Modify my 1983 320FG?

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:39 am

UPS is bringing me this 320 tommorrow.I was just wondering if you guys had bought this guitar would you change the pickups to toasters and maybe the tailpiece to an Accent,or would you leave it as is?Also would it decrease the value to make these changes?Just curious.Thanks

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:29 am

These are simple, reversible changes. They should not affect the value either way. Keep the old stuff BTW.

And clip those strings. LOL

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:42 am

Thanks Paul!

studiotwosession · Post by **studiotwosession** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:52 am

The accent that's on my 1996 will not fit on either of my early 80s 320s without some sort of mod. Seems to me the 320 bodies aren't as deep, thus the Accent won't fit 'em correctly. I'd keep it stock.

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:04 am

Thanks Glenn!I had been wondering if the body shape of the 1980's 320's was different from modern and vintage 325's.I probably won't mod this one.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:46 am

The '80s 320 is about 1/2" thinner (from memory) than early 325s.

I'm not sure if the Accents ever came in thicker and thinner versions...so Glenn may have a point. Probably has a point.

I think I'll have a pint.

I'd still replace the high-gains with toasters, which I finally did on my own '83. Just seems to look better...

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:02 am

A standard reissue Accent (circa 1992) fit fine on my '80 320. I know that there have been minor changes over the years (i.e. felt pads vs. rubber pads). For that matter, I think the mounting brackets for the R-tailpieces have changed over the years. So you might need to proceed carefully.

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:29 am

Thanks guys.I'll probly leave it as is till,maybe I score 3 toasters for a good price.

studiotwosession · Post by **studiotwosession** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:12 pm

I've nothing against toasters and Accents, but I played in a band with a guy who had one of these when they were standard issue 3/4 Ricks.

Those were cool days that were filled with cool bands and, dangit, these guitars were and still are cool as is! (Those needing proof look no father than the Romantics What I Like About You video. Or, for hi-gains as hip, just about any video by the Jam.) They don't need no toasters! Everything cool need not scream 60s.

My Hi-Gains Appreciation Class starts tomorrow morning, 9 a.m.

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:36 pm

Thanks Glen,I will probably leave it stock because it really look sounds and plays perfect as it is.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/fuzztone65/320FG/oger015_edited.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/fuzztone65/320FG/oger016_edited.jpg

larrywassgren · Post by **larrywassgren** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:55 pm

Mitch, I'd leave that guitar alone! It's nearly twenty-five years old and it's vintage. Very cool it has the small headstock. Nice find!

studiotwosession · Post by **studiotwosession** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:37 pm

The FG kinda reminds me of the "sunburst" of a competitor in those times. It is quite a bit different than earlier FGs, no? It's not red over pure maple only, huh?

octagon · Post by **octagon** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:15 pm

Thanks guys,Im gonna leave it as is.The pickups really sound great.I was surprised at the condition it is in,it looks new in person and the finish has a lovely deep gloss that I can't capture with my old camera.I also like Rickenbackers from this time period as it has the box type Grover tuners which work great and the TRC says "Model 320".I also like the case as the body copartment has a"320"size depression in the velvet cushion that cradles the body securely.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/fuzztone65/320FG/oger028.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/fuzztone65/320FG/oger019_edited.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/fuzztone65/320FG/oger018_edited.jpg

brianeharmonjr · Post by **brianeharmonjr** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:32 am

I think you should modify it's ownership by letting me have it. C'mon, it's better to give than to receive.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:47 am

brianeharmonjr wrote:I think you should modify it's ownership by letting me have it. C'mon, it's better to give than to receive.

Mitch sold the guitar a while back. It's a beaut though, isn't it?

Didn't know you were into the shorties, Brian!

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Modify my 1983 320FG?

Modify my 1983 320FG?

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Re: Modify my 1983 320FG?