1962 Rickenbacker Jerry Byrd Steel Guitar

FJ contributor Andy Volk spotted this interesting steel guitar that’s for sale. Andy is the author of the books Lap Steel Guitar and Slide Rules, an excellent guide to steel guitar tunings, so he really knows what he’s talking about.) We’ll let Andy fill you in on the rest…

“The Jerry Byrd models were short scale steels (22.5″), the scale length Byrd considered to be the optimum to facilitate his style of slant bar playing. Jerry Byrd models came in 6-string versions, like this one, as well 7, 8 and 10-string configurations with 10-string models being the rarest. Those horseshoe pickups are unbeatable. Like the early Fender Dual Pro steels, the strings go through the center of the magnetic field. Steelers talk about the tone of the Rickenbacker pickups in terms of “growl.”

The Jerry Byrd steels are very well made rigs but I think they are kind of over designed. They weigh a lot, and they are very bulky compared to other six-string steel guitars so they aren’t they most practical instrument for a gigging musician. Jerry felt this extra mass helped with the tone. But if you have a studio, an empty corner in your living room or a Tiki bar in your rumpus room where you can keep it set up, I think you’d find yourself playing it all the time. They really sound great. Think of them as playable furniture. I believe they came in maple and walnut finishes, with this one being the darker walnut.These are very rare Byrds (I’m sorry, but I couldn’t resist the pun) and quite coveted by steelers. Whoever is lucky enough to get it is going to love it.”

If you’d like to add this fine guitar to your Tiki bar-themed rumpus room, just send $995 to the good people at Folkway Music and they will be happy to help you fulfill decorating dreams.