Modifying '81 320

Transition years of Rickenbacker Guitars from 1973-1983 inclusive

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mpdsal
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Modifying '81 320

Post by mpdsal »

I own a Jetglow 320 that was manufactured in 1981. It's hardly been played and I bought it from the originally buyer who also hardly played it. It came with the non toaster type pickups. I assume I can swap these out for vintage style toaster pickups without much hassle. Can I convert this, at least cosmetically, to look like a 325 by adding a Ric vibrato to replace the R tailpiece? I assume I can attach a Ric vibrato that came with the 325V63? Isn't the only difference between the 320 and the 325 the vibrato on those short scale models? I'm sure that it would diminish the value by performing this. Does Rickenbacker perform these types of factory mods by any chance? Sort of not interested in this guitar much without the Beatle appointments. I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks

Mark
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paologregorio
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by paologregorio »

The RIck Accent vibrato will fit. No mods necessary. IIRC, some users have said it doesn't work the same as on the full-scale models, but I could be mistaken.

RIC does not perform factory mods to instruments that have been sold. The Accent VB mounts to your guitar easily-no drilling or screws required. If you have a capo, you can even use the same strings on your guitar right now. :)
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kennyhowes
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by kennyhowes »

mpdsal wrote:Sort of not interested in this guitar much without the Beatle appointments.
Hmmm...does that mean you'd be interested in selling it? :)
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Ontario_RIC_fan
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by Ontario_RIC_fan »

Mark:

When in 1981 was it made? What are the letters and numbers on the jackplate?

Pictures would be most welcome too... we never get tired of looking at Rickenbackers... :lol: :lol: :lol:
Brian Morton
A Rickenbacker Fan
in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
=========================
67 FG 625
74 JG 4000
76 JG 430
77 JG 620
77 JG 320
79 JG 4001
80 FG 620/12
81 BG 480
91 JG 610
02 BG 620
78 TR7
83 TR25
mpdsal
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by mpdsal »

Thanks for the input. Here you go for pics. Selling? Never thought of that. I suppose I could.
Ric 320
Ric 320
DSC01283.JPG
DSC01284.JPG
Ric 320
Ric 320
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DSC01282.JPG
mpdsal
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by mpdsal »

Ontario_RIC_fan wrote:Mark:

When in 1981 was it made? What are the letters and numbers on the jackplate?

Pictures would be most welcome too... we never get tired of looking at Rickenbackers... :lol: :lol: :lol:
It was January 1981. UA220
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Ontario_RIC_fan
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by Ontario_RIC_fan »

Thanks Mark:

Cool guitar.

My jg 320 is from August 1977. Yours is in better shape then mine... :shock:
small 320B.jpg
You would be best to leave this lovely vintage 320 alone and replace it with one of the reissues that is closer to John Lennon's.

A v59 or a c64 would likely fit the bill...
Brian Morton
A Rickenbacker Fan
in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
=========================
67 FG 625
74 JG 4000
76 JG 430
77 JG 620
77 JG 320
79 JG 4001
80 FG 620/12
81 BG 480
91 JG 610
02 BG 620
78 TR7
83 TR25
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kiramdear
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by kiramdear »

My JG 320 is from July '82. I'm the original owner. It's getting a makeover with PW, but not like a Lennon model. Something new and very special. I had an accent installed for a short while but I just wasn't sold on it, so I returned it to stock. I love the sound of those hi-gains. Eventually I got a 325V59 which I also love but for different reasons. Why not have several? :idea:
All I wanna do is rock!
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Rhythmer
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by Rhythmer »

Mark:

I have a '79 320JG like yours. My suggestion is to leave it as is. These are very versatile guitars and they sound great with the hi-gain pups. And if you'd like more tonal variety you can install iiipopes tone mod. Search the forum for more info on that.
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kennyhowes
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by kennyhowes »

PM sent.
Ivan3000
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by Ivan3000 »

I like it, good idea.
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kennyhowes
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by kennyhowes »

Mark - you still got the 320? I PM'ed you but never heard back.
Ivan3000
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by Ivan3000 »

kiramdear wrote:My JG 320 is from July '82. I'm the original owner. It's getting a makeover with PW, but not like a Lennon model. Something new and very special. I had an accent installed for a short while but I just wasn't sold on it, so I returned it to stock. I love the sound of those hi-gains. Eventually I got a 325V59 which I also love but for different reasons. Why not have several? :idea:
I totally wanna see the finished product! :wink:
bobbyemmett
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Re: Modifying '81 320

Post by bobbyemmett »

yes
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