In contrast to the carved top and “sliced” cutaways of Rickenbacker’s first solidbody models, the new Combo models of 1956 featured a thinner, flat body with upper bouts that curved symmetrically to their points – inspiring the nickname “tulip shape”.

The Combo 1000 had the highest model number but was actually the lowest of the tulip-shapes, with a single pickup, three-quarter scale length (one of three short-scale models in the group), and three fewer frets than the higher models.

The group’s most important design element was revealed by a bit of light-colored wood peeking out just below the pickguard. It was the end of the neck – evidence of neck-thru-body construction – which made these Combo models unique in the guitar world at that time.

The tulip shape proved to be limiting for players, and shortly after this 1957 Combo 1000 was made, Rickenbacker widened the treble-side cutaway. Most of the models in this series changed to another new body known as the “cresting wave” in 1958, but the 1000 retained the modified tulip shape and was discontinued the next year.