Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Congrats to all of you! Kevin, great pic--when I saw that NAMM photo, I thought it was the best looking finish I'd seen...until I actually saw my 96.

Bill

Hmmm... I wonder why so many of the 1996's that have surfaced recently indicate that they were manufactured in May?

No matter, this guitar is just fantastic. It's my first vintage reissue, my first short scale, and my first three pickup Rickenbacker, and I am deeply, deeply impressed. My 1996 really has the vibe - it's almost eerily reminiscent of my old '67 456/12 (which is, admittedly, an altogether different guitar). It's so easy to play, has such low action, and the three pickups are surprisingly versatile. I LOVE the sound of this guitar. Last night I had a chance to play it through my Victoria 5112 and a Vox AC-15, very different amps, and the guitar's character shone through both.

And get this - even my girlfriend noticed and complimented the wood grain, on both the body and the fretboard! And for her to notice something like that means it's something special. (no offense to her of course, guitars just aren't her thing.)

A heartfelt thank you to John and Ben and the whole Rickenbacker gang for making this outstanding instrument for me! And also to Chris Clayton for helping it find its way home.

I'll try and post photos this weekend.

>>It's my first vintage reissue, my first short scale, and my first three pickup Rickenbacker...<<

Same here.

Mine is 06 20329.

My girlfriend likes the wood grain too.

My wife likes the color better.

My attorney thinks I should have kept it in the closet and not shown ether of them.

Ahhh, the old sailor's toast: "To our wives and sweethearts! May they never meet!"

Kevin, i've got to ask (Curiously, not condescendingly) - why three of the same guitar?

What's the difference between 90 and 06?

John, 3 is my lucky number.

Glenn, 84, I believe.

I never was good at math.

Being my first short scale, I played the 1996 exclusively for a week before getting out another guitar. Whoa! The Tele felt huge!... then I got out the bass!

As far as they "made in 20th week of '06" goes (mines #321), when do they assign the serial? When wood is first cut, or even before?

Mine's got a handsigned "B" under the hood - do you suppose that means Ben signed off on mine?

Mine says "INSPECTED BY 42".

Mine has "Edward" written in the control cavity and 1996.

Mine has a note that says "You just voided your warranty"...

Seriously, I'm still so in awe of the finish I'd be afraid to go anywhere near it with a screwdriver!

Bill