1937 Rickenbacher 7-String Bakelite

Todd Weger · From: Safety Harbor, FLAUSA

Hey Kidz! I played a 1937 (that's what he told me) Ricky 7-String about a month or so ago, and it was in pretty incredible shape. WHATTA TONE! The owner was toying with the idea of selling it. Is this something that would be worth owning (I mean aside from the obvious in that it sounds WONDERFUL)? Let me start by saying, I am NOT a collector. I buy a steel to play it. When I played his, I was SOOOO taken in by the beautiful, warm, lush tone of it. Plus, it was just visually striking.

What would something like this run? I've seen 6-stringers going for as high as $1,500 in excellent shape. Seems a bit steep to me, though. Not sure where to begin here. Don't think I want to spend that much dough. On the other hand, it looks like a good investment possibility.

Thanks.
TJW

------------------
Todd James Weger/RD/RTD
1956 Fender Stringmaster T-8 (Amaj9, C6, A6); 1960 Fender Stringmaster D-8 (E13, C6) through an old Super Reverb or Deluxe; Melobar SLS lapsteel (open G); Chandler RH-4 Koa semi-hollow lapsteel (A6)

Bob Stone · From: Gainesville, FL, USA

Todd,

This is a very rare guitar and one of the best sounding lap steels ever made. Some say THE BEST, but others would argue. I have a pre-1937 Bakelite 6 and absolutely love it.

Personally, If I had the money and really wanted this guitar, I would pay $1,500 for it if that's what it took. Of course, I would try to get it cheaper--say $800 to $1,000. Don't get hung up on eBay prices as they are usually high. But then again, no one is holding a gun on those folks and forcing them to bid. So what if you pay a couple of hundred bucks more than "market price," whatever that means? You'll have that guitar and you'll love it.

Try buying a 1930s Martin or a '50s Telecaster for $1,500--or a violin bow, for that matter. We are lucky to be playing non-pedal steels. Even the most expensive vintage steels are cheap.

Go for it! You'll never regret it.

Bob

Chris Walke · From: St Charles, IL

Good lord, TJ, what are you doing?? Bacteria multiply at a slower rate...

When I started learning 8-string I remember thinking, "Gee, I never use that 8th string. I should get a 7-string." It's lower on the list, but it's still there.

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

My lovely wife just purchased a Ric pre-war
six string in beautiful shape and the tone is absolutely fantabulous. We paid $800 for it and I didn't dicker on the price. I also have a seven string'34 model with hard shell case for which I paid $350. An earlier six stringer was acquired for only $150 but was stolen by a former spouse. All three of these beautiful ancient guitars were worth every dime of their price. In fact, if I had the cash, I'd grab up the seven stringer that's been on Ebay even tho' one tuning peg is missing. How could you possibly go wrong?

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

The tone of pre-war Bakelite Rick's is unmatched by any other lap steel every made. For many people a pre-war seven string is the "holly grail" of non-pedal guitars - Carl Dixon searched for one for YEARS. I love my pre-war Baklite steel but I'm also a big fan of classic Fender tone. For me, the tone of the Fender's Custom string-thru-body pickups is just as great as the Bakelite's but very different. It just depends on your bank account and what you dig. Certainly, as these seem likely to be a good investment - you'll always at least break even.

chas smith R.I.P. · From: Encino, CA, USA

I have a pre war 6 and a pre war 10, the 6 sounds better. The thing about prices is, they aren't making anymore '37 guitars and amortized over the life of the instrument, what ever it costs is pretty insignificant. Of course you could buy a used Yugo.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

About 10 years ago, I bought a pre war 10 string(chrome plates) Ric for $750.00 from Mandolin Bros.
At that time, it was an outrageously high price. Their vintage steels and resos are way above market prices as you can see from their website, IMO.
I was almost embarressed to buy it (and I was fairly ignorant in the vintage area)but for some reason,I wanted it.
Am I ashamed today that I over payed back then? Would you call me a fool?, well, maybe for other things, but the answer to both of these questions is a big "hell no".

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

Interesting point about Mandolin Brothers, Howard. I've always wondered how they got away with pricing above the market and have even thought they contributed to inflating the market in the pre-internet days. To be fair, they are however, extremely knowledgeable, give excellent service and write very entertaining descriptions of their instruments.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Andy, it's a pleasure to browse and shop there. It's a refreshing change from 48th St. in NY.
In the NY/NJ area from what I have seen, vintage prices are above market. Heck,they're above ebay, can you believe that? I have seen,in Guitar Center in NJ, a Fender Dual Pro,(trapezoidal pick ups) listed as a Stringmaster for $1100.00. I spoke to the manager and told him what it really was. He thanked me. Two months later I stopped in again and it was still listed incorrectly.
The Guitar Center in Long Island City had a model 33 metal body Dobro listed as a "Cyclops" for some stupid price also.

I think that these are "blind" items. There are many people who are not knowledgeable and will buy at these prices. This was especially true before computers and the internet. I have learned so much from my two years belonging to this forum and also ebay.

Now I just thought of something. Had I been knowledgeable 10 years ago and realized that the market price of that Ric was probobly about $350.00 - $400.00, I might not have bought it. There's the irony.

"Hindsight is 20/20"

J D Sauser · From: Wellington, Florida

I personally think $1500.oo is at the high end today. However I also think (and hope) they will soon go for a lot, I mean a LOT more. The collector's market is only begining to recognize the historic value of these fine instruments.
So, If you'd pay, say $1200.oo for an excellent one today... you might have a little bit a hard time to sell it the next day in a hurry... But you will make money on it 5 years from now and have had the priviledge of owning (and hopefully playing) one of the best sounding guitars ever made.

... J-D.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

What JD just told us,......that's the whole truth in a nutshell......

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