How old is this Rickenbacker?

Robert Mac Neilage · Post by **Robert Mac Neilage** » 28 Jan 2017 8:59 am

I have recently finished refurbishing this Rickenbacker electro double neck and would like to know how old it is, and gain any information about this type of guitar.
The serial number on the nut is DW 24148 and I would appreciate any information about this guitar, pictures to follow ( I hope! ) Thanks for a great forum,
Robert Mac Neilage

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 28 Jan 2017 9:36 am

I don't know the exact date but by the look of the pickups its post war.

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 28 Jan 2017 9:38 am

deleted

Robert Mac Neilage · Post by **Robert Mac Neilage** » 28 Jan 2017 12:15 pm

Hi Michael
Thanks for this photo of the brochure, it gives me more details of the model.
Regards Robert

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 28 Jan 2017 1:06 pm

deleted

David Matzenik · Post by **David Matzenik** » 28 Jan 2017 1:44 pm

For my taste, I would rate that guitar, highly desirable.

Robert Mac Neilage · Post by **Robert Mac Neilage** » 28 Jan 2017 2:32 pm

I have the case for it and it is grey with black ends and a red interior.
I would guess the paint finish on it could be called "blonde" as described in the catalogue, because it's so thin you can see through it and make out the wood grain.
This can be seen on the surrounding wood in the photo of the nut.

Bill Creller · Post by **Bill Creller** » 28 Jan 2017 8:53 pm

The logo plates on the tuner covers look like early 50s..

Scott Thomas · Post by **Scott Thomas** » 29 Jan 2017 11:13 am

That's the earliest version of the DW-16. It has the inside contour carving that was dropped on the later model. Very nice.

Bill Creller · Post by **Bill Creller** » 30 Jan 2017 3:58 pm

Nice job on the re-finish !!

Paul Seager · Post by **Paul Seager** » 31 Jan 2017 3:41 am

I have a DW-16 which I am told is dated to 1956 although I've yet to find a serial number. Mine does not have the contour carving or the Rickenbacker name on the tuner plates. unfortunately I don't have a full size picture to hand but from this picture you can see the lack of contour carving.

Whatever, yours looks a beauty ... I love mine!

Bob Stone · Post by **Bob Stone** » 31 Jan 2017 7:37 am

According to Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars the model was introduced in 1956 and discontinued in 1961. However Richard Smith's Rickenbacker Guitars shows the cover of a 1955 catalog with a blond DW 16 on the cover. Apparently the serial number contains no date information.

Robert Mac Neilage · Post by **Robert Mac Neilage** » 1 Feb 2017 5:53 am

Thanks for your information Bob, but my Electro DW 16 seems to have been produced earlier than 1955 as according to Rickenbacker information on Google, the Electro company was sold in 1953.
Could the last two numbers ( being 48 ) on the serial number have any meaning on the year of manufacture as 1948 seems a distinct possibility?
RMN

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 1 Feb 2017 7:01 am

deleted

Robert Mac Neilage · Post by **Robert Mac Neilage** » 1 Feb 2017 7:30 am

Thanks Michael you have just put that thought to bed!
Just curious about the age and would love to know about any information I can get on this great guitar, besides that it's becoming harder to find things older than I am

Regards R M N

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 1 Feb 2017 10:24 am

Michael Allen's collection of vintage paper is truly a most amazing archive. Much value there. Thanks, Michael.