by Spud1950 » Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:43 pm
Saw your posting on that Rickenbacker forum. Check out this info from the Vintage Guitar Info site concerning Rickenbacker serial numbers.
"Solidbody Serial Numbers, 1954 to September 1959.
Number example: #(#)C####
Number is stamped on the jackplate or bridge.
Numeral(s) before letter designate model: 4=400 or 425, 6=600, 65=650, 8=800.
Letter (represented by "C" in above example) is type of instrument: C=combo (guitar), B=bass, M=mandolin, V=3/4 size.
First numeral after letter is year.
Last 3 numerals are number series.
Each model has its own series.
Example: 65C7123 = 1957 Combo 650, 4C6123 = 1956 Combo 400.
Exceptions:
Model 450 have 4C####A configuration.
3/4 size models have V###, V#### or ####A thru Oct 1960, first numeral is still last digit of year.
Basses have B#### configuration.
Mandolins have M### configuration.
Some examples have #C## configuration. Dateable by serial number.
Solidbody (except 3/4 sizes) Serial Numbers, Sept 1959 to Oct 1960.
Number configuration: #(#)A###.
Only 3 numerals after letter. Numbers do not contain date information. "
As you can see,the number you found on the bridge, 4C189, fits the Sept. 1959 to Oct. 1960 configuration.