Worth trying to restore?

[320capt]

http://cgi.ebay.com/1966-Vintage-Ricken ... 45ef33ca5e

1966 370/12 with a lot to fix. Does that look like a serious neck issue at the body and a popped fret board?
What do you think it would take to bring it back to something near it's original glory?

[jps]

That neck crack is pretty minor and easy to fix, and everything else is nothing major, either. Go for it!

[jingle_jangle]

Not a big deal, depending on its vintage. I see wiring mods, a neck crack near the headstock, cracking around the heel... I'd pull the TRC and have a look at the rods. I suspect they are quite bent. Somebody's been careless with this baby.

[320capt]

The limited info I have indicates that 1966 was the first year for the 370/12 and that it was a dealer special order with limited production through the 1970's. It bet it goes for quite a bit more than where it is at right now. It sounds like it needs a couple thousand in restoration and I gather that resorted guitars do not have the same value as unrestored.

Still...

[jingle_jangle]

I'd sure verify those claims before plunking down any cash, unless it's a huge bargain. That center pickup could have been added (the bridge one is a non-original DeArmond). The pickguard looks like a homebuilt job to me. If I seem less than enthusiastic, it's because without the mods, if it an early 370 or special order item, it's special but nobody (except perhaps JH) really knows how special. Auction frenzy could take over from here.

[320capt]

Ohoo, good point about the center pickup. It could be a 360 masquerading as a 370 that has had bridge toaster put in the middle with the deArmond added to the bridge. That actually would be a good explanation on why it is there too. Also, the center pickup hole does not look the others.

The only thing I have to go on is the photo of the jack plate, FL 4497, which checks out on the RIC site as Dec 1966. I agree with the pickguard and of course the TRC. How do those things happen (especially the TRC)?

Shoot, now it all seems so obvious! It is good to have people here to bounce these things off of.

[Danotron]

I think this guitar was on the Austin Texas Craig's list for $300 and sold immediately. Collin noted it on another board. Whoever the buyer was turned around and put it on eBay the next day.

The only reason I mention this is because the current seller likely does not know much about the history of this guitar.

[320capt]

Dan,

Thanks, I will search for that thread. I sent a question to the buyer on if they know if it was a two pu 360 modified to a 370 but now I know that he probably does not know. My feeling is that it is.

[libratune]

Sold for $1680.

Happy Trails to you!

[320capt]

Did anyone on the RRF get it?

Was anyone able to determine if it was a 360 converted or a real 370? The seller never responded to me.

It sure would be neat to see pictures of it before and then after it is restored.

[Danotron]

It's back again!

http://cgi.ebay.com/1966-Vintage-Ricken ... 45ef47fed9

It also has a tread in the Marketplace section under online sightings....

[320capt]

It's back again!

http://cgi.ebay.com/1966-Vintage-Ricken ... 45ef47fed9

It also has a tread in the Marketplace section under online sightings....

What the...?