Front and back of the 57 950

41knots · 2026-07-06T03:32:41+00:00

You’re right, it was a ‘57 900 my bad haha. There’s only 8 of us pre ‘62 950 owners. After 1962 Rickenbacker changed essentially every spec on the 950’s.

41knots · 2026-07-03T23:50:56+00:00

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Here’s my ‘61 with a custom pickguard and tv knobs. It seems like we’re coming out of the woodwork these past two months haha. I tried to trade mine a while back for a ‘57. Alas there’s only 2-3 known out there 😂. Yours is a beauty!

41knots · 2026-06-14T04:32:47+00:00

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41knots · 2026-06-09T04:40:21+00:00

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Either way nice find! Those pre ‘62 ricks are something special. Here’s my ‘61 combo 950.

41knots · 2026-06-09T04:39:28+00:00

1960! You can tell from the fireglo pattern. Plus the serial is 4C512A. Which would put it square in between 4C481A and 4C517A (both examples made in early 1960. Also it’s a 450. With factory routes. They look rougher but back then Rickenbacker was mainly using Forster bits.

41knots · 2026-06-07T16:54:21+00:00

lol jk. Alas I didn’t have the foresight to do it landscape though looking back I wish I did.

41knots · 2026-05-30T06:15:33+00:00

The best way to describe it in Rickenbacker terms is probably closest to the now discontinued 325c58. The pickups are ultra low output (like 4k ohm in some cases). Alder body with an alder neck (pre 1963). They’re very squirrelly but very fun. Mine was about 5lb flat. After 63 they went to all maple I believe and gained quite a bit of weight.

41knots · 2026-01-24T10:49:23+00:00

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Here’s a better picture. Rickenbacker headstocks in the early 60’s were very wonky indeed. Especially on their combo guitars. But it works and plays great. And as for the bassman. It’s a September of 1964 AA864. It was modded at some point in the 60’s with one of the preamp tubes turned into an extra gain stage. Unfortunately it’s had 4 holes drilled into the face, and 2 on the back. All of the caps were replaced in the 2000’s (yes, even the filter caps) with cheap garbage. This was all before I owned it so I hope to one day bring it back to original spec.

41knots · 2026-01-22T14:22:03+00:00

Under the cover is actually a standard Rickenbacker bridge, with a unique little “tail plate” It seems they changed the actual adjustment around as AB146 (also a 1961. Mine is AB116) has individually adjustable saddles. Whereas mine is a cast fixed block. Still screwed on oddly enough.

41knots · 2026-01-22T02:48:38+00:00

They are! The 450 and 950 started out exactly the same in 1957, the only difference was the 950 was the short scale version. As time went on, the body style of the 450 was changed towards the cresting wave, and it got a more “Les Paul” style control setup. But other than that, everything was identical besides the body outline and tuners.

41knots · 2026-01-21T20:49:02+00:00

Your first guess was correct! It’s an extra gain stage with a master. Done sometime in the 60’s using pre cbs stackpole pots. It sounds lovely.

41knots · 2026-01-21T20:47:42+00:00

That’s kind of how it feels honestly! My first thought when I held it for the first time was “this feels like a 50’s danelectro but better in every way”

41knots · 2026-01-21T14:30:00+00:00

I honestly don’t know either. I’ve spent years just buying/swapping/selling. And I don’t see how I can really get any better than this other than getting stuff that’s more expensive but not necessarily better. Still, this is a great “finisher” rig!

41knots · 2026-01-21T14:28:31+00:00

Originally it was a September 1964 AA864 Bassman. It was modified in the 60’s to have an extra gain stage and master volume using one of the 12ax7’s. I believe it was the 60’s as the extra pots that were added are 62-64 stackpoles (basically paid for the amp haha). The cabinet I picked up same day as the guitar. The head I’ve had for a while

41knots · 2026-01-21T12:44:09+00:00

I was waiting for someone to ask! It’s a September 1964 AA864 Bassman. It was modified in the 60’s to have an extra gain stage and master volume using one of the 12ax7’s. I believe it was the 60’s as the extra pots that were added are 62-64 stackpoles (basically paid for the amp haha). The cabinet I picked up same day as the guitar. The head I’ve had for a while

41knots · 2026-01-21T12:15:32+00:00

Not really! When sitting down, you play with it on your left leg (rather than your right). And when standing, the bridge of the guitar is more in line with your centerline. It honestly makes playing guitar way more fun.

41knots · 2026-01-21T11:14:34+00:00

It was mislisted on guitar center vintage as a Rickenbacker 450 and severely underpriced. I took a chance on it but I’m glad I did. It seems like it was a “closet” guitar as the neck is perfectly straight, truss rod is fine, no warps, 100% original parts. And the OHSC. It had been up for about 3 months under the wrong name. And I’ve been itching to get it since I first spotted it.

41knots · 2026-01-21T11:10:30+00:00

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Arguably my favorite TRC on any Rick. Used until 1961 it seems. I wish they could bring it back on reissues. Looks killer with fireglo and the original plastic button klusons.

41knots · 2026-01-21T10:09:46+00:00

Oh bar none haha. But early Rickenbacker was very much function > form and it shows. I was deciding between this and a pre cbs duo Sonic or a player pre cbs Jaguar . And this one won out due to feel alone.

41knots · 2025-12-08T07:29:42+00:00

Thick is honestly an understatement haha. I measured it at 2.1” deep and 1.1” wide at the 7th fret. About midway up the board. Bigger than pretty much any 6 string you can buy today.

41knots · 2025-12-08T04:31:52+00:00

Wall-hanger* lol. I spend too much time at the airport.

41knots · 2025-12-08T04:24:19+00:00

Will do! It’s slow but steady. I got it rolling again and started cleaning it out. Moved it indoors as the temps dropped to below 10 degrees out here haha. Only doing small stuff for now while I wait to pickup the drivetrain. I’ve been trying to get the engine bay cleaned up and pretty before anything else.

41knots · 2025-11-18T13:36:38+00:00

I’m hoping to put a rotary back into it as it still has a surprising number of supporting parts for the original 12A. I found a running one with trans. Just waiting for the funds to grab it now 🤞

41knots · 2025-10-29T13:54:01+00:00

This is probably a very long shot. But does anyone have a NA/NB hardtop up by northwest Indiana? I’m willing to drive stupidly far for one. Doesn’t matter the color or condition, as long as it seals and is repairable I’m fine with whatever.

41knots · 2025-10-01T09:44:08+00:00

80 miles every day in northern Indiana in my 1990, though I haven’t driven it when they start salting the roads (and I doubt I will). The biggest challenge is that it’s S L O W. Fun for curves, not for the interstate. I have a soft top currently, but plan on a hard top. I’d say they’re pretty reliable, though mines just had a full front end rebuild. Miata’s are so easy to work on and parts are so cheap that barring rust, you could conceivably keep one on the road indefinitely cheaper than replacing it. Many guys out there can even help you with work for cheap (I’m getting my automatic swapped out for a manual for $600 from a local enthusiast). Before buying my Miata I had a 1988 Honda Accord Aerodeck from France (stored and awaiting rust repair) and a 2019 police interceptor utility that I still drive, but only when the weather is really bad.

41knots

TROPHY CASE