For Rick Aiello-2 Ricky Serial Numbers

[George Rout]

I'm trying to find out the manufacturing dates for two Ricky bakelites, one serial number is C2210, the other is B485. I was directed to Rick as one of the "specialists" in this category.

Thanks.

George

[John Dahms]

Well George, Rick hasn't made an appearance so here's my 2 cents.
The B # is a early run ca '35 before they started using the C.
The C is probably a '36. It is accepted that the first 1000 or so C# were made in '35. A picture would help.
I didn't go into my files but that what I recall.

[George Rout]

Hi John, and thanks very much for the response. I don't have a picture readily of the C2210, but here's a pic of me playing the B485:

Thanks.
George

[Ray Montee (RIP)]

Per chance is that an old Rickenbacher amp on the floor over there in back of you?

[George Rout]

Hi Ray. Yes, per chance it is an old Ricky amp which has been discussed on the Forum a while back. I'd love to have a chesterfield full of them like somebody I know has with Ricky guitars!!!!!!

Geo

[George Rout]

Ray, here's the link to the amp discussion:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... +amplifier

Geo

[Richard Shatz]

George,
I used to think that prewar Model B Rickenbacher serial numbers made sense. They don't.
One would think that the B prefix would tell you something about the chronology. It doesn't, as far as I can tell. The B 485 that you show has both volume and tone controls, which would indicate that it's not one of the earliest models, as the B prefix suggests but yours also appears to have the seven sided metal tuner buttons, which were the earliest ones that I know of.
My prewar Model B corresponds to the earliest specifications and it's serial number is C 355.
I could go on and on with numerous other serial number incongruities, but I won't, because I don't think the code, if there is one, has been cracked.
What might be an interesting theory about your Model B is that bodies and necks were made independently, so maybe an early neck could have been mated to a later body or visa versa. It's all 1930s in any case.
Sorry to ramble for so long and not help much with your question.

[George Rout]

Thanks Richard. No problem with the ramblings, in fact, they are what makes all this interesting and somewhat mystic!!!!

Geo

[George Keoki Lake]

I have an 8 string Ricky bakelite (post war, chrome plates) that has no serial number at all. It is post-war because the magnet is the narrow one.

[John Dahms]

I have been tracking Bakelite Rics for a while and there are some patterns that have surfaced.
When it comes to exceptions, 75 years has passed in some cases and changes to specs may have been made where detective work must be done.
George's guitar has 2 (non-original) knobs instead of one. Well, long ago before it was a sacrilege to do so an owner might have someone update his guitar like the new improved ones he's seen. Checking the wiring and pots could reveal this.
The seven sided tuners were preceeded by thin oval butterbeans for the first 400 or so that I have tracked (with originals still in place).
The neck shape and body edges of course changed with time and a swapped pair might be revealed by knowing what should go with what.
But there are transitional models that confound us.
I have a prewar (panda) with a serial number the highest that I have tracked that has a black painted pickup magnet not plated. This is glossy black not wrinkled and is wide not like the post war black pickups seen. Was it the last batch and not plated for war reasons (a "blackout" model)?
I don't know more than I know but like all of us I am hooked and enjoy this.

[George Rout]

Ah the mysteries continue!!!!!

The guitar I'm playing in the picture is not mine. It belongs to the daughter of the chap who taught me Hawaiian guitar in Halifax in 1948/9!!!!! I might add that this picture taken in November and it was the first time I played that guitar. Back in 1948, it sat in the middle of the classroom with strict orders to all us young folks, not only do not touch it, but don't even glance at it twice.

Through a series of coincidences, I learned that the daughter ended up living not too far from me, so I made a visit and enjoyed playing the old Ric.

Thanks again John for your interest and posting.

George

[Rick Aiello]

This page might help ...

http://www.horseshoemagnets.com/_sgg/m5m5_1.htm

Click: First Up ... Prewar Bakelites

[Bill Creller]

That picture looks to me like the tone control was added at some point. The spacing doesn't appear to be correct for two controls on that plate.

I worked on C 983, which had only a volume control, and added a tone control on the bass side. (that's what the owner wanted)

Good to see you on here Rick