Opinions Needed! Is this TRC authentic?

[brycycle]

ok - so i've had to relocate 2 early 60's TRCs for a '64 4001 and '66 RM bass.

firstly, i was under the assumption that the guitar and bass TRCs of this era were identical in size - is this correct?

the first came from a 450 guitar (the lower TRC in photo 1), the second was supposedly found in an old box of parts (the top TRC in photo 1).

my Luthier is concernced that the one that just arrived (top TRC) may not be authentic as it has rougher edges and lettering, while also being much larger than the other (lower TRC).


photo 1 (comparison):



photo 2 (close-up of lettering on a 60's guitar TRC):



photo 3 (close-up of lettering on the TRC in question):



photo 4 (TRC in question sitting on RM headstock):



opinions much appreciated!

[cjj]

I'm not sure about 60's 4001 TRCs, but all of the plexi ones I've seen from 70's 4001's had the "Made in U.S.A" across the short edge of the cover along with "Model 4001", not underneath the "Rickenbacker"

[brycycle]

CJ, these earlier TRCs had the "made in the USA" running parallel to the "RIckenbacker" as shown in both.

[beatlefreak]

The one in question is shaped like the one on my 97 325V59. It has the "MADE IN USA" parallel like that. However, the one on my 325V59 does not have the periods in U.S.A. It is like the second one you picture.

[brycycle]

the TRC on the '65 425 i have, has the periods. as does the TRC on the other RM i've seen.

the one w/o in the picture i'm showing is from a guitar my Luthier just finished; not sure whether that TRC is original or a re-issue.

here's a close-up of the lower TRC in pic 1.

[brycycle]

any other opinions? if i can confidently state that it is a fake - i stand a chance at receiving a refund through the seller.

thanks -