Roger's Rickenbacker

In the late '60's (possibly early '70's) Roger used a fireglo Rickenbacker bass. There are several photos of the early Floyd where Roger is using this bass. For example, on Top of the Pops, and several other photos that you can see in the first 60 or so pages of the In The Flesh - Complete Performance History book. His was red with a white pickguard, dot inlays, and of course the trademark "cresting wave" body shape and head stock shape. You can also see it on the back of the Ummagumma LP. Rick basses also have a distinct sound.

What I want to know is this: what happened to that bass? Does anyone know it's studio and performance history? How long did he keep it and why did he get rid of it and switch to (ugh) Fender? Or can someone point me to somewhere else of help. A Rickenbacker users forum mentioned that it's neck was warped and is possibly why he ditched it.

I will refrain from listing why Rick basses are awesome on this website (even though they are), in order to avoid a religious war, i.e. Rickenbacker vs. (ugh) Fender, etc.

You wouldn't happen to be majoring in medicine, would you?

And on a more serious note, I thought that Rick necks had double truss rods. Would this still cause the neck to become disfigured?

Hehe.

I have no interest in medicine - I just thought it made a cool online alias.

Yes, Ricks do have double truss rods. I am not an expert when it comes to guitar/bass construction and maintenance, but I suppose mistreatment or abuse can cause any neck to warp. That's why I usually trust my setup work to a pro.

I haven't seen the "See Emily Play" video clip, but apparently Roger also used it to play cricket with in the video. That couldn't have been good for it.

Obviously not a cricket fan.

Hey, Fender are clichéd, but there's nothing wrong with them.

My thoughts exactly.

Ricks are lovely guitars, but they cost way too much.

There's a very good reason for it too, Shane.

'Cause they're made in the U.S.?

Apparently a lot of the Floyd's equipment was stolen in early 1970, hence the shifts from:

Telecaster > Stratocaster
Rickenbacker > Fender
Farfisa > Hammond

I have no idea if that's the real reason, but they did all seem to switch at the same time...

look what i made...



my own version of Syd's mirrored Telecaster, only mine is black with fewer mirrors. but its going to be great with my Halloween outfit, as Im going as Syd, prime-Piper stage.

I'm underwhelmed!

It's crap!

thanks a bunch