Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

libratune wrote:
Of course, the counter to this proposal would be that the "F" hole models should be done with all vintage specs, so it would end up being impractical. My response -- just take orders for another reissue run of 1997SPCs, 6's and 12's. WIth the new FG treatment, these would be tres cool.

Easy for me to say!

Even easier for them to do.....that's the frustrating part.

It's a simple matter of switching out a template at the time the body is carved out. That's all.....

In fact, the 1993 would be EASIER to make than the 360/12c63, due to the dot neck with no binding.

Woodie wrote:Maybe I'll will it to you, Jake...

Nice. I could dig that.

That's a great idea Ron, a model of the year!

jch wrote:That's a great idea Ron, a model of the year!

=1 simply outstanding

Hey everyone thanks for all those replys and pictures . Just makes it harder to deal with the fact I don't actually own one.

Actually a 330S, a domestic version of the 1997, but close enough:

Nice Rod, what year is it?

It has a really nice dark fireglo.

September 64.

Couple more:

Wowser, that is in amazing condition for a 1964! Other than the lack of an Ac'cent VB, what is the difference between the 330S and a 1997? Is "330S" written in the control cavity?

Beautiful guitar. Nice photos, too!

libratune wrote:Wowser, that is in amazing condition for a 1964! Other than the lack of an Ac'cent VB, what is the difference between the 330S and a 1997? Is "330S" written in the control cavity?

Beautiful guitar. Nice photos, too!

Supposedly the only difference between the 330S and the RM were the knobs. The domestic version were equipped with the chrome tops. Obviously not the case on this beautiful guitar.
There's a pic of a 330S/12 on Bjorn's site.

Ah, I had a hunch it was a '64 judging by the dark FG. They certainly got darker that year...


The other differences between a RM and a 330S were the case (RoMos had a metal tag on the case), and the obvious export lineage, if you want to count an intangible characteristic. Other than that....yep, same guitars.

Yeah, it's incredibly clean. It's like playing something out of a time capsule! Here's it's sister: http://www.rickbeat.com/gallery/jonmagu ... aguire.htm (one serial number away)

The only difference between the 1997 and the 330S were the knobs (but not in the case of this guitar - the knobs are original) and the tailpiece (I prefer the trapeze above all the other Ric tailpieces). From what I recall, 1997 was the name Rose Morris gave to the guitar, and Rickenbacker called it a 335S. Mine has the 345 designation on the inside so it could have been used for a 330S up through a 345S. The silver case didn't have a Rickenbacker plate on it either, but otherwise they are the exact same case.

I used to own a May 1964 1997 with the Accent vibrato and I hated it! Perhaps that's why Pete Townsend swapped his out for either R or trapeze tailpieces. I could never keep it in tune! It's the guitar at the upper left here: http://www.rickbeat.com/photofeatures/b ... obkat2.htm. Most of the parts on this guitar aren't original and it's been routed for a humbucker at the neck pickup.

Beautiful guitar Rod....