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Is this a Real or Phony Ric?
Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:47 am
by octagon
Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:57 am
by admin
Mitch: This instrument was made by Rickenbacker for distribution through Radio Tel and is the real deal. It is similar to the Model 425 and had a set neck. I am unsure of the precise production dates but have read from a number of sources that it was produced during the period 1964 to 1975.
Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:48 am
by octagon
Thanks for the info Peter.I never saw one before.
Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 12:53 pm
by xcoyle
Mitch, the model is offically called Electro ES-17, which is the same as 425, or in this case a 420, becuase it is a 1973 guitar. They also made an ES-16 which was the same Rickenbacker 1000.
Peter, I just sent some photos of my Electro ES-16 to Bjorn to fill out his "Models" section. My ES-16 is March 1963.
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:41 am
by ozover50
I heard that it was sort of a 'student' electric guitar. Is this the case?
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:52 am
by BobKat
Maybe that is how it was marketed, but by ES-16 was every bit as good a guitar as any Rickenbacker. Played great.
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:54 am
by BobKat
BTW, Peter, they released a special run of these in 1982 to use up the remaining stock. I believe it was a matched set of ES-16 guitar and a small amplifier (can not remember the model) and were ordered by a music shop in Pennsylvania. Perhaps JH can fill in the details.
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 4:00 pm
by xcoyle
IMO the ES-17, 425, 420 were all limited with the one pickup in the middle. The 450 is one of my favorite guitars and has great tones with the front and back pickups. The middle position only just doesn't sound great. George Harrison modified his to a 450.