Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I don't know how anyone else would feel, but I'd really like to see a re-issue of some sort of that RCA model. I had a chance to grab one last year for peanuts literally, but because of the international time difference someone beat me to it. I know the 380L had a similarity, but the RCA was like a 360.

Similar bodies, different features.

The picture is deceiving. Both guitars are the same size.

I'd love to get one of those RCA models. I think they're beautiful guitars.

Enlighten? This is a new one for me!

From what I heard (Don't remember where), RCA had RIC build these guitars as Chrismtas gifts for their Platinum selling artists.

I have had two RCA-SPC 12 string models and they were both made in 1992. I heard somewhere that there were only about twelve made. I believe there are a couple other Forum members that have an RCA model. One is featured here:

http://www.rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/36012RCA/36012rca.htm

There were also some bass models similar to a 4004L produced with a small gold pickguard showing the RCA logo.

What about the left handed doubleneck?

There was very little interest in the 380L when it was around, so I doubt that a re-issue will ever be contemplated any time in the near future. Also, the walnut body and maple freboard aside, you can get an RCA guitar by ordering a 360/12 with humbuckers. I don't think the fretboard is any wider on the RCA guitars, although I stand to be corrected on that one. (The 380L has acres of room for string bending, whacky jazz chords, etc.) I am a certified 380L cheerleader, so don't get me started on what a wonderful guitar it is to play. A true twelve-string version of the 380L (with those HB's set into the body) would have been devine. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone has ever devised a 12 string bridge that would work. Can you imagine the sound of a 380L/12 PZ? Wow.

No, I want the same guitar as the RCA, I don't care about the logo on the pickgard. I want the same walnut body on a 360. Couple that with either gold or black guards... Sweeeeet!

John, I thought the 380L was just being reworked. Is it canned for good?

Here's all the info I've been able to collect on the RCA guitars & basses.

According to Gruhn Guitars only 12 guitars were made.

The following are quotes from John Hall from this forum:

1. The RCA guitars were essentially the prototypes of the 380L, made as Christmas awards to be given by RCA Nashville to their artists that went platinum during the year.

The RCA guitars were made some years before the Laguna was finalized and the new style bridge hadn't even been conceived of at the time they were produced.

Since these were specially produced for RCA, it certainly was their choice to put their logo on it. Besides, there's a great story about their dog and Glenn Frey too . . .

2. This was the earliest incarnation of the 4004. We built several special runs of guitars (ala 380L) and basses for RCA Records Nashville. Each December they then presented them to their artists that had gone gold (or platinum, I forget) during the previous year.

The most famous instrument of this series went to Rocky Ryan, their president, who has a doubleneck 4004-650 left handed.

"The most famous instrument of this series went to Rocky Ryan, their president, who has a doubleneck 4004-650 left handed."

See...I told you there was a lefty double neck. Who wants to see it?

I do!

Ta da!