Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I picked up a used 381_12V69 a couple weeks ago and it came with a black tolex case that fits like a glove. No RIC nameplate on it. I owned a 00' 381 about a year ago and it had a silver vintage reissue RIC case with it. I always asumed that they always came with the silver case but now I'm not so sure. I don't think this is a generic case because the 381 is just such a weird size that would be close to impossible to do. Did they come with black tolex cases in the late 80s/early 90s?

Cole

Yes they did. What year is yours?

I just traded Kenny Howe my 1990 381 black tolex for a vintage one. Mine also, didn't have a RIC nameplate on it. I think 1994 was the last year they had black tolex cases as standard. My 1994 RIC price list just shows standard cases. By 1995 the price list shows molded cases as standard. I hope that helps.

I have a 1991 381 that has a black tolex case and a 1995 that has a silver tolex case. Also I have a 1989 370 that has a black tolex case. While I did not purchase the instruments new the 1989 and 1991 are in very good condition and I have no reason to believe the cases are not original. (The 1995 is an instrument that has been played and shows it)

Yup, mine is a '91 also. I feel a whole lot better now. That sounds like a good name for a song.

Cole

Cole, I had one once that was the same as yours (blk tolex, form-fitting inside) but it DID have the nameplate. It accompanied a 380L I owned briefly a few years ago. It was, of course, the wrong case for that guitar, but there you have it.

The case I'm getting from Paul (still en route) will house my 331. The 331 cases back in the day were 381 cases, but they weren't form-fitting, they were just a big open box (like all Ric cases in the first half of the 1970s). The 331 fits into the modern ones perfect.

Were the cases back in the late 60s black tolex or silver?

Cole

Black. 1968 was the transition from silver, from what I can tell (based on observations and collecting, not hard facts).

Interesting...thanks Kenny.

Cole

I agree with Kenny; my 1968 Banjoline has a black case which is original to the instrument. the sn# is late 1968, FWIW..

I have several '69s that have original silver cases...

Really? Hmm.

The transitional period must be '69 or so then. Using up old inventory and so on.

I forgot the original case for my Oct. 68 12 string is silver/black, I keep it in a different case now (SKB)..

I owned a dead mint with original case, 1967 335 fireglo back in the early 90's.

The guitar had been a 'closet keeper'.

The guitar came with a black case with gator ends.

The inside of the case was red.