Prototype? 30's Rickenbacker Fry Pan - The Steel Guitar Forum

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Prototype? 30's Rickenbacker Fry Pan

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Author	Topic: Prototype? 30's Rickenbacker Fry Pan
Larry Shaeffer Member From: Sand Springs, Oklahoma, USA	posted 10 May 2005 11:30 AM profile send email edit Rickenbacker experts i need you help! I have a all original 20's-30's frying pan...i took this guitar to several shows to find out more what it is and found out it is one of the first ones and a possible prototype, It is ULTRA rare because it is a 7 String. Can anyone here help me out? Thanks!
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA	posted 10 May 2005 12:09 PM profile send email edit Without a photo its tough to answer your question. 1) Is the thickness (not width) of the magnets 3/8" ... or much thinner (5/32") 2) Is "Electro" engraved in the headstock ... or is there a logo "badge" (metal) ... If yes to the above two items ... its circa 1931-32 ... the oldest ones. The prototype was wood ... here it is ... ------------------ Aiello's House of Gauss My wife and I don't think alike. She donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless! ... R. Dangerfield
Larry Shaeffer Member From: Sand Springs, Oklahoma, USA	posted 10 May 2005 12:33 PM profile send email edit Thanks for the reply. It is not made of wood, it is metal. It has the Metal badge that says Rickenbacher. The serial # is A124.
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA	posted 10 May 2005 01:01 PM profile send email edit All "production" Frypans were cast aluminum. It seems the serial numbers on prewar Frypans had the following "scheme" ... respectively: 0... 00.... A... B... The "C" series were "Bakelites" ... '35 and up. The "D" series were "Silver Hawaiians" The "E" series were "Model 59s" Thats about all I know about Ricky serial numbers ... Another clue about dating ... is the "half moon" mounting tab (under the thumb screw height adjustment). The oldest have nothing written ... "Pat Pend" was used prior to '37 (don't know when they started stamping this though ??) ... The actual Patent # was stamped after Aug. '37. The major problem with dating Rickys ... is they commonly used "left over parts" year to year. There are some real strange "combos" that pop up here ... You may not have one of "the first" ... and certainly not a "prototype" ... But a seven string prewar Ricky Frypan is certainly a "treasure" ... enjoy !!! ------------------ Aiello's House of Gauss My wife and I don't think alike. She donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless! ... R. Dangerfield [This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 10 May 2005 at 01:12 PM.]
Harry Sheppard Member From: Kalispell, MT USA	posted 10 May 2005 04:05 PM profile send email edit Larry, I had a 6 string Frypan Serial Number A138 and based on the case and other features, I placed it at about 1940ish or maybe just after the war. It had the brown faux leather covered case and the pickup was wound with blue cloth wire. If it has the black, rectangular case, it could be earlier. I think the earliest ones had the black formfit cases. Rick is right on with the serial number schemes but nobody knows why they had 4 prefixes for frypans. Can you post a picture?
Larry Shaeffer Member From: Sand Springs, Oklahoma, USA	posted 10 May 2005 05:47 PM profile send email edit Hey Guys, Thanks for the reply's! The Fry Pan has a black rectangular hardcase and a VERY worn out leather forfit case. I will try and take and take a picture of it and post it here.
Jeff Au Hoy Member From: Honolulu, Hawai'i	posted 16 May 2005 11:06 PM profile send email edit Hey Rick, Just out of curiosity, of what kind of wood was the original constructed?
Rick Aiello Member From: Berryville, VA USA	posted 17 May 2005 05:35 AM profile send email edit I read that its maple. I have also read that Beauchamp's son said the very first one was Douglas Fir ... ??? Harry Watson seems to have been the luthier ... ??? ------------------ Aiello's House of Gauss My wife and I don't think alike. She donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless! ... R. Dangerfield

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