How old is my 480?

badeggs · Post by **badeggs** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 4:07 am

Hello. Been lurking here for a while, but playing Ricks much much longer...basses mostly. I've learned a ton reading here, so I figured it was time to put my question to the experts!

A few months ago I traded one of my 4001's (a '77 Walnut - it was on ebay recently) for a 480. It's Burgundy, and it's really sick - my guitarist was impressed. Anyway, the serial number makes it October of '72 (the pots are also 1972), but I'd always heard these came out sometime in 1973.

I know that parts and jackplates and such might not be used as soon as they're made but I wonder - should I consider it a '72, or a '73? Is it possible that this was an early build or a prototype? Or is it just a jackplate that hung around the shop for a few months?

Either way I love it. The weird angled neck, which is very thin as I'd always heard the early ones were. Soundwise it's like someone mixed a Rick with a Tele. Just an excellent guitar. I got pics if interested - thanks for reading!

notviceversa · Post by **notviceversa** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 6:34 am

The 480's appear in the price list as early as 1971. I love the 480's. I have a 1973 MG with the skinniest neck. Perfection.

badeggs · Post by **badeggs** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:21 am

Wow, so even back to 1971? I agree - they are perfection!

dr_bob · Post by **dr_bob** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:27 am

Jeff, please post pics.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:33 am

Jeff, if it looks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck...

badeggs · Post by **badeggs** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:54 am

Kris, very true! Here's a few pics:

dr_bob · Post by **dr_bob** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:17 am

Beautiful guitar, Jeff. Burgundyglo is my favorite color.

badeggs · Post by **badeggs** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:24 am

Thanks Bob. I love the early Burgundy - the darker the better. This one isn't quite as "eggplant" as I've seen them but it's very close to that shade (thought the body is shaded a little darker than the headstock).

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:41 am

Very nice!
I had no idea that they were available that early in the 1970's.

rickenmetal · Post by **rickenmetal** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:38 pm

It does look like the late 60s/early 70s version of the Higain pickups on there, although that's probably the only clue other than the serial numbers and pot dates stated earlier.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:42 pm

Great guitar, Jeff..... congrats!

Makes mental note........ get one!

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:52 pm

rickenmetal wrote:It does look like the late 60s/early 70s version of the Higain pickups on there, although that's probably the only clue other than the serial numbers and pot dates stated earlier.

Good eye Ivan - those do indeed appear to be transitional higains.

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How old is my 480?

How old is my 480?

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