Looking for the serial number on a 610.

cmm71 · Post by **cmm71** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 11:48 am

I picked up a Rickenbacker 610 off ebay recently. The previous owner knew it was an eighties model but wasn't sure exactly what year. I have looked under the pick-guard and truss rod cover and I cannot find a serial number on the instrument at all. It's not real important, but I thought it would be nice "gee-wiz" info to have.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 12:08 pm

Chad: This is a long shot perhaps, but you did not mention checking the jackplate. Did you check on the jackplate?

cmm71 · Post by **cmm71** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 3:03 pm

No I did not. There are numbers on the jackplate's surface. The number on the surface of the jackplate: H5 on one side of the jack, and 5727 on the other side of the jack. Would this be the serial number or would it be on the opposite side of the plate?

cmm71 · Post by **cmm71** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 3:23 pm

OK, I just went to rickbeat (another Rickenbacker site). They have Rickenbacker serial numbers decoded. According to them, Rickenbacker changed their system in 1987. If they're correct in Rickenbacker's method, my 610 with H5 on the jackplate was made in either August of 1992 or August of 1968, depending on whether it was made before '87 or after '87. To the best of my knowledge 610's were not being made in the 90's. I doubt very seriously that it is as old as '68. Might my jackplate have been replaced/swapped? I'm confused.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 3:37 pm

Chad: It was manufactured in August 1992.

axel · Post by **axel** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 3:38 pm

August 1992 is the right one.

If yours is fireglo, I think it was recently sold by Mike Parks of http://www.the-music-connection.com - I saw the sale on eBay and recognized the pic from Mike's website..

It's the opposite, 610s were introduced in 1985..

cmm71 · Post by **cmm71** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 4:13 pm

Thanks guys.

It's black and I picked it up from a guy on the east coast (Boston, Mass I think). I've had her for about three months now and love it. I have never had a Rick before and now I want a 360/12...might be a ways off though.

axel · Post by **axel** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 5:53 pm

you're hooked.
(welcome)

carr · Post by **carr** » Thu Aug 23, 2001 1:20 pm

you're hooked.
(welcome)

You had better believe it. The 360/12 is a beuatiful machine . I have one plus a 370/6 (plus a 4003) and now I am hankering after a 620 ( 6 or 12) just for the sake of a different feel and sound.
My wife doesnt understand but then she doesnt understand my fascination with ultra sharp kitchen knives either. (Careful with that axe Eugene)

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Aug 23, 2001 2:00 pm

John: Yes it is difficult to explain why more than one instrument is needed. Remember women are from Venus and men sometimes buy their Rickenbackers from Mars.

axel · Post by **axel** » Thu Aug 23, 2001 10:21 pm

...although Ziggy didn't play any - but you have a point there Peter! yep

rkbsound · Post by **rkbsound** » Fri Aug 24, 2001 3:10 am

Mars: Definition: Now the only RIC dealer in Rkbsound's local area. Bummer. I know I can shop via the net out of the area, but it's nice to be able to go into a shop and hold 'em!

ted_williams · Post by **ted_williams** » Sat Aug 25, 2001 4:09 am

The last time I stopped in a Mars (about 2 hours drive from me) they had zero Ricks. I turned around and left.