The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi All!

I just bought a Bakelite from Bobbe Seymour in Nashville. It is in remarkable shape, however, the white knob is missing. You can see this in the picture of Bobbe holding the Rick in question.



Does anyone know where I can locate a (reasonably priced) replacement for this? The one on there looks pretty awkward.

It might be hard finding an exact match for the other knob on there. Consider replacing both with vintage radio knobs such as those sold by Antique Electronic Supply if you can't find an exact match.

That guitar appears to be a prewar model with the strings thro' the body.

The Bakelite knobs with the ARROWS on top would be in keeping with the era.

There's a pair being advertised now for several months on eBay at a paultry $69.99, I believe it is.

NO! I'm in no way conncected with the seller.
But knobs are not that readily available.

Ray Montee wrote:That guitar appears to be a prewar model with the strings thro' the body.

The Bakelite knobs with the ARROWS on top would be in keeping with the era.

There's a pair being advertised now for several months on eBay at a paultry $69.99, I believe it is.

Yes I have seen those on ebay too. I have had them bookmarked for some time. They are not black and white,however, and I was hoping to stay true to the guitar. I will take what you and Brad have suggested under advisement. I may end up having to settle I suppose.

Just tested this baby. Wow. I can really see why it's a famous guitar now. So sweet.

You can also purchase knobs directly from Rickenbacker although they are not quite the same as the one you have already.

J, I am not an expert on Ric's but my B-8 has both knobs matching your volume control. Some of the other forumites told me that Ric used radio knobs and to keep an eye out on Ebay for vintage radio knobs, as that type come through every now and then.
Good luck!

Seems like the knobs were sometimes black and white, and sometimes two black ones. Maybe catalog pics would show which is correct (?) Mine has one red knob and one white knob (post-war)

I agree. My pre-war chrome plated Rick has two black knobs, and my post-war black plated Rick has two white knobs.

I kinda thought two black knobs would look better (aesthetically) than one black and one white, but most of the pre-war 'pandas' I have seen go black and white. I bought it to play it first and foremost of course, ... but I know that it has greater collector value if it has all it's respective parts.

I found two white flying saucer knobs at the Vintage Guitar Shoe in Dallas for about $50. I've also seen them on ebay in the last year or so.
It you wait long enough they will show up on ebay or go to a vintage guitar show and contact the various vintage parts dealers. They are out there and available.