Ebay Rick 480

[IHeartRics]

Oh ye of little faith! Does no one remember this?

BEFORE

AFTER

For a standard HB, the back pick up ring screws by the bridge should be almost hidden by the Rick pick up - the bolt covers will line up almost on top. You can almost eyeball it from the picture by looking at the neck pick up adjustment screw knowing the pick up's edge is just a hair wider. When the foam pad (or o-rings) squashes down it should cover them up. A new pick guard should butt right up agains the leading edge of the pickup so any possible extended routing should be hard to detect. The key will be how much was routed for the pick up height adjustment screws. New wood may need to be added there for the Rick pick up set/adjustment screws.

The cracks by the neck are without a doubt the big issue. Paul, could mini wood buscuits be inserted across the cracks in the neck joint pocket side to add some strength? Just curious.

But considering what you'd you have to do, the price is WAY too high. Save that money for one that doesn't require the work.

[DoubleThink]

I'm just rushing through without reading all posts, so forgive me if I'm restating, but....

Doing a neck-set on a bolt-on is as easy as giving a cat a Dutch Oven. That quick, done. I had a '74 480 MG ... and I've missed it ever since. If the price is right ... and it seems OK currently ... and all else checks out, then go fo it.

Cheers!

[redamber]

The cracks by the neck are without a doubt the big issue. Paul, could mini wood biscuits be inserted across the cracks in the neck joint pocket side to add some strength? Just curious.

But considering what you'd you have to do, the price is WAY too high. Save that money for one that doesn't require the work.

I agree entirely. I bought my Mapleglo 480 in the UK exactly one year ago for just £5 ($8) more than this one. Whilst Eric Hazekamp (Grey) has helpfully pointed out that a few parts on my 480 have been replaced - namely the tuners and the bridge saddle adjustment and neck pickup screws - the guitar is in generally excellent condition, with no structural issues, significant fret-wear or major body damage (see attached pics).

The current one has been re-listed on eBay UK more than once and in view of the price and the problems already referred to, I for one would give it a wide berth.

In my experience, if you wait, the right one will always turn up.

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

I picked up this one from 1981 last month for $1150 cdn. SN is Ui 3327

It is my first 480 - it plays and sounds great. Just like my 82 JG 620 that I recall so fondly from high school.

I was delighted to find it in the register!

As that let me know that it was sold by the Music Connection circa 2003-2004 for $875

It also let me know that all the damage and wear to it has been done in the past 8 years as the guitar was "mint but for one scratch"..

Keep looking for a good deal and one will appear for you.

[electrofaro]

Keep looking for a good deal and one will appear for you.

True - but how many uninformed sellers are there these days? The last few 480s I saw on the 'Bay were all insanely high priced. Love the colour on your 480, Brian!