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Post by jromano23 on Jan 19, 2022 3:46:14 GMT
For many of the same reasons I love Nationals, I'm interested in the bakelite Rickenbacher Model B but have no experience playing or seeing one in person. I'm most interested in the roundneck Spanish version and wanted to see if anyone here has any experience with them or comments. While the lap versions are popular and sound great, I've rarely seen a video or clip of anyone playing a roundneck. Outside of historical context, what do people make of these as players?
Thanks
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Post by pete1951 on Jan 19, 2022 6:59:58 GMT
I had one for a while, the neck had bent with string pull and could only be used as a lap steel.
Pete
This was many years ago , so no video or pics
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 19, 2022 10:34:33 GMT
Hi Joe,
Rickenbacher Model B square neck guitars are among the finest lap steels ever built. The sound and playability are superb. However, while the round neck "Spanish" version is one of the most beautiful looking guitars ever built, it is pretty much useless as a musical instrument. I had one that was in really nice condition with a pretty straight neck, but there were two inherent problems that made it unusable. The bakelite frets have no tone and they file down very quickly making it virtually impossible to play, and unlike the square neck model the Spanish neck expands and contracts at the slightest temperature change and won't stay in tune long enough to get through a song. I tried to use mine on stage, but it was impossible because it went massively out of tune. I also tried to record with it, which I managed to do on one track of my Lucky Charms album.
To sum up, beautiful looking ornaments that will make everyone that sees it fall to their knees and gasp in wonder, but as an instrument, useless.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by leeophonic on Jan 19, 2022 12:43:52 GMT
I had a B up till 2018 when I moved it on with a Dobro cast Steel to fund a one off Bill Asher lap steel.
Back on Topic, the B is probably the greatest steel out there, a good one will have a pickup that will pickup everything, the body will resonate everything through to the pickup if you knock it you think the whole thing is a microphone, also a good wide nut with string spacing that you would expect. Incidently I funded the B by parting out a broken neck round neck premier vox (round neck Bakelite guitar) if that tells you anything they are starting to get brittle, the sq neck however has more mass.
The round neck Premiervox on ebay currently is very similar to the one sold @ Gardiner Houlgate a few months ago, so this will give you some clues as to how much money may be in it for the current seller.
Regards Lee
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Post by jromano23 on Jan 19, 2022 17:36:23 GMT
Thanks for the great responses. As much as I like the looks of the roundneck, it sounds like I should take up playing lap if going with one of these. Very cool. Thanks again.
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Post by Brad Bechtel on Jan 20, 2022 14:40:59 GMT
Ry Cooder played one for an encore when he played at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
The only round neck B6 I’ve actually played had severe neck issues.
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Post by leeophonic on Jan 20, 2022 15:30:08 GMT
I saw Ry in London (Ten years or so back) when he used the Rickenbacher for the same tune , just to put the icing on the cake he was doing a double header with Nick Lowe (one of a few best live gigs).
Regards
Lee
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 20, 2022 15:38:01 GMT
It was July 2009 and it was a great show.
One tune! Exactly my point.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by mikeholland on Jan 25, 2022 9:16:54 GMT
I must admit to wanting a model B squareneck. But would need to play it and I doubt there are that many in th UK!
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 25, 2022 9:24:32 GMT
I must admit to wanting a model B squareneck. But would need to play it and I doubt there are that many in th UK! Mike, you have misunderstood my comment. The square neck ones are superb instruments that stay in tune forever and are among the finest lap steels ever built. The round neck Model Bs do not stay in tune at all. Shine On Michael |
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Post by mikeholland on Jan 26, 2022 11:46:28 GMT
Sorry Michael, your post was totally understandable and I understand the problems with the conventional type of guitars as opposed to square neck instruments. My point was really to do with any vintage type of instrument. I would want to play or at least check the guitar out before purchasing. I have had too many disappointments in the past buying without seeing. I was very trust worthy when younger but unfortunately as I get older I have become cynical....... or sensible. 😀!
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Post by Michael Messer on Jan 26, 2022 13:09:30 GMT
Sorry Michael, your post was totally understandable and I understand the problems with the conventional type of guitars as opposed to square neck instruments. My point was really to do with any vintage type of instrument. I would want to play or at least check the guitar out before purchasing. I have had too many disappointments in the past buying without seeing. I was very trust worthy when younger but unfortunately as I get older I have become cynical....... or sensible. 😀! No need to apologise, I completely understand and agree with you. Unless I was really sure about what I was buying, I would not buy a 1930s square neck Rickenbacher Model B without playing it first. If I could see and was assured that I was buying a near mint instrument from a trustworthy source, I might take a chance. Shine On Michael. |
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