Rickenbacker Supersonic M-16

patharelives · Post by **patharelives** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:24 am

Hey, Guys. I'm new on here. Over the last year I’ve been very curious about the tweed Rickenbacker M-16 Supersonic amp. I've seen a few online, but have never seen in one in person. I was wondering if anyone knows how many where produced? Also, how much they are currently selling for? Thanks

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 5:54 am

Frank: I have no idea how many of these would have been made, but John Hall may. I have seen these amplifiers sell in the $400-500 US range in working order.

patharelives · Post by **patharelives** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 6:22 am

That's rather inexpensive. It seems like the 4 Jensen P10Q's alone would be worth twice that.

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 6:47 am

It is on the inexpensive side, compared to other vintage amplifiers in its class, however, what is a 40 year old speaker worth and how long will it last. Perhaps for another 40 years or only 40 weeks.

I would never say that the Rickenbacker M-16 would not go for more, but based on what I have seen, I will be surprised if most of these amplifiers have recently sold for more than $500. US. One can never discount the fervour of an avid buyer.

Should someone reading this have other data to share, I would like to have them comment here so that we might have as realistic a view as possible. The more data points the better.

By the way Frank, welcome to The Rickenbacker Forum.

patharelives · Post by **patharelives** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 12:11 pm

Thanks for the info Peter.

I'd love to hear from anyone who may have owned or played one of these amps.

patharelives · Post by **patharelives** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 10:39 am

Anyone?

rumblerdave · Post by **rumblerdave** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:33 pm

Hi Frank (& everybody else!), I'm new here too, & I just had to respond when I saw your post about one of my favorite amps I've ever had. I found my 1960(?) M-16 Supersonic in the back room of an old music store in a small backwoods Florida town for $100 about a year ago. I just about flipped when I found it- for years I have wanted an original tweed 4x10 Bassman, but figured I'd never be able to find an affordable one. When I found this amp, & realized it was a similar circuit & speaker configuration, I was thrilled to have it. When the lady told me she would take $100 for "that old piece of junk", I couldn't get the money outta my wallet fast enough! Luckily, the amp was in good working order. It's missing the handle, & somebody replaced the power transformer with that huge grey industrial tranny, but it sounds great! I've only played it around the house, and it really has a big, warm sound. The control layout is interesting. There are 4 inputs & 2 volumes (like a tweed Fender), and then a Treble Boost & a Bass Boost control. These are VERY responsive & sensitive controls- I've never played an amp of this era with such killer tone controls. Then there is the on/off/standby switch, and a "brilliante" switch, which works pretty good, too. I haven't cranked the amp up really loud, because the paper cones on the bottom two speakers are really dry & brittle- I'm afraid of blowing them! I'll probably have them reconed, as I have no intentions of ever selling the amp. Oh, another thing- They weren't tweed!!! That one you see pictures of on the internet & Ebay that is tweed, is recovered & aged to look original. The real covering is a very dark blue with white square "flecks". Kind of reminds me of old Ampeg tolex or something. Anyway, I'll post some pictures of mine so you can see it. Let me know any questions you might have. If you can ever find one of these for sale, GRAB IT! I love mine!

rumblerdave · Post by **rumblerdave** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:46 pm

Here's some pics (I hope):<p>
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rumblerdave · Post by **rumblerdave** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 6:51 pm

Uh... that didn't work. I'll try & get pictures up later...

patharelives · Post by **patharelives** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:42 am

Hey Dave, Thanks for the info. It's greatly appreciated! I'd love to see pictures of the amp. Are you positive about the tweed covering? Besides the one on Ebay recently and a few on the web, I've also meet someone who owns one and his is tweed also. Have you seen others with a covering like yours?

rumblerdave · Post by **rumblerdave** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:43 am

Well, I could be wrong- maybe there are some tweed ones. BUT, that one on Ebay a while back, I'm pretty sure the guy hinted at the fact that it was recovered? I think it's the same amp that is pictured on that other Rick amps website? Every picture I've seen on the internet looks like the same amp (same wear, same stains, etc..)Why does it have a Fender style handle? Are there other Rickenbacker amps that came in tweed? I guess I was just being too skeptical! I actually like the look of the tweed better than my amp, not that mine isn't cool looking too! I will still try & post the pictures of mine soon. I'd actually like some opinions on replacing my non-original power transformer- anyone know what would be closest to the original?
By the way Frank- Pat Hare rules! Most violent guitar tone ever?

tracy · Post by **tracy** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:04 am

Okay, but before we get the solder iron hot, let's take a closer look at what's there. The original power transformer for the M-16 was manufactured by Triad and was a kind of grey industrial looking thing. Later, in the B-16, a black version of the transformer was used with the same spec but was made by B & B. Are there any telltale numbers on the transformer you have? Can you jpeg a photo of the transformer to my eMail. I'm a little more than curious. Thanks!

jas_dye · Post by **jas_dye** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 10:32 pm

I have an M-16. It was given to me when I was in a band in '79. Although the original owner used it as a speaker set for their stereo, the amp can kick.

I took a look at my transformer and it has a 101 stamped on it and its grey. Maybe the below schem will identify it for you.. I'm about to re-tolex and grill my M-16 with a Fender yellow tweed with brown stripes and a brown oxblood grill and brown handle. So I need to get some tubes from the guy below.

Here is the link for the Schem of the M-16
http://www.blueguitar.org/new/schem/misc_amp/

This is a link for a guy who is selling the tube set for the M-16
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-M16-Su ... 7C294%3A30

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