Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

BobKat: I know that you've had these off and on. How many do you think were made, and how many batches?? Are the specs exactly the same as 360v64-12s only except with the Cat's Eye.

In 1987, the first batch was made. They ran during the production of the Pete Townshend LE, as the serial numbers are intermingled. There was talk years ago that only 12 were made but I never got a solid number. I know they were ordered for Sam Ash Music by Shirley Swanson, who worked there at the time. I have had a 6-string and a 12-string, and both had 1993-spec features: dot neck with no binding, mono output, bound body, and f-hole instead of the cats-eye.

In 1999 or so, f-hole 12s reappeared. These were 360/12v64 spec, but substituted the f-hole. Some had 660-width necks. These were made to order for Norm's Rare Guitars. A Forum member has a 360/12V64 with f-hole, and also has a very interesting companion piece, a factory 370/12V64 (cats-eye soundhole), which are consecutive serial numbers. I do not know specific quantities or variations on these. I have heard that 25 total special guitars were made. Perhaps RIC will provide this info someday.

Bob, weren't Norm's made with gold pickguards?

John: I may be in error here but I understood, having never seen one, that they were white guards.

The two Norm's guitars I have seen had white guards. I have heard about some MG with Gold but never seen them.

I remember a 12 and 6 in the back of the Rittor book with gold guards.

Yep, quite possible that I am the one who's in error, Peter...my recollection on this is hazy at best on these. I've seen some around with gold 'guards, but this may have been an owner add-on too.

I don;t have a copy of the Rittor book (sadly) and I would love a good scan of those pics. The book was out well before the Norm run so they would not be a part of it.

The Rittor book was from ca.1994-95, and there are some special-order instruments in the book for the Japanese...there is one guitar in there that is a Fireglo 360/12V64 with an f-hole that pre-dates the Norm's run....

Yes, I do recall that one, now that you mention it.

No clue about data on the Japanese f-hole 12s. If I were only allowed to peruse the Rickenbacker data (hint hint), I would be able to offer more insight.

I don't suppose anyone has an extra copy of this book?

You suppose right

I have been seeking one for a while. Every copy I see sells for astronomical amounts of money.

They're out there Bob. Keep a'lookin'.....

Oh, I will. I will. JK Lutherie had a stack of them about 10 years ago. A friend of mine said, "you better get one". "Yeah, I will". You know the rest.