Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, folks. Afraid I'm an Edison collector, rather than a guitar
collector, but I picked up a Rickenbacher guitar today with some Edison
parts, and would love to learn something about its history.

I am guessing it is from the 30s or 40s. It is missing the pickup, and has some wear issues that need attention, but overall it's not too bad. Some friends locally tried checking their guitar books but could not find anything that looks like this guitar. I can't find a serial # if there is one

A link to photos is below, and any info is appreciated!

http://centralcal.com/z1.jpg

You've got a "Ken Roberts", I believe. Vintage late 1930s, body by Kay or Harmony in Chicago, electrics fitted by Electro (Rickebnacker). Unfortunately, it's the electronics--the horseshoe pickup and other parts--that make this a real collectible, and they've been stripped out...

Thank you paul!

You've actually got a Model SP.......not a Ken Roberts.....

http://www.rickenbacker.me.uk/www.ricke ... ls.html#23

Graham would know better...he actually has one or two of these!

Thanks for clarifying, Graham...

Fellow SP owner here checking in, yep, that's right. The SP was a Harmony with a full size horseshoe. The S59's were Kay guitars with a skinny Barth(?) pickup on a belt-like thing that went across the whole top.

Thanks for all the useful information you folks have been providing. I've passed it on to a friend who's going to try and find the guitar a good home, and I'm sure it will he helpful.

Glad to be of service Vince.....a guide price, as it is, would be $300 - $500 IMHO. Hope that helps