Schaller to Kluson conversion for a 2008 330?

[ric330]

Everything should be covered by the Kluson Except for the ring impession left by the Schaller bushing washer. Not a big deal but if you have a black (Jetglo) Rick it will probably show and may bother you. Yes, the conversion bushings are needed (I got some from Stew Mac)- It's nice that the those top holes will work with the conversions - some builders drill all the way through with the larger holes for those Schallers probably for speed of production but Rick does it right .

Those bottom - back of the headstock tuner - holes will be covered by the Kluson style. One VERY important point. Those bushing washers on the top of the headstock make be stuck to the finish and if you aren't careful removing them, you could pull off the finish around the hole. A touch of heat usually frees them but fast and carefully- so you don't end up melting the finish.

I don't think that a Rickenbacker dealer would do this conversion because it would probably void warranty because you are modifying a stock guitar with something that the guitar wasn't originally designed for -for 2008.
I'm about to do another conversion on a 360 to Kluson style.

I can do this for you - but If I were you, I would start by carefully removing one of the machine heads and seeing if the washers are stuck and if there is an impression that shows enough to actually do the finishing work process.

Feel free to send me a Private message.

[rick36]

I hate to say it, but I absolutely despise the schaller tuners. I have Kluson's, Gotoh's, etc on all my other guitars and am very happy with them. I have them on a 360/12 VP and would love to get rid of the schallers - they are sloppy junk, IMHO. Would the Kluson's be the best bet? Would Sperzel Solid Pro's fit? I had them on my Collings 290 and liked them a lot (and no drilling!). I dont want to do any body work...

[egosheep]

Here's the latest update... from Kevins shop.

[doctorwho]

So far, so good!

[egosheep]

After 4 coats of clearcoat.

[egosheep]

Buffing started:





Teaser:

[ric330]

Hey Thomas, things are coming along nicely. Here's a couple shots of the front:

[ric330]

And a couple of the back:



I'll put the stereo jack in today and the .0047uf on the Push/pull blend knob along with the wiring modifications.
Getting close.

[ric330]

Here you go: a Stereo 330 with vintege tuner conversion with a .0047uf Cap (push/pull) on the bridge pickup.

[scotty]

Nice... and George looks pleased too!

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Beautiful Kevin!! Wish they made them out of the factory that way!

[ric330]

Great eye scotty ,
That picture of a young George is right next to the DR stings sticker top middle of that last picture of the 330.
I've got about 6 more guitars to finish up before I leave for Italy.

BTW that little .0047 uf cap on the bridge pickup is a real cool subtle trick. Kind of slightly cuts the mids/lows and really jangles the sounds especially if you have a tube amp turned up a bit - Or any amp with a little compression for a tad a sag

[ken_j]

If I recall right the reissue Kluson style tuners that RIC uses are actually made by Gotoh.

[scotty]

Have safe trip to Italy Kevin and I hope all works out well for you and your family.
Scott

[ric330]

If I recall right the reissue Kluson style tuners that RIC uses are actually made by Gotoh.

They are very nice. I had them on 2007 360 and gigged with it alot and I must say I never had an issue due to tuners. The thing I find is that many believed tuner issues - originate at the nut slot or bridge saddle slot. Usually too tight or sharp and just need a bit of filing and lube.

The tuners are single line tuners with the end of the word "kluson" across the back plate cover and the beginning of the word "deluxe" with a tiny lube hole. Great thing is that Rickenbacker drills its' tuner holes smaller at the top, larger at the back of the headstock, where the press in vintage tuner bushings would go - which just happen to work fine with the stock Schallers. If those top drilled holes are a tad out of wack or slightly oversized luckily you can get a conversion bushing to fit the vintage tuner on the guitar.

Gotoh...probably, sure look the same. I only use Rickenbacker vintage tuners for all my tuner conversions and usually buy them from Mike or Chris. The ones I get from Mike have phillips head screws and the ones I've gotten from Chris usually have slot head screws (which would be really vintage). Both Rickenbacker dealers. Either way I love 'em and with that newer smaller headstock, they are the trick. Granted it is a bit of work when you have deep depressions from the Schaller bushing washers - which requires a refin' and buffing but well worth it if you love vintage tuners.......