Rose Morris 1998

[westaussie]

perhaps Collin knows the answer....

Yes, in the 1960's, the only two places where you would buy a "true" Rose Morris (ie...distributed by the Rose Morris company) was either the UK or Australia.

Same numbering system.

It stands to reason that they did switch to silver-topped knobs by '67, but I've heard that they stopped using Rose Morris as distribution in 1966, in which case your guitar would simply be a 345S (which is still a rare export model).

Lovely guitar, btw.

Rose, Morris were Rickenbacker distributors from 1964 until 1969. The Australian branch later separated from the parent company and became Rose Music. They were Yamaha distributors until some time in the eighties, I believe, when Yamaha itself bought the distribution rights for Australia. I can't find any listing for Rose Music in any directory, so I assume it no longer exists.

[westaussie]

perhaps Collin knows the answer....

Yes, in the 1960's, the only two places where you would buy a "true" Rose Morris (ie...distributed by the Rose Morris company) was either the UK or Australia.

Same numbering system.

It stands to reason that they did switch to silver-topped knobs by '67, but I've heard that they stopped using Rose Morris as distribution in 1966, in which case your guitar would simply be a 345S (which is still a rare export model).

Lovely guitar, btw.

Rose Morris were Rickenbacker distributors from 1964 to 1969. The Australian branch later separated from the parent company and became Rose Music. I can't find any directory listing for it, so I assume it no longer exists.

[ozover50]

Thanks Tony, I wasn't aware that Rose, Morris was distributor for Australia too.
Now the question is: did Rose, Morris numbered Rickenbacker guitar and basses exported in Australia the same way as UK?
This doesn't change nothing, but I'm just curious

Good question Gabs. I wondered the same thing myself!

Trotty...Gerry...Eden?

Yep! Almost 100% positive that RM used the UK model numbers here.

By the way, welcome, Vic. If you ever find yourself way out east let us know.... we're always keen to catch up with fellow Aussie officianados! We have a small band of 8 or so here in Melbourne that get together - especially for interstate or overseas visitors. I think there's a half dozen or thereabouts in Sydney and environs too.

[westaussie]

Gorgeous guitar. Probably not worth much without the vibrato handle, though. I'll take it off your hands for $800 USD.

I'd be more than happy to sell it to you for $US800. Yes indeed. I'll just wait until the $A devalues a little further against the greenback ........ lets say to about a 10:1 ratio.
Then we can do business.

[ozover50]

Hahahahahahahahaha!!!

Forgot to congratulate you on owning such a sweet guitar, Vic..... lovely!!

[westaussie]

By the way, welcome, Vic. If you ever find yourself way out east let us know.... we're always keen to catch up with fellow Aussie officianados! We have a small band of 8 or so here in Melbourne that get together - especially for interstate or overseas visitors. I think there's a half dozen or thereabouts in Sydney and environs too.

Thanks for the invite Howard. If I do get over there, it will probabaly be in the summer. ...... I'm reliably informed that us Sandgropers are not allowed to cross the border during AFL season.