The Steel Guitar Forum

40's bakelite Rickenbacker's Panda Model is
available. I wonder what will be the reasonable price for me to pay. A neiborhood
music shop is talking about 650$. I think that the price sounds very high.
I will take my small Fender amp and listen the sounds of Rickenbacker Panda (6 strings
with my amp. If some authority give me some advice,I would be very much appreciative. If price is not reasonable, I will wait for
another opportunity to buy POSTWAR
Rickenbacker or Fender Stringmaster T-8.

Manabu

Manabu: Is the guitar pre-war or post-war? Pre-war Bakelite "Pandas" -- with string-through bodies and 1 1/2" horseshoe pickups -- may sell for $600+, particularly if they're in excellent/mint condition. Post-war models -- with tailpieces and 1 1/4" pickups -- generally sell for between $400 and $500. (If you search through some of the old Forum posts, you'll find that many people insist that pre-war is the only way to go. But the people who have post-war guitars tend to disagree!)

You've got the advantage of being able to closely examine and play this guitar, as opposed to buying on eBay, so you can be very confident about what you're getting. Good luck ... I hope you find a guitar that will make you happy (at the right price).

Thank you Russ,
I have remember that there have had quite discussion in Forum. I will try the guitar with my AMP tomorrow. Merry X'mas!

Manabu

I have what I think is a late 40's panda with 1 1/4" pickup and strings thru the body. I paid about $600 for it. I've seen them go for less on ebay.

Terry, thank you for your info.

Manabu

I have two pre-wars with chrome plates and one post war panda. They all sound excellent in my opinion. The post-war has slightly more of a treble-accentuated "Fenderish" sound, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

The difference between the pre-war and post-war prices might be, oh, $150 bucks. I've spent more than that on a fancy dinner for my family, and what did that turn into a couple of hours later? If the guitar sounds good, you have the money, and you like the instrument, buy it. Life is too short to quibble over a couple of bucks when we're discussing the pleasure of owning a vintage musical instrument.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Thank you Herb for your good sudggetion.
Life is too short. I agree with this.
As far as my wife is concerned, where we should keep my equipment? I like Fender,
Emmons & Mullen that I have now. All my guitars have different but nice sounds
even with my amateur technique. Now another
antique!

Manabu

bravo, herb! exactly my sentiments. if you worry enough, someone else will buy it, and the problem solves itself. get it, and learn to love it. happy holidays, all.

A 1940 Prewar (Wartime) ... in seriously nice shape .... just went for $633.

<SMALL>talking about 650$</SMALL>

If it has 1 1/4" "Shoes" .... You can do better !!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 24 December 2002 at 08:28 AM.]</p></FONT>

I have bought the Panda that a music shop thinks 1940 with 1,25 pick up and strings through back of guitar, It sounds great. I have paid 580 $ + tax, Now I am thinking which tuning I will enjyoy, I will try GECAGE at first. Thank you for great advice, everybody.
Manabu

Please close this subject.
Thanks.