Yesterday, this project Rick arrived. My dream has been to own at least one large Capri, and, thanks to John Williams, this one has joined the fold:
This beautiful '60 365 will receive a full resto and refinish, something that's seldom done on these. I mentioned to JW that I was looking for an old Capri in restorable shape. He had this guitar, which is in great structural shape and quite playable.
Sometime about 20 years ago, someone did a poor amateur nitro refin on it, sanding through the plywood back in one spot, and actually sanding away the binding in one place. There are a few drips and runs. But it's 95% there, sound and great base material, and because it no longer is original, my conscience is clear.
It will receive a refret, a rebind and a complete refinish and restoration. The fretboard will receive a reconditioning--you can see how the end has chipped over the years.
Color? Won't you be surprised! This process will be covered in my topic section.
Next, a 430 came up on eBay on a BIN/Best Offer auction, listed "with mods and non-original case" at $550 BIN. I offered the cash in my wallet at the time (seemed appropriate somehow...)--a bit over $300.00--and was e-mailed within an hour that I'd won the auction. The 430 arrived and it's all there and in good condition and plays just fine.
This one, too, will receive a refinish and general reconditioning. It's my first bolt-neck Rick. It will be bound (yeah, you read right) and refinished to give it a bit more sparkle; the Bigsby might remain, I'm not sure right now...
Last, but in no way least, I acquired the test body BB325/12 that Mike Parks has had listed. I've been dreaming about this guitar, and won't have it in my hands for awhile as it's on layaway, but as a one-of-a-kind handbuilt (no CNC, I understand, on these prototypes) factory custom, it can't be beat IMO.
Thanks, Mike!!!
This one will remain untouched. No refins in greenburst or gold plating or belt buckle tailpieces. Just a really unique beauty to add to the family. I've also putting "dibs" on the matching 6er that Mike has, once this one is paid off. That is, unless somebody else decides they want it first...
I made a deal with myself, too, that all acquisitions to satisfy my Guitar Tapeworm, would be paid for out of proceeds of the refinishes which I'm doing for Rickenbacker owners, most of whom are my fellow Forumites.
So, thanks to all my friends who've helped make this Christmas a very memorable one!
Finally, here's a tableau I set up this morning, representing two eras of Rickenbacker design and style:
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
