Rickenbacker catalog 1975

Page 2

C
History

Adolph Rickenbacker is shown holding his first hand-
made model ot the electric steel guitar. This instrument
was the beginning of the first popular electric guitar in

the world.
The instrument was invented in collaboration with

George Beauchamp, who spent countless days and nights
experimenting with various magnets and winding coils on
his sewing machine. The Rickenbacker Co. was princi-
pally a tool and die shop at that time where metal guitar
bodies and parts were stamped out for many other manu-
facturers. Upon completion of the guitar, Adolph Ricken-
backer financed and formed the company that produced
the instrument.

After its introduction in 1931. musicians nicknamed the instrument the Frying Pan" or"Pan-
cake" guitar. This guitar was soon used in many large orchestras throughout the country and
the new sound of the amplified guitar quickly caught on with a great number of Hawaiian artists.

Sold in conjunction with the original little Black Box" amplifier, this set retailed for $125.00
and sold individually for $62.50. The early guitars were cast aluminum polished to a luster. Alu-
minum was chosen for the body because it was strong, yet light weight, and held a good tone.
Later, technology facilitated the use of bakelite. This early Electro guitar had a longer, narrower
neck than the later model and had 1%" thick magnets made of tungsten steel.

The Rickenbacker trade name was soon adopted because it was unusual and easy to remem-
ber. During the early years. the H" spelling was used interchangeably with the correct "K
spelling. Within a few years. Rickenbacker electric Spanish style guitars premiered as the fore-
runner ot today's Rickenbacker products.

This historic instrument is on display at the company headquarters in Santa Ana, California,
where all Rickenbacker products continue to be manufactured.

Patents

Palented 6/12 string Converter

Three Rickenbacker models feature this
instanlaneous 6 through 12 string converter.
A flick of the lever lowers and mutes the
unwanted strings. Almost like two guitars

in one.

Patented Slanted Frets

Super action in super comfort. . . Slanted
frets reduce the reach for tough chords and
test runs by matching the natural angle of
the fretting fingers.

Instrument color may vary slightly due
to the hand finishing process,

Rickenbacker Inc. reserves the right
to change models or specifications
without prior notice.

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