Rickenbacher Model B

[Erv Niehaus]

I guess I should join GAS anonymous as I have suffered a severe attack lately.

I am attaching a photo of a Rickenbacher Model B, pre war, bakelite guitar that I just obtained on e-bay. I already had a post war Panda model but always yearned for this particular model. It is the wide pickup, strings through the body model. The serial number is C1398 and is supposed to be a 1937 model. Would this be correct?

[CrowBear Schmitt]

why listen to the kitty purr Erv

[Rick Alexander]

The positioning of the knobs indicate either 1937 or 1938.
Before 37 there was only one.
After 38 they put them side by side on the lower bout.

[Matt Johnson]

We need an emoticon for a "sweeeeet whistle", cause that one is pretty!

If you can, write a review for us comparing the sound and your take on the two different bakelites. I have a similar situation, but the opposite. I've been playing a pre-war for a long time. I've been wanting to try a post war tailpiece model, but my GAS is being controlled by a large box of tums my wife has on hand!

Enjoy!

[Rick Collins]

but my GAS is being controlled by a large box of tums my wife has on hand.

BEANO would be a better choice. It's the choice of nuns.

[Bill Creller]

I just re-wired two pre-war B6s. One was s/n c983, one volume control on treble side. The other one is s/n c2112, volume on treble side, tone on bass side.
I've been using mini-shielded wire on bakelites and others.

[Garry Vanderlinde]

Hey Erv,

Here's mine, pretty sure it's a '37. 7-strings. It's idenitcal to yours, even the case and banner.

[Loni Specter]

Irv, If you look at my earlier thread, it evolved into an intersting overview of your model. I thought about bidding on that one, but I've bought enough guitars this month! Glad you got it.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=114566

[Erv Niehaus]

Loni,
I know, I've been reading about your guitar(s). That's what got me interested in a Rickenbacher. I sure hope the guitar turns out to be as nice as it looks in the picture.

[Rick Collins]

I have an eight string Electro. It has the narrow pickup and is "strings through the body".

I'm quite sure it's post war. Does anyone know about what year?

Many thanks, Rick

[Erv Niehaus]

Is the name on the headstock shaped like this or is it T shaped? Is Rickenbacker spelled with an H or a K?

[Rick Collins]

Erv, it's spelled with an "H".

[Erv Niehaus]

What's the serial number? There should be one on the end of the headstock.

[Rick Collins]

Erv, I've looked the guitar over and cannot find a serial number anywhere.

[Erv Niehaus]

It's usually stamped on the very end of the headstock.

[Rick Collins]

The name plate is shaped like a "T".

[Erv Niehaus]

Can somebody help Rick out?

[Rick Collins]

It's odd that I can't find a serial number anywhere on the guitar.

[John Dahms]

T-shaped logo models were made after WW2 around '46-49. They don't have serial #s.

[Rick Collins]

Thanks John.

[Ray Montee]

Erv: It's been suggested elsewhere, that by placing your serial number in your FORUM POSTS, that you might very well be subjecting yourself and your private property (G'tar!) to substantial RISK of manipulative THEFT by persons unknown and their unscrupulous attorney.

Just tho't you deserved to know............

[Erv Niehaus]

Ray,
I read the other post where you were trying to track down the serial numbers and placing the date of manufacture on them.
Thanks for the advice.
Erv

[Loni Specter]

Loni,
I know, I've been reading about your guitar(s). That's what got me interested in a Rickenbacher. I sure hope the guitar turns out to be as nice as it looks in the picture.

Irv, I'll tell you this. If it sounds half as good as mine, you will fall in love with the warmest pure tone ever!

Oh yea. I just finished grinding the serial numbers of mine just in case the cops or lawyers come after me.

[Erv Niehaus]

Loni,
The only ones I have to worry about are the thought police. With all my guitars, everybody thinks I'm crazy!