Rickenbacker Wooden Lap Steel

[azoldguy]

I have come across a wooden Rickenbacker lap steel that belongs to a friend. Does anyone know if such an instrument is rare or collectible? We believe it might be 50 years old or even older. There are a few cracks in the wood from being stored in a dry climate but otherwise it's in decent shape. They are not looking to sell it but we were just curious. If anyone has interest, I will try to post pictures tomorrow. The serial number is clear and I will try to check for a registry.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[piece of ash]

check "completed listings" in ebay... those can go for some bucks 500-ish and up...

[Tom Pettingill]

There are a couple different style wooden Ricks out there ... any pics?

[azoldguy]

Originally Posted by Tom Pettingill

There are a couple different style wooden Ricks out there ... any pics?

I will do my best to post pics tomorrow.

[piece of ash]

These were the first things to have pickups on them... I believe.

[azoldguy]

I have learned a bit more that seems to be important. It is a string through body that should pre-date the end of WW2. The serial number is etched or stamped into the wooden body near the back "channel" for the string insert holes as opposed to being stamped into the bridge or socket areas and the serial number seems to pre-date the Rickenbacker directory. It appears the tuners were replaced but the originals were in a little accessory bag inside the case. Also the base of the pick-ups measures 1.5 inches wide and the arched part the strings pass under is 1.25 inches wide.

There were also a few little items such as a flyer for a guitar shop from a few decades ago inside the case. Kind of cool.

[Steveareno]

Check the steel guitar forum: www.steelguitarforum.com There's a section fon non-pedal guitars. Alot of info on old Ricks, Fenders, etc.
Swang on,

[azoldguy]

I snapped a few photos. Hopefully these are of interest and will help.
Thanks!

[piece of ash]

What a beauty...

[mad dog]

I'm no expert, so who knows. It looks to me like the model 100, postwar, 50s to 60s. The idea of string through body design indicating pre-war is correct if you're talking about the high end pandas, BD6 and the like. That's the top end of the lap line. It does not indicate pre-war in certain other models, such as this one. That pickup is the 1 1/4 width horseshoe, definitely post war.

I've heard these. Great guitar if you can get a good price. Not particularly valuable, not particularly collectible, not a top mode. Just get it for a good price, and you'll love it.
MD