1947 Rickenbacker D-16 Double Neck 8 string Lap Steel Electric Hawaiian Guitar Doubleneck

This Rickenbacker double neck 8 string D-16 model lap steel guitar (c. 1947) is a wonderful instrument. It was made in Los Angeles, California, and features a metallic enamel finish, cast metal body, molded Bakelite necks, and its original hard shell case.

This lovely example is a late 1940s model with a unique set of features. It sports the Rickenbacher T-style logo on the headstocks. One T has a slightly more yellow tint. Around this time, Rickenbacker changed spellings from the original Rickenbacher, and this model would have been one of the last before that change. The post war 1 1/4 Horseshoe pickups are strong and sound wonderful. It also features a patented tailpiece for easy string swapping. 

Overall length: 30 in. (76.2 cm.), 
Lower Bout: 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.)
Body Depth: 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm.)
Scale length: 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.)
Nut Width: 2 3/16 in. (56 mm.).

Very nice overall with light wear from normal use. The three way switch picks the top or bottom neck with both on in the middle position. It has master volume and tone pots with white Bakelite knobs. Electronics are as shown. Pickups are very strong. It sports two sets of original Kluson Deluxe tuners They all function correctly and stay in tune when set. It’s missing three original back screws. Two are replaced. Comes with solid vintage tweed covered hard case. A fine example of a rare Rickenbacker steel. 

Very Good Plus (VG+) Condition