A Truly Perplexing 1966 Rickenbacker!

[chip3341]

Hello! was given a Rickenbacker from an uncle about 15 years ago and, to this day, cannot figure out

a) what model it is

b) what price range it might be in.


Here are the specs that make it very unique:

1). Model number FJ3688.

2.) R tailpiece.

3.) Short scale.

4.) Dot inlays.

5.) 2 toaster pickups.

6.) F- HOLE.

7.) Six strings.

8.) The headstock gradient is horizontal, not vertical.


The closest thing I found was a 330, but the 330s I see did not have the f hole or the horizontal headstock gradient.


I also found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1964-Ri ... 7675.l2557.

This looks exactly like it except for the lack of horizontal gradient and the normal scale.

I am attaching a picture of the guitar and the back of the headstock for reference.

http://imgur.com/a/FtmI5

Do you have any tips or thoughts?

THANK YOU!

[deaconblues]

Welcome to the forum.

That is a 310, and a nice one at that! A two-pickup version of the 325 as played by John Lennon.

Nearly all of these short-scale guitars, American or export, had f-holes until the late 70s/80s or so. Most of the full-scale guitars with f-hole were for export.

I'll let others handle the appraisal as I'm not aware of what they go for these days. Usually these are worth a little less than 320s or 325s, but a lot of us Rickenbacker geeks think they're really cool.

[beefandbones]

Sexy little number! I'd loooooove to have one of those!!! If you decide to sell...

[cjj]

Here are the specs that make it very unique:

1). Model number FJ3688.

Welcome to the forum!

If that "Model number" came off of the jack plate, it's the serial number. You can look up when your guitar was manufactured at:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/service_serials.asp

And you can use the RIC Model identifier to figure out what it is (not that these guys are telling you wrong):

http://www.rickenbacker.com/identification.asp

[collin]

Hi Adam,

Yes - that is a 310 model, as Dan said. Looks to be in good shape. These aren't nearly as collectible as the 325, with the middle third pickup and vibrato (because of the Beatle association). Still very cool guitars nonetheless.

What do you mean by "horizontal or vertical headstock gradient?" I've never heard this phrase before...


Value on it is hard to say since they don't turn up often. I've seen two '64 310 models for sale in the past year, one around $5200 and the other at $6K. The $5200 sold (not sure if it sold for full price) and the $6K is still available. Both are slightly more collectible because of their earlier production year, with 310/315/325 models bein more common by '66-'68. I'd place the value on yours right around $5000.

[chip3341]

Wow! You guys are awesome! I spent so much time looking for this, and you found it in seconds.


Re: the model finder, I've tried using it, but the page seems to be broken (comes up with an SQL error). And oops I meant serial number (from the jack plate).


Any further input on value would be appreciated. I'm not really looking to sell, but would love to have an idea!


It may have been a "victim of the 70s" as it appears the neck may have been cracked and resealed along the edge of the fretboard. Hard to tell.



EDIT: Also about the "gradient", it's probably not the right phrase. I just meant that a lot of the ricks seem to have a vertical color divide on the headstock (like this:http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/ ... k-back.jpg), whereas mine is more of a horizontal fade.

[collin]

EDIT: Also about the "gradient", it's probably not the right phrase. I just meant that a lot of the ricks seem to have a vertical color divide on the headstock (like this:http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/ ... k-back.jpg), whereas mine is more of a horizontal fade.

Ah, I see. There was no standard for the Fireglo color or pattern. The color seemed to change every year from 1961-1970, and the pattern had more to do with who was spraying paint that day (since they're handmade...)

[cjj]

Re: the model finder, I've tried using it, but the page seems to be broken (comes up with an SQL error). And oops I meant serial number (from the jack plate).

Huh, I've seen it do strange things from time to time, maybe they're working on it.

I just tried the serial number decoder and it came up with:

Your guitar was manufactured in October of 1966