A markedly rare piece of not only Rickenbacker, but production electric guitar history in general, this first-year 1957 Model 1000 "Tulip" 3/4 Scale Neck-through solid body was originally intended for student use with its accessible 22" scale and 18 fret neck with a 1.625" nut, but with its stripped-down single "toaster top" pickup configuration, single volume and tone knobs, and switch to bypass capacitors and go straight to an amplifier with high end rolled-off (similar to a Fender Esquire of the same era), the Model 1000 has become a desirable slide and no-frills rhythm or lead instrument as well—with beautifully low, even action across the fingerboard.
This introduction year '57 Model 1000 is in remarkably lightly worn condition and has clearly been well cared for, but does show its age a bit with fret and fingerboard wear in the open chord positions, as one might expect after 66 years with original frets. This wear does not affect playability or performance, but should be noted as the one element of this instrument that isn't an absolute time capsule of midcentury guitar design.
Whether in the hands of a player, collector, or studio stable, this Rickenbacker Model 1000 is ready to get back in rotation!
Notes:
This 1957 Rickenbacker Model 1000 "Tulip" Neck-through 3/4 Scale electric guitar is in Excellent condition, part of a climate controlled family collection, with extremely light wear (all pictured) consistent with 66 year age and appropriate home use. Includes original fitted hard case.
All instruments from Music Makers are professionally evaluated and set-up in our historic Galesburg, IL. storefront prior to shipping.
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