1930s Rickenbacher (Rickenbacker) Electro Spanish Ken Roberts

Up for sale is an absolutely incredible 1930s era Rickenbacher Electro Spanish Ken Roberts model. The Electro-Spanish Ken Roberts is considered the pioneering "grandfather" to the modern electric guitar as it was the first commercially produced, full-scale (twenty-five inch) electric guitar. It was also the first electric guitar to provide a stock appointed tremolo arm; designed & patented by Doc Kauffman. The arm on ours is missing. There is known to be roughly 50 of these originally built with only a handful surviving. This is one. Cosmetically it is pretty rough with lots of finish wear, cracks, dings / dents, etc. The jack area of the body has been repaired and has a large jack plate installed. Sounds cool and plays ok, not great, but ok. Where this instrument lacks in its playability it certainly makes up for it in its rare and collectability factor. Comes complete with an era correct Rickenbacher combo amplifier as well as what appears to be its original hard case. Weight: 6lbs. 7oz.

Manufactured by Ro-Pat-In Corporation, Rickenbacher, the Electro-Spanish Ken Roberts is considered the pioneering "grandfather" to the modern electric guitar as it was the first commercially produced, full-scale (twenty-five inch) electric guitar ever produced. It was the first artist signature model having been named after Ken Roberts, a friend of (Ro-Pat-In President) George Beauchamp. In addition, the instrument was the first electric guitar to provide a stock appointed tremolo arm; designed & patented by Doc Kauffman.

NOTE TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS:

We want you to be happy with your purchase and we try to represent the condition of all used and vintage products as accurately as possible in our listings.  Every used guitar shows some signs of play wear and vintage models even more so.  We call out all areas of damage or unusual wear, and describe the overall condition based upon what is "normal" for the age of the instrument.  Expect to see minor dings, finish checking, or other evidence of normal use and aging which may not be captured by photography or explicitly mentioned in the listing. 

We recognize that everyone has their own personal standard of what constitutes acceptable wear and tear.  If play wear is especially critical for you, please contact us at the Shop for a complete in-hand description and to answer any questions you may have.  Your satisfaction is of paramount importance to us.