Here we have the world´s first solid body electric guitar, made by Rickenbacker, then by the name Premiervox.
Premiervox Spanish Model Solid Body Electric Guitar, made by Rickenbacker, c. 1938, made in California/England, polished black finish, molded bakelite body and neck, original black hard shell case.
This is one of the rarest electric guitars we've ever seen. This "Premiervox" guitar is the "Export Model" of the Rickenbacker Model "B" Bakelite Spanish Guitar, which is itself a considerable rarity.
This instrument was assembled in England from parts supplied by Rickenbacker from California around 1937-38. For the most part it is the same as its American cousin, but there are some differences as well.
The pickup is made from Rickenbacker factory components, but the coil was wound in England to different specs. This example is laid out like the second generation American-made Model B with a volume control on the upper bout and tone control on the lower. It originally had a hardwired cord and is currently set up with two (smaller and bigger) female enclosed jacks.
These were originally marketed as Hawaiian guitars. They were fitted with raised nuts. The metal nut comes with the guitar. A very cool relic of the period of earliest international interest in the electric guitar.
This guitar remains all original with no damage or repair, with the only alteration being the cord attachment. It shows signs of use in the Hawaiian guitar style, notably marks from the nut raiser and some scuffing to the metal parts, but no major wear. The plates have some scratches.
