"Sweets For My Swedes" The Searchers in Sweden 1964-1967
by Björn Eriksson and Peter McCormack
Part 4: Searchers' First Rickenbacker 12-String
"The Searchers In Luxemborg Studio(1966)"
Part 4: The Rickenbacker 12-String Arrives In UK
In 1964, the electric 12-string Rickenbacker made its way from Mr. F.C. Hall at Rickenbacker International Corporation in California into the hands of a giant star, George Harrison of The Beatles. The chimey sound of this new instrument became an instant succes when the opening chord of A Hard Day's Night echoed through radios and cinemas worldwide.
Many English and American pop and rock musicians could not resist this captivating sound including Roger McGuinn of The Byrds and Liverpudlians of the like of Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers and most noteably Mike Pender of The Searchers. The guitar that George Harrison received from Rickenbacker was a Model 360/12 and turned many heads with its red sunburst, "fireglo" finish.
In England, the success of the electric 12 string was massive and the instrument soon became one of the icons of the British Invasion. The Rickenbacker guitar was already well known as John Lennon's pride and joy and George Harrison would return from the United States with a Model 425 in the fall of 1963. The demand for a 12-string guitar was tremendous. Rickenbacker made a deal with the English distributor Rose-Morris Ltd. The English distributor, however, requested changes from the original American models so that the guitars would resemble the popular Gibson models that were in vogue at the time. The most salient feature of the Rose-Morris instrument was the 'f' soundhole. There were seven models of Rickenbacker in the Rose-Morris inventory. All of these export models had their domestic counterparts.
Briefly, for the curious minded guitar enthusiast, the models were: RM Model 1993(330S/12 in the US); Model 1995(615); Model 1996(325S); Model 1997(335); Model 1998(345); Model 1999(4001S); Model 3261(4005); and Model 3262(336/12).
"Pender with Model 1993 and Chris Curtis"
Part 4: Pender And Curtis Choose Rickenbacker
Perhaps the most interesting Rickenbacker Rose-Morris model is the Model 1993. This 12-string guitar gained undescribable poularity among British guitarists. The Model 1993 is a hybrid version. Its body had white bindings just as the Deluxe models. The fretboard had dots and the output was mono. The American model was known as a 330S/12.
Rickenbacker historians, such as Richard Smith, have written that approximately 100 Model 1993 12-Strings were crafted. John Hall, CEO at RIC, argues that there were many more made. While it is possible to determine the number with greater precision by sifting through company records, it is likely to be some time before the old invoices are reviewed. Smith's data is an important first step, however, appears to be an underestimate. Suffice it to say that Pender had a coveted instrument with a scintillating sound that he used to considerable advantage.
No matter how many of these gems were made, surely the sun was shining very brightly on The Searchers the day that Mike Pender got his hands on his first Rickenbacker 12-String. Four decades later, the arrival of this instrument is still holds a special place in his fond memories. In fact its place is his heart is second only to his cherished Gibson ES 335. He recalls,
"Well it all started in 1964, Chris Curtis and I felt we needed something different for the next single release, 'When you walk in the Room'. Then I saw George Harrison on TV with his 'Rick'. I just had to have one. - that sound!! The rest of course is history. The 12 string is without doubt my (second) love.!!
"
"Pender And Model 1993" Ready Steady Go Performance in 1966
Part 4: Pender Lands A Rickenbacker Model 1993
Many listeners of The Searchers' music have assumed that the group used the electric 12-string guitar from the very beginning. This has been based on the jangly sound in The Searchers' hit "Needles and Pins." This, however, was not the case as the original recording of this classic British Invasion hit used two six string guitars, Penders' Gibson ES 335 and McNally's Hofner Club 60 model. This jangly sound did, however, set the tone for the used of Rickenbackers instruments later in their career - a practice that has continued up until the present time for The Searchers and for MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS.
Of some interest is the fact that both groups now use a 12-string guitar when playing "Needles and Pins" to simulate the fullness of sound obtained in the original recording. During later years Frank Allen would obtain a Jetglo Model 4001 Rickenbacker bass and a short-scale Model 325. John McNally purchased a Model 620/12 Jetglo and a Model 360/12. Mike Pender purchased his Model 1993 and later on a Mapleglo Model 456/12. Tony Jackson also had a Rickenbacker 4001 bass and a Model 325. Just in passing, Spencer James owns a stunning Jetglo Rickenbacker 360/12 with black trim which he uses for recording but not on stage.
Mike Pender developed a love of his Rickenbacker Model 1993 from the very beginning. He purchased it in from a local music shop in Liverpool in 1965. He commented
"I bought the guitar which was specially ordered for me from Crane's Music Store in Liverpool"
The demand for this instrument at that time was tremendous and he was fortunate to be able to find one. At that time all of these models were exported to the UK were finished in "Fireglo" which was and continues to be the most popular finish. This red-sunburst finish moves from the natural maple woodgrain in the centre of the guitar to a darker shade on the edges. Vintage Model 1993 12 strings command handsome sums in today's marketplace.
"Pender With Model 1993" Ready Steady Go Performance in 1966
Part 4: Rickenbacker - Music To The Searchers' Ears
Frank Allen had interesting comments with regard to the choice of the Rickenbacker 12-String for "When You Walk In The Room."
He commented,
"There weren't many 12-String guitars around at the time and the Rickenbacker not only had the best reputation, it had the best sound. Bright and clear. The Gibson was a very 'muddy' sound. The Burns, which came a little later, and which we used on the road was okay. Good for everyday use when instruments get knocked about. But the Ricky was, and still is, the king of the 12 strings."
Mike Pender also had vivd memories of his first Rickenbacker and the extent to which it became a part of the Searchers' music. He remembered,
"From 'Walk in the Room' onwards my 360/12 (Model 1993) was used on all recordings and all performances, until it was stolen! The Rick was stolen from a Club in Wolverhampton and I believe it was 1969. The Road Manager at the time as a guy called Chris Cotterel and I have never forgiven him! Needless to say from that moment on I have never left my
guitar with road crew! I can assure you even to this day I still wish
I had it to play."
John McNally did not beat around the bush when describing what he liked most about Rickenbackers. His reply,
"Their quite distinctive sound. It's as simple as that."
When Mike Pender visited Stockholm a few years ago he signed a Model 1993 for Ken Hedlof. The guitar can be seen by visiting the
Rickbeat Models Library.
The Model 1993 is a very legendary and historic Rickenbacker guitar. They are not easy to find nowadays. Many of the guitars never made it through the 60's. The necks broke quite easily, as 12 strings created a relatively heavy load compared to a six string guitar. This guitar had a major impact on the music of The Searchers and quickly became an icon for the British Invasion.
August 6, 2004 - Revised August 7, 2004
