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Topic: Old Ricky Information Request |
Roy Thomson
From:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
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Posted 13 Apr 2021 3:54 pm |
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I have a friend who showed me this Ricky Lap Steel. I put new strings on it for C6. It appears to be same size and scale as the Silver Hawaiian model but is greenish in color.
Looking for information. (There is no serial #)
Thanks for any help.
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Custom Tabs Various Tunings
Courses Lap Steel, Pedal Steel |
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John Dahms
From:
Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 13 Apr 2021 4:25 pm
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Looks like a model NS (post war version of model 59). Stamped steel body. There may be newspaper stuffed inside that the factory used to control resonance. Sometimes you can find a date on one of the pages.
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Time flies like an eagle
Fruit flies like a banana. |
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Roy Thomson
From:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
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Posted 14 Apr 2021 4:48 am
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Thanks John!
So I don't know whether it's best suited as a beginners Lap Steel or a Collectors item? That would have an effect on the value no doubt?
Further responses welcome.
Roy
_________________
Custom Tabs Various Tunings
Courses Lap Steel, Pedal Steel |
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 14 Apr 2021 5:08 am
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| Roy Thomson wrote: |
Thanks John!
So I don't know whether it's best suited as a beginners Lap Steel or a Collectors item? That would have an effect on the value no doubt?
Further responses welcome.
Roy |
Actual completed sale prices (not asking prices) on Reverb are ranging around $600-800, up a bit from what I'm remembering from a few years ago. So they're appreciating.
With that info, it's your call as to whether it's a player or a collection piece. |
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Roy Thomson
From:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
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Posted 14 Apr 2021 5:59 am
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Thanks!
Your reference "Reverb". Is that the model
name for this little steel?
_________________
Custom Tabs Various Tunings
Courses Lap Steel, Pedal Steel |
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Tim Whitlock
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 14 Apr 2021 9:42 am
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Looks like you have a very nice example of a post-war Rickenbacher NS. Maybe not quite as collectible as the early frypans, bakelites or Silver Hawaiians but a terrific players lap steel. I'd agree with a value of about $800 UDS which makes it significantly more than a beginner's grade instrument.
How does it sound? The horseshoe pickups should be loud and full sounding. |
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Roy Thomson
From:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
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Posted 14 Apr 2021 10:11 am
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Thank you Tim!
It is a good sounding little steel with good PU response.
My only concern would be detuning in playing temps above the norm?
_________________
Custom Tabs Various Tunings
Courses Lap Steel, Pedal Steel |
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David Ball
From:
North Carolina High Country
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Posted 14 Apr 2021 11:00 am
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I've had several of the earlier model 59s--essentially the same guitar. They've all been good, and one is great (the one I still have). I've never had problems with temperature/tuning. I think the welded steel bodies on these are a lot more temperature stable than the cast aluminum on the fry pans.
Dave |
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J D Sauser
From:
Wellington, Florida
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Posted 16 Apr 2021 9:54 am
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Sheet metal Rickenbacher lap steels can be devided in 2 groups"
- the "NS" or "59" models
- the "Silver Hawaiian"
Both have similar tonal qualities. They are frown upon only by early B-Bakelite players which suggest that the bakelite body gives the guitar a unique "moan" (check out Jerry Byrd's "HiFi Steel Guitar" album for a taste of that sound).
Evidently an electric instrument is a symbiosis of an instrument and it's materials, the pickup(s) and the the amplifier and speaker.
Even thou the plated brass sheet Silver Hawaiian is a stunning guitar in looks, I have heard more negative comments about them than about the "inferior" materials "NS" & "59". Some came stuffed, other were stuffed with papers to limit feed back.
Many LOVE their "NS" or "59"... others prefer to show off their "Silver Hawaiian".
I have a "Silver Hawaiian" and it's a great sounding steel guitar, but it does not sound like an early "B" or a Pre-WWII Fripan.
Neither does any Fender or Gibson or what have'ya. And many of those can be great sounding steels.
... J-D.
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Was it JFK who said: Ask Not What TAB Can Do For You - Rather Ask Yourself "What Would B.B. King Do?"
A Little Mental Health Warning:
Tablature KILLS SKILLS.
The uses of Tablature is addictive and has been linked to reduced musical fertility.
Those who produce Tablature did never use it.
I say it humorously, but I mean it. |
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Tim Whitlock
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 16 Apr 2021 2:12 pm
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| Roy Thomson wrote: |
| My only concern would be detuning in playing temps above the norm? |
FWIW - I took my '37 Silver Hawaiian to an outdoor 4th of July party with temps in the 90s. Admittedly I was under a shaded porch, but I never had to touch the tuners during my three hours on stage. |
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Joe Cook
From:
Lake Osoyoos, WA
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Posted 16 Apr 2021 3:13 pm
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| I have a 1948 NS and I really enjoy playing it. I like the string spacing and keep it tuned to B11. The narrower horseshoe sounds good to me, it's no Frypan or Bakelite but it has a sound of its own. It stays in tune well but my tuners are a little fussy. It's a great little guitar all in all! |
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