Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Since planning to acquire my first Ric (see my other post...) I've been avidly reading everything I can about these wonderful instruments.

But I don't recall ever reading who came up with the actual body designs. Have I just missed it, or is the name of the designer lost in the mists of time?

Thanks

Mike

Roger Rossmeisl designed many of them. You can find out quite a bit about him from a websearch.

Thanks for the info, Dave. I did a bit of research and found out a fair bit about Roger Rossmeisl.

But I guess the one question that I couldn't find an answer to was 'why?'. Why the crested wave? Was it just an idea dreamt up by Roger, or was there some cultural or other significance to it?

For instance, I believe the Gibson Flying V was originally designed as a novelty guitar for an act with a Western theme. Any such interesting little anecdotes attaching to the designs of Rickenbackers?

Mike, the cresting wave started out as a Tulip shape (Combo 400 - 450). Rickenbacker (Roger?) removed a bit of the wood on both bouts, probably to make the upper frets more accessible. There you have it, the "Cresting Wave". Good thread.

Nah, it's because of the surfing culture down there in So Cal!

Art Deco.

Maybe Roger discovered the letter "O"
In most Ric designs the cutaways are carved in this shape. (slanted ellipse)
The body shape itself is quite traditional.

I always thought of it as a "C."

C would probably be a better choice indeed.
C from 'Cutaway'

That Art Deco guy sure designed a lot of cool stuff...

*Groan*



Hi Mike - I'm in much the same boat as you; currently trying to figure out what model to buy as my first, while I continue to sell stuff on eBay to fund it!