Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ok, so I saw a picture of a guitar in the Rickenbacker Guitar Book (Bacon) of a Rick with one pup and a switch (and two knobs -- I gather one tone and one volume). What is the switch for? It was either a 400 or 1000 model -- I can't remember right now. Isn't the switch normally used to switch between pups? By the way, the pic of the the "albino" 620 is too much for me to handle. Although I do think it is sporting a humbucker in the bridge position, which must have been added later? Get that color back!

My nephew has a Model 1000, which has one pickup & a switch. I haven't played it, so I really don't know what the switch controls.


http://home.att.net/~wmthor/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-360802.html

The schematic for models 420, 900, 1000, Electro™ ES16, Electro™ ES17 can be found here. The switch allows access to a .047 capacitor, which is a "bright" idea to my way of thinking. Just in passing Richard, I have a memory that the guitar of which you speak was a Christmas present for this young man. What are you doing for Christmas this year? How about a "C Series" instrument?

His instructor has indicated that he's ready for a "full scale instrument". If I had my way, a 650 or a 620 would be about right. However, I'll probably leave it up to his parents this time.

Peter,

That's exactly what it does. When I had my mint '57 1000, I was at first perplexed by the switch's operation(before I tried it). When I got it, plugged it in and tried it... AAAAhhhh... I was pleasantly suprised.

It was a nice little guitar, but ultimately, it was just TOO little for me. I'm 6'3" and with the 18 fret neck it was like a toy on me. I would have kept it for a nice vintage travel guitar, but I got an offer from Japan for it that I couldn't refuse. Still have the pics though.

Jeff: Thanks for the first hand information. Why not send in some photos. Too bad, you sold it. Based on your description, you might have been the Tiny Tim of the Rickenbacker world.