The Electro brand was Rickenbacker's equivalent
to Fender's Squier of the 1950's, 60's and 70's. This
1966 Electro ES-16 model was marketed primarily
for kids. But there's nothing kid-like about the tone
of this guitar! This lovely pint-size 3/4 scale Electro
model was sold exclusively to small mom & pop
shops that couldn't afford to bring-in a full line
of Rickenbacker guitars.
The only difference from this Electro branded
Rickenbacker (beside the name) was a thinner finish.
This ES-16 model essentially has the same features as
the Electro ES-17, Rickenbacker's 425, 950 and 1000
models except... for the ES-16's short-scale size. The
actual scale length of this Electro "Extreme Cutaway"
model is 21 1/8 inches.
The body, neck and electronics were identical to Rickenbacker's
more expensive counterparts. Everything on this Electro ES-16,
from the original Kluson deluxe tuners, aluminum bridge and
its Fireglo finish, are "MINT". Making this ES-16 a real "closet
classic" for anyone's vintage guitar collections.
Only about 1300 of these ES-16 3/4 scale guitars were ever
produced with this "Extreme Cutaway" body.