Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey guys first post here on the forum
I just picked up a black Ricky 950 1957 it’s already documented here. But my question is how manny were made or are known to exist with the first shape

Good morning Pierce and welcome to the RRF. Thanks very much for your very good question. With regard to the early 950 shape we have collected 49 examples in our register over roughly the past three decades. We also have 34 examples of the 900 model with the same early tulip shape which is the single pickup model collected over the same period. The very small sample sizes makes it difficult to appreciate how many additional models were made and are still in existence. Curiously we have collected no 950 models with the cresting wave shape unless they have been mistaken for other cresting wave shapes over the years. Your question is an excellent on and perhaps the Factory has a better idea from their records and may wish to chime in.

Yes, I’ve gone over the examples, and the 950 only has two examples of the tulip before they further cut it down for more reach. That being said, I know the tenor exists, and I’d guess there may be more out there—but it doesn’t seem like there can be more than 10 because I can’t find any other across the internet they’re so undocumented. Furthermore if anyone has knowledge I’d love to learn because I’m preparing a YouTube dreepdive on these since I have a physical example coming my way.

Pierce Roettele wrote: Thu May 21, 2026 8:09 pm Yes, I’ve gone over the examples, and the 950 only has two examples of the tulip before they further cut it down for more reach. That being said, I know the tenor exists, and I’d guess there may be more out there—but it doesn’t seem like there can be more than 10 because I can’t find any other across the internet they’re so undocumented. Furthermore if anyone has knowledge I’d love to learn because I’m preparing a YouTube deepdive on these since I have a physical example coming my way.

Keep digging, Pierce.We shall find more. Looking forward to your deep dive.

FWIW, the applicable table in the Smith book lists 5 JG and 20 NC (no color indicated on invoice) 950s for 1957.

Any chance you can link of photo to the thread if not that’s okay I ordered the book but I’m inpatient haha

Pierce Roettele wrote: Sun May 31, 2026 11:16 pm Any chance you can link of photo to the thread if not that’s okay I ordered the book but I’m inpatient haha

Here's a quick phone picture of that page.


Keep in mind that it is generally acknowledged that Smith did not see every invoice on record, so his numbers represent only the invoices he reviewed and not absolute production numbers.