capri unknown history

[billy k]

I have had a Rickenbacker in my closet since 1976. It is a capri 315 or 325 I think squared edges 2 pickups vibro bar serial number on jack plate. 2t282 does this mean anything to any experts on board?I cannot find info even Rickenbacker factory said their records dont go back that far.

[cjj]

Welcome to the forum!
Post a few pictures and I'm sure folks here will be able to tell you anything you'd like to know!

[clementc3]

That serial number sounds like it dates back to the late 1950's or 1960. You can search the forum (I searched "Capri serial number) and you will find a number of threads about the serial numbers for Capris.

Supposedly the first number ("2" in your case) refers to the number of pickups (2 or 3) and the letter ("T") refers either to Tailpiece or "V" for vibrato. That said, it looks like a lot of guitars were made with configurations that did not conform to that formula, and yours might be one of them.

Photos will definitely help!

[libratune]

Welcome, Billy. Photos will help.

Judging by the number, your guitar is an early 1959 build. If it has "square edges" (as opposed to rounded), it is likely not a 310 or 315 but could be a 325, 330 or 360 series.

[libratune]

Okay, here's some pics Billy sent me of his Capri for posting. It appears to be a 1959 365 Capri with an early Ac'cent vibrato. The finish color appears to be Fireglo. Looks like a nice flamed maple top, but it could be (in part) shadows in the photo. Billy would know for sure.

Front 1

Front 2

Back 1

Back 2

[libratune]

And a few more:

back 3

jack 1

jack 2

[longhouse]

Looks to be a real stunner.

Shame it's so old, Billy. Tell you what, I'll give you $100 for it.

[jingle_jangle]

Those ain't shadows. That's flame!

Lovely guitar. Note how it's sort of bleached, but not too ambered.

[longhouse]

A fifty year-old flamey Capri closet classic? Can't be too many of those floating around.

[beatlefreak]

Great looking Capri.

[collin]

A fifty year-old flamey Capri closet classic? Can't be too many of those floating around.

+1000




What a stunner. I better check my own closets once over!

Welcome, Billy----what you have unearthed in your closet is one of the most collectible/desireable Rics in all of Rick-dom.

[leftybass]

A beauty for sure.....love the top on this one.

[dannyboy]

I'm still amazed today to hear people finding forgotten stuff in their atttics or closets. I wish I would have stored my my old 66 360 in a closet at the time instead of selling it because I had too many guitars!!! My only regret!! Well Billy, I hope you'll enjoy playing on your beautiful Capri!

[robbo63]

I just checked my closet. Nope, no Capri. Rats.

[collin]

Alright Cleveland.....post some better pics when you get it.