420/425 dilemma

[abluesky]

Long story short, this lovely Ric made it's way to my home very recently. I purchased it with the belief it was a 61' 425 yet (per the serial #) it's noted as a 420 throughout the web. Per the register it's listed as a 425 (and also noted as a 420).

Here's the link to the guitar in the registry: http://www.rickresource.com/register/vi ... p?id=21214

I am just trying to confirm the model.

Thanks for the feedback.

Chris E.

[collin]

That is a 425 model.

For reasons unknown (to me), the 425 model escaped the typical pattern of Rickenbacker nomenclature and ends with a "5" without having a vibrato.

Then, to complicate things even further, some later models were designated "420" models (late 70s), AFAIK. Plus...with other 400 series guitars (430...) that share no similarities to the 420/425, the entire 400 series is a bit muddled up in the name department.

[abluesky]

Colin,

Thanks for the clarity and added detail. I was coming up empty handed with the serial # as well.

Either way, the 425 is a beauty.

C Evans

[aoresteen]

I know this is old but it still pops up in Google. Here's the difference between the 420/425 models.

From 1958 to 1964 the single pickup 400 series guitar was known as the model 425. It did not have a tremolo arm, even though the model number ended in a 5.

In 1965 the 425 was re-named the as the model 420. Same guitar, new model number.

A new model 425 was introduced at the same time. This time the 425 DOES have a tremolo arm. So a 425 without the trem arm has a serial number from 1958 to 1964. From 1965 to 1967 without the trem arm it is a model 420.

George Harrison had a model 425 from 1963. Same guitar as my 1967 model 420 - no trem arms.

[mike_d]

I know this is old but it still pops up in Google. Here's the difference between the 420/425 models.

From 1958 to 1964 the single pickup 400 series guitar was known as the model 425. It did not have a tremolo arm, even though the model number ended in a 5.

In 1965 the 425 was re-named the as the model 420. Same guitar, new model number.

A new model 425 was introduced at the same time. This time the 425 DOES have a tremolo arm. So a 425 without the trem arm has a serial number from 1958 to 1964. From 1965 to 1967 without the trem arm it is a model 420.

George Harrison had a model 425 from 1963. Same guitar as my 1967 model 420 - no trem arms.

Good info. My 1965 425 is from January of 1965. Inside the cavity it is still marked 425. No tremolo. I still call it a 425 FG.
Untitled by miked_austin, on Flickr

[aoresteen]

Well, I would too seeing that is is marked as a 425. Maybe the production line guys didn't get the memo

Nice FG 425! My 420 I installed the TOM bridge and it is intonated correctly. Fun guitar to play.

[mike_d]

You said it! These guitars are a blast to play. It’s full scale and no frills, but man it plays so easily and effortlessly. One of my favorites with a great vintage vibe all around.

[thisismusicinc]

What do you call a 425 with a vibrato then?

[jps]

What do you call a 425 with a vibrato then?

A 425