If I Want To Buy A Short-Scale 325....I Can't?

[octagon]

When was the last time that Rickenbacker even made a 325 that was not a reissue? 30 years ago?

[eric_b]

Here you go buddy, brand new 325, and it isn't Lennon Spec in the least!

If you're lucky, it'll be cheap!..... yeah right!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-325C64 ... 286.c0.m14

Nope. That one's already got Witty's name on it...

Don't they all ?!!

[jingle_jangle]

When was the last time that Rickenbacker even made a 325 that was not a reissue? 30 years ago?

I'm thinking 1984. Anyone got better info?

[kiramdear]

When was the last time that Rickenbacker even made a 325 that was not a reissue? 30 years ago?

I'm thinking 1984. Anyone got better info?

Does that include 320s? I've seen those dated from '86, I believe.

The B series was the first generation of re-issues and dates from '82, so it overlaps the regular production models which were still being made. New short scales were still in abundance in those days.

[collin]

they offer a perfectly good vintage-accurate reissue, priced at the normal rate for such a vintage reissue Rickenbacker.....I don't see what the fuss is about.

The fuss? I don't want a vintage-accurate reissue guitar. I just would like to spend my money on a standard basic 325.

As I pointed out, I was able to purchase a standard 360/12. I didn't have to go to the "Vintage Series" or "C Series" (whatever that is) in order to buy a make of Rickenbacker guitar. Did Lennon buy a "Vintage" 325? No, he bought a 325. Did the guy in The Romantics or John Fogerty buy a "Vintage" 325. No, they bought a simple 325. Why can't we do that today? Why must a 325 be an exorbitant purchase of some reproduction? I said I am not a Lennon in a Beatles tribute band. I don't need his replicated guitar. I simply want to buy a 325. I have a fistful of money saved, I search for that little guy...and they don't even sell them, just sell these crazy "vintage" or "C Series" (whatever that is) ones.

I hear what you're after, I really do.

I'm not a huge Beatle fan either, but I appreciate having guitars that are "correct-spec," even if it's a vintage reissue.

Thing is, Nick's right---there is almost zero market for a non-vintage spec 325 reissue, especially if it had no Lennon connection. Even reissues like the 1996 were only produced because Lennon played one (about twice, for one week in Dec. 1964...).

If they did produce a non-vintage spec 325, all you would hear from people (other than yourself) would be complaints that it's not "accurate" enough......

The way I see it, RIC offers a fine 325, and it's not their fault that it's not in your price range or humble enough in it's specifications.

[sloop_john_b]

Made well into the late 80's for sure.

[kiramdear]

There are 320s in the registry dated from 1989.

[analogpackrat]

I don't know about the last date of manufacture for 325s, but my 320 is a 1992.

[Tommy]

They are out there if you keep your eyes peeled. Can you give us some idea roughly where you are located?A P

New York area and I look at that craigslist. You rarely see any Rics, let alone 325s.

[xcoyle]

I think 1992 is about right for the 320. These large headstock, 320s can be had at a reasonable price. I understand wanting to be the only owner of your guitar, but the nice thing about Ric's is there owners treat them well. A near mint condition guitars can be found at half the retail price.

I just bought that 1996 Reissue that was on the Bay for 2k, and it is the best short scale I have ever played. Good price, and like new condition.

[Tommy]

the nice thing about Ric's is there owners treat them well.

That may be true.
But what also may be true along with that is that Ric owners don't sell them. You buy a Ric, you treat it well and keep it forever (or pass it down to family members).
Tons of used Epiphones available, but not a lot of Rics.

[xcoyle]

Not a lot, but they come up enough that you can find what you want at a good price within about a 3 month period. About 3 1996 (only about 155 were sold in US) have gone for around 2K this year, and 325C64 has gone for as low as $1650-$1850, and the C59 for even less. I find that about two years after a guitar is release is generally the low point in price. This thread has encouraged a 325 appreciation night, so here's a pic:

[kiramdear]

Nice picture, David!

They definitely do come up for sale in good to mint condition with some regularity. It may take a bit of dedication to find just the right one but it's feasible, judging from the online sales I've observed. I wish I could afford to get every one I've seen come up in the last year.

[xcoyle]

Thanks Kira, I just got a new Canon SD890 IS, which is about a 6-7 year jump in technology from my old one. But I am still the same photographer, who has to take about 10 shots to get one decent one. I also went from a 64mb card to an 8gig card, so plenty of room to play around now.

[Tommy]

a 325C64 has gone for as low as $1650

I'll take the one in the middle for $1651.