Help me if you can.... (Rickenbacker 325V59 )

[Spanky(Andy)]

Hi folks,

Believe it or not, I have just discovered the music of the Beatles!

I'm 42yo, British-born male, so you'd think it was compulsory. I must be a slow learner... or an idiot.

While being aware of some of the Beatles' songs, I had never really been a fan or understood and appreaciated how important, ground breaking and influential their music was, nor the enormity of their contribution to popular culture.

That all changed last weekend when I had a sudden realisation and became a fan on the spot. I then went out and bought a stack of Beatles books and CDs, including the Beatles Gear book

Having sought out a Vox Python guitar strap, I'd now like to attach it to a Rickenbacker guitar. I initially thought I'd use it on my jetGlo 4003S bass, but have since decided that I really want a 325 or 355 guitar. With that in mind, is this a fair price for a used 325V59? Does Rickenbacker still make this model? I couldn't see it listed on the RIC website.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0197026490

Any advice appreciated.

Best regards

Andy
Canberra, Australia

[lennon211]

Alas, that particular model has been out of production for a few years now. The C-series guitars offer spot-on to-spec reproductions of Lennon's 325's as he purchased/received them. For the Python strap, you may look into a 325C64 which represents the guitar that Lennon used with the Python. Otherwise, used 325v59's seem to be going up in price, with some going as high as $2200-$2500 from what I've observed. There may be others with more info.

[Spanky(Andy)]

Matthew,

Many thanks for your input. That makes the price seem right for this model. My curiosity was piqued by reviews of the 325V59 on Harmony Central.

Best regards

Andy

[jdogric12]

Pick of the Ricks just got a nice one in... mapleglo v59.

[wj350]

Andy, though I've never had the chance to play a '59, FWIW I've only ever read positive things about them, to the extent there are a number of folks who seem to prefer them over the c58 and c64 models. While all this is subjective of course, the case for the '59 is easy to understand--comes with the Bigsby, which is a very stable tailpiece/vibrato arrangement (and which you have to buy separately and add if you bought a c58), definitely has the vintage vibe, and because they're used, you can generally find them for a little less than the current production models.

Lose the upper pickguard and replace the knobs, and you've got pretty close replica of JL's first 325. Or keep it stock and rock on in your own style!!

Good luck with your hunt!

Bill

[JakeK]

You should have came to me back in November! I was selling a '97 325V63.

It's on the International Vintage Guitars website for $2,100, if you're interested:

http://www.webcorral.com/Ivg_Inventory_frame.html

Scroll down a bit, it's there.