Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all. I'm new to this site, and basically new to the world of Rickenbacker as well. Can anyone help me with ID-ing this guitar? I think this is a late 1950's 425, but I'd like to confirm or deny that. And how can I tell what year this is from? I believe everything is original but the pic-guard. If anyone can throw some knowledge at me, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Looks like a 425 to me. Compare yours with this photo.
JimK

Welcome, Christopher!

Yes, that is an early model 425. If you remove the bridge cover, you will find that there is a serial number stamped on the tailpiece/bridgeplate.
The serial number should help in determining its date of manufacture.

Thanks for the response, guys. I found the serial numbers and used them on the decoder on the rick website, but no luck. It mentions something about some instruments from the late 50's cannot be interpreted... do you think that may be the problem here? There are 2 rows of numbers: 4 0 on top of 1 8 9. Any idea what this means?

I am wiling to bet it is

4C
189

This one is

4C 138

http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... 6order%3D5

cmtighe wrote:There are 2 rows of numbers: 4 0 on top of 1 8 9. Any idea what this means?

It means it's real old! And old guitars are awesome...

As Brian said, probably "4C 189." The 50's serial numbers do have meaning to them - there's info in the Smith book on what the letters stand for, but I don't have it with me. Some 50's SNs have a "V" in them for vibrato (I think?), the "C" might mean a solidbody guitar, that sort of thing. But I don't think they were totally consistent...I'm sure others who know more will chime in. The decoder on the Rick site works with SNs from 1961 and on, when they switched to a year/month/number format.

Nice 425, welcome to the forum!

That's a Combo 400 serial number (4C), or at least it could have been. It's definitely a VERY early 425, though.

I'd put it at 1958, offhand. The pickguard could be original, unless you are certain it's been replaced. Everything else jibes--the knobs, bridge cover, pot locations, nameplate, and fretboard wood, which was different on guitars made before 1960, and changed again in '61.

Thanks for the responses, guys. You all are correct, it's a C, not a zero. My bridge is starting to oxidize, and the numbers are not clear. I was given this guitar by my grandfather sometime in the '80s. Due to life I stopped playing, and I haven't played it in 20 yrs. It's been in storage for about that long and I'm worried about aging and its condition. Can anyone help me out with proper maintenance/conditioning products/techniques? I may not play anymore, but I don't want this guitar to suffer any more due to neglect. Thanks again guys, for giving this newb some help.

Christopher, I'd leave it alone if you plan on keeping it, and only get it set up if you want to play it. It should be a single truss rod under that nameplate, so there's no real magic in setting it up for a good tech, should that be necessary.

Be sure you store it in the case, in a dry spot, not too hot or cold, and KEEP IT AWAY FROM WATER. Ideal conditions would be 65-70F and 50% humidity.

My basement music room would be perfect.

jingle_jangle wrote:
My basement music room would be perfect.

You beat me to it.

That's a very desirable guitar in my book.

cmtighe wrote:I was given this guitar by my grandfather sometime in the '80s.

Welcome, Christopher - great guitar Did your grandpa own and play it, or did he buy it just for you to play?

My guess is a 1959 or 1960 425, due to the construction and shape of the peghead. All original to my eye as well. Nice guitar.

kiramdear wrote:
That's a very desirable guitar in my book.

It's more desirable in my basement.

Deluxe case w/pocket too. Cool.

Thanks guys. Grampa bought this "after the war" (Korean), and I have some pic's somewhere of him playing it. His hands were shot from arthritis when he gave it to me. My primary concern is the oxidation around the bridge. The guitar is in LA now (little humidity) but was stored in Oakland, where I think this formed. Should I not worry about this? It looks a little worse in the pic, but that is a dusting of rust that is starting to form: