Up for sale, a 1962 Rickenbacker Jerry Byrd Series JB-6 console steel in near-mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case, telescoping legs, and a vintage advertisement. This rare Ric steel was designed to the best fit the particulars of steel legend Jerry Byrd’s playing style, featuring a short 22 1/2“ scale that Byrd felt was better suited for his slant-bar approach, and a large, almost furniture-esque form factor, carved from figured maple (Byrd believed the mass of the instrument had a direct impact on tone).

There’s plenty of natural resonance and chime on tap via the JB6’s substantial form factor and the properties of maple as a tonewood, providing an ideal platform for the horseshoe single coil pickup. This pickup delivers quintessential Rickenbacker steel growl, pleasingly bright with glassy detail, low-midrange richness, and a lively, dynamic feel. The second Tone control essentially functions as a Bass Cut from 5-10 before backing off the overall output, and there are a wide array of unique tonalities on tap. This Jerry Byrd JB-6 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 15-38 strings and accurate intonation.

Specs:

-Scale Length: 22 1/2“
-String Spacing: 2“ at nut
-Playing Surface: Block position markers
-Tuners: Kluson
-Hardware: Control plate, flat-top knobs, pickup surround, cast leg flanges
-Pickups: Horseshoe single coil
-Controls: Volume, Tone x2 (High Cut, Bass Cut)
-Harness: Untouched solder, CTS pots date to the 25th week of 1962

The gloss Mapleglo finish highlights flame and birdseye figuring in the maple, and cosmetic wear is limited to some pinhead-sized marks and a few small chips on the endcaps.

The original silver tolex hardshell case is included (also very well-kept), along with the chrome-plated telescoping legs and a vintage advertisement, taken from an issue of Country Music magazine.