What model 325 do I have?

[collin]

SO..I've always wanted a little short scale 325, and I have always loved the Rose Morris type models so I recently bought this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-325-Le ... dZViewItem

The seller states it as a 1981 325v63, which is impossible because they didn't come out with the V series until the 90s, right?

If so, is it just an early 80s 320 export with an accent vibrato installed? Also the pickups....toasters were actually Hi Gains back in 81, right? How long did they produce the f-hole model before the 1996 reissue in 2005?

I love the combo, the guitar looks great (haven't gotten it yet), but i'm just curious how modified this little guy is. Sorry for all the questions!

Cheers,
-Collin


oh, p.s.....it's definitely getting the RickResource Gold guards and TRC modification!

[Scastles]

Collin, it is an '81 325 V '63. This model came with toasters, not hi-gains and the Accent.

[doctorwho]

Collin, I think that the guitar you have started out as a 1981 320 with f-hole, like the 1981 320 Mapleglo I once had:

1981 320 MG with f-hole

Someone later "Lennonized" yours by adding the toasters, Accent tail piece, and the 'song list'.

IMO you got a pretty good guitar for the price.

BTW, if the intonation is off, it's because of the small-gauge (11s) strings currently on it and improperly adjusted bridge saddles.

[sloop_john_b]

Well, there was no such thing as a 325v63 in 1981.

Looks like a stock 325 with DB122 Lennon mods done by Jeff (FabGear), as the seller states.

[wj350]

I'm sure there are those more knowledgeable than I who will chime in, but the lower body shape and f-hole make me think a 320. The v63 series came on board (I think) around '84. Pickups in the 320s were HGs, but they could have been swapped out. The Accent would have been added as well.

You might try contacting Jeff at Fabgear--he's a super nice guy (and VERY talented artist), and if he worked on the guitar he'll most likely be able to give you the full 411.

Fab Gear

Congrats on your guitar!!

Bill

[collin]

Colin, I think that the guitar you have started out as a 1981 320 with f-hole, like the 1981 320 Mapleglo I once had:

IMO you got a pretty good guitar for the price.

BTW, if the intonation is off, it's because of the small-gauge (11s) strings currently on it and improperly adjusted bridge saddles.

Great, thanks Doc! Your old 320 looks great in MG! I like the 1 o'clock soundhole instead of the 1996 variety.

As far as price, I have little clue what 325 prices go for, other than the V series are all quite expensive, but there are tons of 325 variations and of course- price variations as well. I figure the pics weren't that great, hence lower price, but thanks! Seems worth it to me.


Sloop John- so you're saying it was a standard 325 w/hi gains etc, that has been converted to Lennon specs (but the F-hole is original right?)

I checked out Fab Gear, but it only listed some pickguards and bridge saddles for sale so a bit of confusion there.

Cheers,
-Collin

[Scastles]

The 325 V '63 did start production in '84 as I read it. The serial number does say '81 though.

[wj350]

Collin, there's a link to an email for Jeff on the webpage. He does a lot of custom work--he's an artist by trade, so he's done Rocky Strats, Lennon V-81s, etc.. He recently did a MMT drum head for me that is absolutely stunning.

Bill

[JakeK]

so you're saying it was a standard 325 w/hi gains etc, that has been converted to Lennon specs (but the F-hole is original right?)

I'm not Mr. Biscuti, but I'll help you out...

The f-hole is probably original. It was a 320 (no vibrato). It had the vibrato and toasters added. The V-series came on board in '84/'85, that is correct. It is a good snag, and you'll be happy to own it.

[doctorwho]

... dang echos in here again! ...

[beefandbones]

Oh Gary, a mapleglo 320/325 with an f-hole is one of my dream guitars! Any idea where it is today?

[jingle_jangle]

Whoa. If it is an early '80s, the F-hole was added. It would have been a 320 with an "R" tailpiece and a larger than '60s headstock, too. The tuners would have probably been die cast Grovers, and it would have had "modern" silver-topped knobs. These were features that my own 12/81 320 had before I did my own conversion on it. The F-holes on 320s were long gone by '81, though, except possibly by special order.

[leftybass]

My understanding on the f-holes on the 320s is that they were applied as a standard feature on the 310-325 line from 1958 until 1980 or 81, the 'occasional' solid top coming out, but rarely ever.......IIRC after 1981 they were available, but as an option....probably until the V-Series was made available.

The styles changed a bit as time went by, the most noticeable change was around June 1964 with a change in both style and position. I've seen 320s with factory f-holes up into 1981.

I know of one with a UK sn# that sold back in March '08...

[doctorwho]

Oh Gary, a mapleglo 320/325 with an f-hole is one of my dream guitars! Any idea where it is today?

Unfortunately, no idea ... the person I sold it to sold it to someone else, and that's as far as I know the story.

BTW, the f-hole was original to mine.

[collin]

Whoa. If it is an early '80s, the F-hole was added. It would have been a 320 with an "R" tailpiece and a larger than '60s headstock, too. The tuners would have probably been die cast Grovers, and it would have had "modern" silver-topped knobs. These were features that my own 12/81 320 had before I did my own conversion on it. The F-holes on 320s were long gone by '81, though, except possibly by special order.

yeah, the headstock got me too..? Stuff like knobs are easily replaced, and the seller admits some mods, but there would be evidence of grovers there, and you're right...the headstock woulda been larger. I've heard/seen models with the F-hole into the early 80's, so I didn't question that too much, plus most that I've seen from that period had the f-hole in the same position as mine (which I like).

Then again...if the output jack plate was swapped....then who knows?

I'll get a better idea when I recieve the guitar (especially about an added F-hole...that seems unlikely)

Cheers,
-Collin