and con's?

I want to belatedly apologize for my outburst on this site, and apologize to Leftybass for my unkind comments. I believe that if some better pics were taken of the TRC it could be seen that this is some sort of vintage TRC, maybe not the "right" one, but an old one for sure. I've been fooling with these basses for 32 years, and used to see basses nearly as old as this one when they were new and on the rack at guitar stores in my hometown. I guess I used the wrong word here when I used "Lexan" but what paul posted about the difference in materials is what I see in this TRC, it just ain't the same material, which is what I tried in vain to tell ya'll. I compared it to my TRC on both my 12 string and both of my 4001v63s and the "Made in USA" logo is moved over slightly on the '71 from where it is located on the v63s. This will be my last post here, and if you are interested in the bass, it will be going up on Ebay soon. Those who have contacted me with an interest in the bass will be given first shot at it, before it goes to Ebay. Thanks Peter and good luck!

Difference in materials could mean (and I know you're gonna hate this, Gene) counterfeit (the process for making one of these is simple and old), or it could mean a batch of acrylic that yellowed or otherwise changed color over time. Personally, I think it's legit, but looks like a 12er.