360/12 truss rod cover

[libratune]

For the record, an illustration of the vertical and parallel "Made in USA" logos on a some 1968 12ers:

1968/HB 330-12 FG - vertical

1968/HC 360-12 JG vertical

1968/HG 366-12 FG parallel

[bcoop53]

Thanks for your help guys! I'll keep you posted.

[bcoop53]

Here is an update on my TRC issue:
I bought a vintage TRC online for $250. Unfortunately, the holes don't quite line up. When I attach the cover, on the nut side there is a small gap, and on the far side, the single hole is off about 1/16" (the existing hole is covered by the plate). When I contacted the seller, he says the sale is final. However, he did point out to me that the nut on my guitar is white and that the nuts on vintage Rics are black.
Here are my options:
1)Keep this TRC and try to adapt it. I can't mount it right up to the existing nut because the holes of the cover and head overlap-there is not enough wood to drill new holes. I can attach it using two of the three existing holes; drill one hole for the far end, and live with the small gap. If I replaced the nut with a correct one, perhaps it would be wider and fill that gap. Is this expensive to do?
2) Sell this TRC and try to find an exact fit.
3) Call Rickenbacker and see if they can fit a proper replacement if I send them the one I bought?
4)None of the above.

Help!

[beatlefreak]

As you can see from Ron's photos above, not all vintage Ricks have black nuts. He shows three 1968 models, two of which have white nuts. I would leave your nut as is.

To the best of my knowledge, the vintage acrylic style TRCs are largely hand made, and the holes in the guitar are drilled after one has been paired with the guitar. Two vintage TRCs are always going to have some degree of variance for the hole placement. This means that it is a crapshoot as to whether a TRC made for one guitar will have the holes line up exactly on another guitar.

An exchange with RIC isn't the answer. You paid good money for a period correct TRC. RIC will most likely not have an actual vintage tRC - At best, they could provide you with a modern vintage reissue (after you pay an exchange fee).

If it were me, I'd make sure the TRC will sit properly and look right on the headstock of the guitar (except for the holes lining up). Once it does, I'd fill and redrill one or more holes to install the TRC as previously fitted. Drilling holes in your Rick (especially a vintage one) is not for everybody. If you're one of those, then you'll most likely have to compromise on the gap and hole placement. But filling and drilling is what I'd do.

[bcoop53]

Thanks for your help.
Any other opinions out there?

[jps]

I agree with Kris. Your best bet is to Fill'n'Drill®, I know a good dentist.........

[bcoop53]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll give it a try.
If I can indulge you guys a little more, while I was trying to fit the TRC on my headstock, I noticed that the shaft on one of the tuners is slotted while the others have holes for the strings to go through. Actually I had noticed this years ago but had forgotten since I had stopped playing. The casing and peg on that tuner seems to match the others. Should I consider trying to find a correct replacement? Is it possible to find a correct one that would look right and work? I think since the current one is well tarnished like the others, it would look better then a new shiny one, right?

[beatlefreak]

The correct version for your guitar should be the unslotted type. Replacing it would be a matter of personal choice. As the tuning keys appear the same, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Maybe just keeps your eyes open on Ebay, and wait and see if a period correct single key turns up.

As for filling the holes, use the end of a toothpick smeared with yellow wood glue. Insert into the hole to be filled, and let dry overnight. Carefully cut or sand flush. Now you're ready to mark the new holes and drill.

[collin]

Yep, the slotted type double-line Klusons were mostly used on Mosrite (and some Fender) guitars, and other than the slotted end, they are identical to vintage Ric tuners.

You, are in luck though........for sale, by a forumite as well!


Just take your pic, depending which tuner you need (these don't come up for sale too often, bear that in mind...) :

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-60s-RICKENB ... 25570206da

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-60s-RICKENB ... 25570203fc

[collin]

Here is an update on my TRC issue:
I bought a vintage TRC online for $250. Unfortunately, the holes don't quite line up. When I attach the cover, on the nut side there is a small gap, and on the far side, the single hole is off about 1/16" (the existing hole is covered by the plate). When I contacted the seller, he says the sale is final. However, he did point out to me that the nut on my guitar is white and that the nuts on vintage Rics are black.
Here are my options:
1)Keep this TRC and try to adapt it. I can't mount it right up to the existing nut because the holes of the cover and head overlap-there is not enough wood to drill new holes. I can attach it using two of the three existing holes; drill one hole for the far end, and live with the small gap. If I replaced the nut with a correct one, perhaps it would be wider and fill that gap. Is this expensive to do?
2) Sell this TRC and try to find an exact fit.
3) Call Rickenbacker and see if they can fit a proper replacement if I send them the one I bought?
4)None of the above.

Help!

Bruce, I'd settle with the TRC. You could search for another, but I don't think you realize just how rare those little guy's are.

The white nut is found on many RIcs from 1966-1969. Not all guitars recieved them, but I've seen it plenty of times. It's made of the same material as the black ones (I think), but just a different color.

I'd live with the gap, or drill some different holes. Either way---it's better than what you had before, right?


PS....post a pic, so we can check out the gap you speak of.

[bubbasweet]

I have actually instead of the dreaded drilling, broken a head off a screw and tacked it in the hole and put the other 2 screws in.. both on trusses and on lower guards. Just because I hate xtra non original holes. I am left and I won't even drill into the other horn. I used to do it on my reisues, but not on my 66 baby!!

Also I would not worry about the gap, how big IS it??

I would put the bottom 2 screws in at the nut and fake th upper screw with screw head only. You just need a new slot screw to cut...

[jps]

I would put the bottom 2 screws in at the nut and fake th upper screw with screw head only.

I don't know about that. It would leave the TRC quite vulnerable to breaking that way.

[bubbasweet]

Well I gigged with it for years and never had a problem.

Then again I did not do any Van Halen jumps when I had was doing it..

[jps]

I am glad that it has worked for you ; I would think it wouldn't be too hard to accidentally "grab" the tip and lift it up.

[collin]

I am glad that it has worked for you ; I would think it wouldn't be too hard to accidentally "grab" the tip and lift it up.