Rickenbacker Guitar as sold by CJs - 1964 model 1993 12 string

A rare opportunity arose to sell a genuine Rickenbacker guitar that was produced in the US in July 1964 and imported into the UK by the agent Rose Morris Ltd for the local Hereford Musical Instruments shop that year.  This was one of a limited number produced in 1964 for export.  Richard R Smith wrote in his book that there were only 25 Model 1993 shipped to Rose Morris in 1964.

The colour was the fireglo sunburst version with a white inlay edge trim and a solid white pickguard.  It had two toaster pick ups

 and the distinctive  F hollow shaped cut out.  It had five  black indented knobs,

was strung with Rickenbacker replacement strings and came with two spare sets. 

The guitar was owned solely by a local amateur performer who was inspired by George Harrison of the Beatles to obtain his own copy of the 12 string version of this famous guitar having heard George play his on the A Hard Days Night single.

The guitar took three weeks to arrive in the UK and had the serial number DG943   stamped on it. 

The guitar was in good condition but showed signs of wear and tear such as indents, light scratches and chips consistent with being played regularly at gigs. There was a chip on the pickguard but it could easily be replaced.

The guitar had not been used since 1969 when the local group, Shane and the Mitres, disbanded. The groups claim to fame occurred when they supported the WHO at the Malvern Winter Gardens on 16 December 1965 after winning a talent contest for the honour. Pete Townshend himself is an exponent of the Rickenbacker guitar and played with his on several early hits.

The guitar came with the original blue crushed velvet lined grey carrying case and original leather strap. 

Below are additional photographs giving close ups of the frets, the neck, head stock and the bridge from various angles. These show the overall general condition and state of wear which was good.

The guitar had no restoration work carried out on it whatsoever apart from occasionally being polished. The guitar had been stored since 1969 as an investment, and the owner reluctantly decided to part with it.  The owner had several other guitars and had recently started performing again using a Fender.