Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Wow. Have a look at this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41439&item=7311059902&rd=1

Wow.

maiow!

It's a great looking Capri without a doubt....but what is the deal with that label on the upper guard that says, 'raisins'?

The rare 1958 355.

...or is it a 1960 335?

Think you're right about it being a 335, '60. It looks like a FG, so it couldn't have been made until '60.

Well somebody email this guy with your thoughts about it -- that it's not a '58 355 -- so he can make adjustments and correct the listing. The people that have bid it up to $3000 (last time I checked) won't be too happy if they're thinking they're looking at '58 when it's really a '60.

Its definitely a '60. According to the Smith book:
"There were 1960 numbers between 100 and 155 that duplicated 1958 numbers. For example, #3V121 was a 1958 Model 345 and #2V121 was a 1960 Model 335. The 1960 hollowbodies with these duplicate numbers invariably werr models with Standard features: Models 310-325, Models 330-345 and Models 330F-345F. The highest repeat number used in 1960 was #3V154, a Fireglo Model 325 delivered on November 4, 1960."

Yea! for the Smith book.

Yes, and I am pretty sure the accent vibrato is original on this guitar. It's a cool looking Rickenbacker...

So, it is a 335, FG, 1960? One of 13 made that year, however I thought all the Capris used Kaufmanns.

Stan, they may have started off using Kauffman vibrolas but many were switched out with the Accent by Paul vibratos.

That explains it. Thanks, John.

Luckily, the duplicate serial number guitars have distinguishing features to tell them apart.

The '58s through 154 would have still been made of Alder, and should have had long or medium-sized soundholes, sharper headstocks, Kauffmans on the vibrato models, sharper inlays on the deluxe models. I would also expect them to all have the super thin plywood backs and earlier wiring harness (at least they had these features through the 130s).

The 1960 immediate givaways are rounded headstock, black switch tip, and Accent vibrato.

I got a reply from the seller:

Thanks for the info on the guitar. Gruhn confirmed it being a 1958
Ric...so I will go with his expertise. I am glad you liked the guitar,
it is going to be hard to part with it.
Take Care,
Mike

Its a '58 because "Gruhn" says its a '58. NOT.

LOL, oh well...you tried.

Seeing as it is a '60 Capri, what are we talking about as far as difference of price value is concerned between it and a '58 to the buyer? Major, nominal? Let alone the fact they aren't getting one of the beginners in Capri models, something you can't put a value on.