1965 Rickenbacker 950 Restoration

[collin]

You mention the "New Jersey butcher". With all due respect, don't compound his error in parting this out by changing it in any irreversible way. The wood on these was usually quite plain...not too much character, so covering it up with the strong graphic element of a guard is part and parcel of the style, character, and DNA of these early solidbodies.

The fact that you began thinking about a 330/360 type guard without looking carefully at the body (because it's obviously not compatible), gives me an impression that you might be impulsive with regard to rebuilding this instrument. Again, Paul, with all due respect, consider the history of this guitar and remember that history only goes one way--things get older and as they age, the nice ones get rarer (MUCH rarer), too.

+1. Well put, PW.

They're only original once! No sense in trying to further undo what little originality it has left.

Besides, if you want a 325....buy a 325! These 950s are much rarer, and the pickguard looks cool IMO, and the wood underneath a Jetglo is unlikely to be flamed or charactered anyways.

[remstar]

There's always the opportunity to pick up another Rickenbacker that shows more wood (so to speak ) next week or so...

Original guards may not be available online, but PM me if you want a correct guard.

You mention the "New Jersey butcher". With all due respect, don't compound his error in parting this out by changing it in any irreversible way. The wood on these was usually quite plain...not too much character, so covering it up with the strong graphic element of a guard is part and parcel of the style, character, and DNA of these early solidbodies.

The fact that you began thinking about a 330/360 type guard without looking carefully at the body (because it's obviously not compatible), gives me an impression that you might be impulsive with regard to rebuilding this instrument. Again, Paul, with all due respect, consider the history of this guitar and remember that history only goes one way--things get older and as they age, the nice ones get rarer (MUCH rarer), too.

I've restored close to a dozen of these beauties (TWO from the NJB) and would not dream of irreversibly modding one. There are ten in my own collection, only 2 of which I didn't re-do. Here are some photos to fire you up about how sweet these can be...

So, get acquainted with that big piece of acrylic and learn to appreciate it. There's plenty of time to find one of the "traditional" Ricks--they're always available!

Paul, you are completly right, When I first thought of that guard it was to cover up only the control pocket. I hadn't seen one of these 950's in person so I thought that the pups were wood mounted. I know I should have checked first when It got it here but I had to open my mouth instead.... I would never dream of drilling anything vintage wether that be an old coke sign to a door or this. The guard would have been inspired by a 300 series guard, but with the top part cut off and custom made by meself, with help from friends of course. So to avoid drilling anything.


What do you think Of my refinishing it? It seems to me that the finish is questionable as to wether it is original paint so I think I am going to refin.

Great Pics btw I understand now that the 'print' of this guitar is largely involved with the guard and would not wish to change it. Nor would I wish to drill a bigsby in.

Sorry about that, must have been youthfull exeberance kicking in, that and lennon fever

Would an accent vibrato be a drop in at the strap hole?

Thanks

rem

[JakeK]

Would an accent vibrato be a drop in at the strap hole?

Like the pickguard, the bridge of this kind of guitar also is what makes it so unique. Your guitar did not originally come with the vibrato unit that the student model Rics came with. Since your guitar was originally Rickenbacker's version of hardtail, it cannot have a vibrato installed.

Good luck with the resto, and please try to get it as close to stock as you can.

[collin]

Would an accent vibrato be a drop in at the strap hole?

Your guitar is much thinner than a 300 series or 600 series guitar, an accent will not work. The guitar is designed to work effectively with it's standard original bridge, and almost any variation from this design will not allow for adequate break angle behind the bridge.

Sounds like you're stuck with a nice, rare 950 model as-is. Bummer huh?

Seriously though, if all the features that make a 950 so unique aren't agreeing with you, it may be best to sell it and get a 325 or whatever you are really wanting. Good luck with whichever direction you go.

[remstar]

Would an accent vibrato be a drop in at the strap hole?

Your guitar is much thinner than a 300 series or 600 series guitar, an accent will not work. The guitar is designed to work effectively with it's standard original bridge, and almost any variation from this design will not allow for adequate break angle behind the bridge.

Sounds like you're stuck with a nice, rare 950 model as-is. Bummer huh?

Seriously though, if all the features that make a 950 so unique aren't agreeing with you, it may be best to sell it and get a 325 or whatever you are really wanting. Good luck with whichever direction you go.

Oh ok, so would a regular bridge and baseplate anchored with a trapeze even work or is the original bridge the only option? The anwser to this could determine my decision with this guitar.

Thanks

rem

[collin]

You would have to understand what the term "break angle" refers to on a guitar, but basically you need the angle of the strings going downward between the bridge and the end of the guitar to be low enough to keep them tight and from popping out of the nut while playing.

Other RIC models (without the big pickguard) have a neck that is raised from the body much higher than yours, which allows a surface mounted bridge and the use of a wide variety of tailpieces, since it would have adequate break angle.

NO other Rickenbacker tailpiece (Accent, R, trapeze, even bigsby) will work with your guitar properly, it just isn't physically capable or possible. There is a darn good reason why most of these student model Rics aren't extensively modified over the years, away from the stock design.

[wmthor]

...First off, a rare lefty from 1957 (sort of the beginning of this style...)

...

Paul, now that you've gotten my attention, please tell me more.

[jingle_jangle]

Richard, this was a well-worn '57 that was missing parts. The owner requested that I convert it to left-handed use and finish it in amber Mapleglo. The figured maple was a bonus--I had picked up a bunch of this wood and wanted to see how it would finish and build up.

1. I never heard back from the owner once I sent it back.

2. It hasn't turned up for sale, to my knowledge.

So, I would have to assume that he's happy with it...

[remstar]

Well, I had finished this about 4 months ago.
I just want to say a big thank you for those who took part in helping me make this a reality, rick #1 check!

Moderator edit: pics removed at the request of remstar.

[doctorwho]

That looks great! Congrats!

[cjj]

That looks great! Congrats!

+1!

[David Watts]

Wow, what a beauty ! Congrats.
I sometimes have a dream that i can put my hands on one of those historical Rics, a tulip or a F.
But those birds are even rarer here in Europe than in the USA, quite impossible to find.