The history

[rshatz]

I admit that I don't follow most of the threads on this forum, but after five years or more, probably more, I am amazed that the early history of these instruments is seldom categorized in a manner that would advance knowledge of the early history of this company. I know books have been written and serial numbers, at least 1954 through present have been catalogued, but that's not enough.

Here's some of what I know.
PreWW2
Frypans:
0##
###
A###
B###
Model B:
C#, ####
Silver Hawaiian:
D#
Model 59:
E#

Those of us who are really want to catalog and try to make some sense of the earliest instrument made by Rickenbacher are hampered by the facts that:
1. Rickenbacher didn't make many Spanish guiars of any popularity until 1954.
2. Serial numbers on instruments made before 1954 have only some rhyme and reason.
3. Instruments made between 1946 and 1954 had no serial numbers or the numbers were meaningless. Parenthetically, since I don't own a Rick made after 1954,and I have never seen a postwar, pre 1954 Rick with a serial number.

So, It comes down to this:
I know there are people out there that have pre-1954 instruments, who could help compile some sort of database, if we could just put our knowledge together.

I know our host, Peter, tried to do this with the original registration page, but that never came to the fruition I expected.

OK Help

[matz]

Richard, I'm a novice, so I can't help beyond contributing the serial # C863 of my B6. On the subject of cataloging: Are any of the Rick books worth buying, from the Hawaiian model point of view? I don't want to buy a book that is 99% spanish guitars. Regards,DM

[rshatz]

David,
There are only two books I know of written specifically about Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker instruments. The one I have was written by Richard Smith and has a pretty good section on lap steels. Most of it describes the various Spanish guitars and modern amps. The other one is by Bacon and Day. I haven't read it.
Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars is a very good resource. I use it all the time.
The books by Smith an Gruhn are available in paperback and are inexpensive, but still 98% Spanish guitar.

[admin]

Thanks Richard. Your information is much appreciated.