Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

There is something special about the 40 year old necks. Especially how they've been worn through years of playing. I love my Ricks and prefer their tone, but when I break out this Jazz it just feels like Heaven. The sound just doesn't suit me as well, and I can't gig with it anymore.

I can't believe the prices these have gotten to. I paid $350.00 for mine, and have to admit, the dollar signs get to me once in a while, and I keep thinking about what kind of Rick I could buy with that kind of cash! I'm definitely struggling with it. If the right old Rick turned up, I'd probably cave in!

Bob,

I think you're right. About 5k'ish has been the average for the '65's (non-custom color). I see guys asking a lot more, but I don't see anyone biting.

Kevin

"That's funny to see the body in such great shape , and the headstock flaking so bad."

The headstock face (and sides, but not back) has a clearcoat to protect the waterslide headstock decal, that's what is yellowing and flaking. The body has no clearcoat and therefore doesn't flake, and has only very slight yellowing.

"Here's some nice vintage Fenders."

He's an Israeli guy, his real name is Nadav Galamidi, how he manages to find all those super-clean vintage pieces is beyond me, it's been speculated that he runs a parts mill, but a dealer I know and respect has told me that he's Kosher.

But we should clarify, or yellow-fy.

Some Fender custom colors in those days DID also have a clear coat (clear nitro). It DID yellow. Gives some collectors fits, others ecstacy. Lake Placid Blue + yellowed clearcoat= metallic OD, etc...The body on this one has none...

Has anybody here ever met Olivia, BTW? I've got a feeling she's a guy.

The waterslide decal on the bass in question looks to have been applied on top of the clearcoat on the headstock.

I've seen Olivia's boys at many of the guitar convention shows and have met the two brothers.

"Some Fender custom colors in those days DID also have a clear coat (clear nitro)."

Of course. I was just referring to the Oly White bass on eBay, not in general.

"The waterslide decal on the bass in question looks to have been applied on top of the clearcoat on the headstock."

Right again... the waterslide decal didn't adhere to Poly, so Fender finished the headstocks in nitro before applying the decals.

The Jazz is on its way, and will be wit me in a few days. I must say I am very excited about it!

One question. Why is it that ‘my’ Jazz along with quite a few others sourced from Japan has a wire from the bridge pickup to the bridge? Is this some sort of earth strap? If so surely there must be a better and more elegant way to sort this out?

They've figured it out by now... but to make the re-ish true to form they used the original setup.

Originally it was hidden under that large bridge cover (as were the separate mute springs and pads), so aesthetics wasn't a consideration. When they realized almost everybody takes the cover off, they hid the ground strip. I think MIA's also have them.

I quite like the look of the ashtray, I might put one on yet, or at least drill some holes where it should have been.