RICKENBACKER 325 CLONE GUITAR

[mgauction]

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/msg/636432786.html

The add reads" This is quite a rare little guitar that was made back in the 70's (I've owned it since the mid 80's).
It replicates the 325 model used by John Lennon when he was in the Beatles. I must reiterate that this is not a real Rickenbacker, rather it is an extremely good replica. I have a real 325, and I must say that the quality and sound of the clone is amazingly close! By the way, this guitar is in very, very good shape considering it's vintage. So if you're a Beatles or John Lennon fan and want the look and feel of the legendary Rick 325 (but don't have the $3,000+ for a real one) this guitar might be a great way to go!"

[johnallg]

Well, now we know where one stray TRC ended up.

[mgauction]

I bet somebody buys that

[johnallg]

The way Rick parts prices have been going, the TRC is about worth the $400.

[jingle_jangle]

More Rickenjunque. If we all flag it, they will remove it...

[simer4001]

Flagged!

[BobKat]

'70s my butt.

[jingle_jangle]

My thoughts, too, Bob, but I hesitated to challenge this as I've only been into Ricks a few years.

The terminally cheezy "spaghetti" (Byrdland replica) tailpiece is a dead giveaway, though, to a guitar of Chinese manufacture. This type of tailpiece is cheap and cheerful to make, and probably looks classic and elegant to the uninformed and other-cultured folks who make them.

These days, I look at a vintage Gibson with one of those tailpieces in the original, and I can't help thinking how they've been ripped off...

[collin]

Ric has actually had it easy, in the copy dept.

Out of all the major companies, Rics have probably been least copied successfully. I don't mean in legal terms, but that no company has been able to replicate the sound/feel/look of a Ric to date. There is always something "not quite right." The closest I've played was an older Greco, but it was still miles off a real Ric.

Now, Fender and especially Gibson..have had runs for their money. I've played and owned real Les Pauls, but I'll be damned if some of the higher end Japanese copies played BETTER than a real Gibby (older Tokai and Edwards come to mind), and are closer in spec to the real vintage deal in many cases.

So, while it's in no way a defense of the pirated illegal guitars and their makers...at least Ric can sleep comfortably knowing that no one has successfully replicated anything other than the mere look of their guitars (not to well either..).

Cheers,
-Collin

[jch]

Yea, i agree Collin
I've never played a Rick copy that was worth a S**t!

When i was a young guy looking at Ricks growing up i tried some copies
but after playing the real deal these left a lot to be desired.

But i too have owned lots of Fender /Gibson copies that where pretty good.

[captsandwich]

Flagged!

+1

[badeggs]

Ugh those spaghetti/bent-scissor tailpieces are just awful.

[tennis_nick]

I went to see a cover band and "John" had two of em...

Didn't sound to spectacular either, but they weren't big on authenticity... All playing through Fenders and "George" sang everything...

[tennis_nick]

Oh... and that TRC is a piece of paper taped to the headstock! hahaha!

[modrock]

He'll get the full $400 no doubt, despite the despicable 'repro' junk. At least he was honest about it not being a real Rick, but whoever buys it will no doubt try to impress people with his 'John Lennon Rickenbacker.' And I'll be the person who buys it doesn't even play ! It will probably be on 'bay or Craig's List in the near future for another inflated price.

Gary....

325JL !!! and 360/12V64