The Rickenbacher Electro Model B ES was not the first electric guitar, as it’s based on a Hawaiian version, but it is one of the very first Electric Spanish guitars produced for retail sale. Introduced in 1935, the Model B Electic Spanish is based on the Model B Lap or Hawaiian model introduced in 1931. At the time the Rickenbacher Electro Model B was launched, the only other Electric Spanish model in production was also a Rickenbacker product – the 1935 Ken Roberts model.
Horseshoe Pickup
The Ken Roberts model not only has a pickup, the neck is also ‘extended’ to meet the body at the 17th fret, and it has a vibrato tailpiece designed by Doc Kaufman. This exceptionally rare example is in good playing condition. Most people associate the first electric guitars with Leo Fender or the Gibson Les Paul, but the Rickenbacker ‘Frying Pan’ lap steel guitar predated those by almost two decades, appearing in 1931.
This instrument has sold
MORE →The Rickenbacker lap steel was possibly the very first successful electric guitar put into larger scale production, but Rickenbacker’s influence goes back to the early National days. Adolph Rickenbacker – then spelled Richenbacher – had a tool and die shop near National, and was contracted to produce metal bodies and resonator cones for National guitars, ukuleles and mandolins.
This instrument has sold
MORE →