Study this photo carefully
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of the various Rickenbacker nuts that you acquired during your undergraduate studies.
Let’s begin our discussion by examining a unique topic: the "PAT. PEND." nut and stamped fretboard end. Who would like to volunteer to explain to the class what we’re looking at here? What models had this stamping? During what years? What was the patent that was pending? And bonus: was the patent granted?
From @sonicblue:
this is a slant-fret guitar. slanted frets, as an option on the 360, were introduced in 1970 and most were produced in 1971. they later came standard on the 481 (though there are some 481s with the normal configuration).
was the patent even filed??
From instructor:
also an option on a 360/12 and the lightshow. Patent US3688632A was filed in '71 by and granted in '72 to Henry C Perez, and assigned to FC Hall. AKA correct as always Mr JB - glad to have you in class this semester...
Swipe above for the 481 patent notice and the patent diagram!