Electro ES 16 Bridge

[slc ricker]

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to restore a 1964 Electro ES 16 and need to find an original two piece bridge to do so. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[badeggs]

Welcome to the forum!

Just so you know, when you hit 30 posts, you can access the Marketplace...it's got a "Wanted" section where this would get the most notice. But someone will probably come along re: your specific question...

[slc ricker]

I have assumed that this guitar is the Electro because I have seen so many pictures on this and other Ric sites. As the TRP is missing, is there a definitive way to know what brand this is? The serial number stamp on the bridge says DH 32 which I believe means it was manufactured by Rickenbacker in August of 1964. Without the TRP how do I know whaty brand it was sold as?

Thanks!

[jingle_jangle]

It's either going to be an ES-16 or a Combo 1000. The headstock of the Electro ES-16 has the TRC tip screw closer to the centerline that that of the Rickenbacker Combo 1000. Got a pic of the headstock?

Look at the photos I've posted for you on the RIC Forum. This will clue you in on the bridge you'll need.

[slc ricker]

Here is a pic of my guitar's headstock along with pics from a Ric and an Electro. Based on the TRC holes, it looks more like a Ric 1000 to me - what do y'all think?

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

1000 !

[jps]

1000 !

+1000!

[collin]

It's either going to be an ES-16 or a Combo 1000. The headstock of the Electro ES-16 has the TRC tip screw closer to the centerline that that of the Rickenbacker Combo 1000. Got a pic of the headstock?

Look at the photos I've posted for you on the RIC Forum. This will clue you in on the bridge you'll need.

Ah, but in 1964 they made a number of Electro models that used a blank white Rickenbacker TRC made of the same plastic as the pick guards, with a rectangular Electro badge, as found on the lap steels and amps, so the Ric-shaped TRC isn't a good indicator for that year only.

Were ES-16 models set-neck like the ES-17 (as opposed to the neck-through of the Rickenbacker models)? This may be a good indicator of brand as well as the level of finish buffing.

[jingle_jangle]

Collin's right about the weird transitional TRCs with rectangular Electro plates--I had forgotten about these. They are surely rarest of all.

My own ES-16 (an '83) is set neck. Regarding the finish, it would be very difficult to tell a '64 Combo 1000 from an ES-16 of the same vintage, based on gloss and thickness of clearcoat, as CV that is that old is so thin as to be unreliable as an indicator. So, set neck or neck through would be most reliable, I would think.

[collin]

Good point (re: CV being thin). I've owned a couple Electros and plenty of vintage Rickenbackers and really, I couldn't see a huge difference since both were worn etc.

Most all of the Electro models should indeed be set-neck though. So Rickenbacker 1000 models are neck-through as well?

[jingle_jangle]

Yep.

Here's a '64 Combo 1000 that I restored for JDog:

[slc ricker]

Upon closer examination, I can see that mine is a 'neck thru'. So, it sounds like I probably have the 1000? Wow Paul...that is beautiful!

[jingle_jangle]

That's a pretty good guess, Tres...congrats.

I would have to say that ES models are coming up in value these last few years faster than their Rickenbacker counterparts. But I'm sure that economics are a minor factor in this case. It's a lovely instrument and a GAS to play as long as 18 frets don't limit you...

Now, we gotta find you a bridge.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

i'm sure , on the subject guitar, there would usually be a lighter area where the trc would have been as the laquer did not yellow up underneath it. or the paint would have a more fresh appearance. this would determine the shape .

[doctorwho]

Welcome, Tres!

It could have been a Ryder 1000, too ...

1966 Ryder 1000 Fireglo

... but the top TRC screw hole placement looks like it was an Electro.