$338.33
1956 Rickenbacker Combo 400: Rare Early Electric Guitar
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Up for sale is a 1956 Rickenbacker Combo 400. There's not a whole lot of information available on this model, but I do know that this was Rickenbacker's first neck-through guitar, and that it evolved into the 425 model in 1958 or so. It's a really sweet-sounding instrument; even though the (DeArmond?) pickup predates the classic Rickenbacker "toaster," it has plenty of chime and real strength too. I bought this guitar years ago from an older gent in California; I don't know much about the history of this particular guitar, but I know for sure:
-The tuners (very nice Waverlys) and Rickenbacker nameplate are not original. One of the tuner ferrules is different from the others.
-The action is fairly high (though the guitar is quite playable). I tried adjusting the truss rod once but didn't get much to change. A luthier (and former Rickenbacker employee) told me that the problem is quite fixable, but I have never gotten around to fixing it myself, and frankly I have way too many other projects on my plate.
-The black lacquer finish is almost completely gone; the maple neck-through section is unfinished. The ex-Rickenbacker luthier told me that these guitars left the factory this way, though I have seen photos of other Combos that appear to have clear-coated necks. The finish on the back is really odd; it's like a grey industrial anto-skid coating. This is also stock.
-The construction of this guitar is really odd; two long studs thread through the center section and "wings" of the guitar. Apparently later these parts were glued together, which suggests that this is an especially early example. The serial number dates out to 1956 but I'm unsure of the month.
-The (brass?) frets are original as far as I can tell and, amazingly, aren't too far gone.
That's about it I think. This is a really cool old guitar; I wish I had the time and energy to restore it, but that's for the next owner. Honestly I have no idea what it's worth, so I'll set the reserve at what I have into it, which is $750. Any questions, feel free to write me and I'll answer to the best of my ability. International bidders, please contact me first for a shipping quote!
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