450/12 Set Neck Reset...

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

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tonewoods
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Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2010 11:58 am

450/12 Set Neck Reset...

Post by tonewoods »

Hey all...

I'm looking at a '64 450/12 that has a set neck that needs to be reset...

(I wish I had taken pics, but I didn't)... :?

How were these original made?
I'm seeing possible dowel lacquer checking (4 of 'em or so) sticking through a possible re-finned back...
Were these originally dowelled, or am I looking at a bogus repair??

OK, thanks!!
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collin
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Re: 450/12 Set Neck Reset...

Post by collin »

I think I know the guitar you're talking about - mid-60's Fireglo 450/12 with bad neck angle and refinished backside in dark red? It definitely had bogus dowel repairs in the backside (hence the refin).

It was at the recent Costa Mesa vintage guitar show last weekend. It had cheese-grater action and wasn't worth it's price in parts (even at half the price).

If you haven't bought it yet, I'd say proceed with caution! It will take a lot of money and time to restore that woukd be better spent on a nice example of this model.
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tonewoods
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Re: 450/12 Set Neck Reset...

Post by tonewoods »

Thanks Collin...
You nailed it...
I came to the same conclusion on the spot, but then it began gnawing on me...

Was curious if those dowels might have been part of the original design, as I don't ever recall seeing a set neck Ric...

Thanks!
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