Limited twelve-string signature model from the traditional American manufacturer for Roger McGuinn, the charismatic frontman of the US folk pioneers "The Byrds".

A total of 1000 examples of this guitar were built, around 250 of them in the Fireglo finish (Rickenbacker-speak for "Cherry Sunburst").

Made in Santa Ana, California, USA. The date of manufacture is September 21, 1989.

Semi-acoustic maple body with binding, three-piece laminated maple and walnut neck with rosewood fingerboard (10" radius), triangle inlays, 21 frets and Schaller Deluxe Vintage Tuners.

Equipped with three Rickenbacker "Toaster Top" single-coil pickups, which can be selected using a three-way switch - and unlike conventional pickups, always in combination, i.e. either bridge and middle PU, neck and middle PU or all pickups simultaneously.

The potentiometer assignment is equally unconventional, with a master volume and three individual volume pots for each pickup. This means that every conceivable combination is possible.

There is also an active compressor on board, which enables the typical "Byrds 12-string sound". This is powered by a 9-volt block located under the pickguard. Six different settings can be selected using the raster potentiometer: Dark Tone without Compression, Medium Tone without Compression, Clean Tone without Compression, Medium Tone with Compression, Clean Tone with Compression (Roger's favorite setting) and Treble Boost with Compression.

Incidentally, this is explained in detail in the "Instructions" leaflet written by Roger McGuinn himself.

"Last but not least, the Roger McGuinn also has the typical mono/stereo output for the optionally available "Rick-O-Sound" and the "Roger McGuinn Limited Edition Signature Pickguard".

Comes exactly as pictured in the original case including a certificate signed by Roger McGuinn, the aforementioned "Instructions", another Rickenbacker manual, hangtag, Rickenbacker cleaning cloth and a detailed illustrated Rickenbacker folding brochure with the company history and the models available at the time. Even the original invoice is still present and can be enclosed in anonymized form on request (data protection issue).

In keeping with its age, the Roger McGuinn Signature is in very good, clean and well-kept condition - see pictures. There are three or four small lacquer dings here and there, which are illustrated in detail on our website - the largest one (repaired) on the body in the neck mount area (see detailed picture).

The frets have been freshly polished and have only tiny traces of playing.

Unfortunately, the original harp tailpiece gave way to the enormous tension of the twelve strings at some point and broke (included). If you do some googling, you will quickly discover that this part is made of cast iron and is therefore a predetermined breaking point. The R-tailpiece has already crumbled on several Rickenbacker guitars.

The original cast replacement part with an "R" can be easily replaced. However, we decided against this and purchased a harp tailpiece made especially for this guitar from chrome-plated steel with identical dimensions - without the "R", but guaranteed to be durable, and the strings can also be fixed much more easily here.