320 Clarification

fab4 · Post by **fab4** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:53 am

Well thanks to some great detective work by Glen at the 325 Connection I have a better understanding of the guitar. It is most likely a 1964 Rickenbacker 315. It has been modified to fit the 3rd pick up and has non-original hardware but stands up on the main issues. It has the "f" hole shape that was introduced in mid 1964, it has rather pointy horns which dates it to the mid 60's and has a three piece body construction. I also did some checking with the folks at Rickenbacker and one assessment I got was also a mid 60's - 315 or 320 or a Rose Morris 1996. So part of the mystery has been solved and now the long hunt for the vintage parts to restore it to 1964 specs. Looks like I'll need tuners, a tail piece with vibrato and knobs. The hunt continues.

studiotwosession · Post by **studiotwosession** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 4:47 pm

Cool. Fun hunt.

BobKat · Post by **BobKat** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 5:35 am

I have seen several late '70s 320s with f-hole.

fab4 · Post by **fab4** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 6:17 am

I guess the difference can be determined by the body construction. From what I understand 3 piece bodies were standard up until 1964 and 2 piece bodies were introduced in 1965?

fab4 · Post by **fab4** » Fri May 18, 2007 4:15 pm

I was just relooking at some of the replies in this thread re my "blue burst" 320. Chris Parry of the Beatle band "Shout" was indeed the former owner and I was wondering if it is possible to verify that the guitar was worked on at the Rickenbacker factory around 1979 or 1980? Any suggestions?

rick32559 · Post by **rick32559** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:31 pm

As far as I can remember, the first time I saw this guitar was about 1983-1984. Chris and his band were playing in Covina. At that time the guitar in question was still sporting the black finish, two pickups and the 4001 pickguard. I don`t think he had any work done to it till the late 1980`s or very early 90`s. I haven`t seen or talked to Chris since about 1992.

fab4 · Post by **fab4** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 8:35 am

When I bought the guitar from Chris he was pretty certain that the guitar went in for repairs/work in late 1979. I am not sure if it went to the Ric factory or if it was repaired by someone else. In any case the repairs and refinishing job are excellent - although it might take awhile to get used to the "blueburst" colour scheme. The pots in the guitar date to 1979 and are Ric authentic so this leads me to believe it was worked on in 1979. I have been in touch with Chris and he has sent me some original parts that he found which I will add to the other period parts I have which I will install at some time in the future. It's great to have and will be more fun once I have it back to spec. or as close as I can get it. It would have been nice to confirm it was at the Ric factory but I think that is a long shot.