Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Glen: Do we know of any 325 Capris, that were not transitional, and crafted with scimitar shaped soundholes? There was quite a range of features in the early models so it may be that some were produced with the "slash" hole. I am aware of the slash hole in the full-scale model from the photo I see on your site.

An interesting question Peter - and one that I've gived a bit of though to. It really introduces the question - why did Ric use 'f' holes on 310-325's instead of their typical 'Scimitar'. Someone may correct me on this point but it seems to me that Ric's first use of the 'f hole was on the shortscale capris. Looking at that full scale-neck natural finish capri from '57 on my transistional page may give a hint. First point is that it's actually a longbody capri - not 330 sized, second point is that the scimitar hole is not real, it's painted on. Perhaps as a visual trial. For me the trial was a failure - it looks too big on that body. Now imagine it on a standard small 325 body. Ric obviously wanted to go with soundholes on the shortscale capris, but that's a whole discussion in itself. The solution was a more compact and conventional form - the 'f' shape, and so the 325 with 2 o'clock 'f' hole was born. Later on Rose Morris took a liking to that form and specified it for all their export guitars - and so we now have many examples of full scale Rics with 'f' holes as well.

I've never seen a regular "scimitar" sound hole on a 325 either. But I bet that it would look great.

Bet it wouldn't John

Glen: Perhaps John Hall will offer some insight here. I see from your site that there were transitional models (at least one) in which there was a scimitar sound hole. Perhaps this was the only one that the company needed to convince them to avoid the slash sound hole in the Capris line.

Yes Peter, that maple guitar is the one I refered to above. It is really a 325longbody with a full scale neck. Previously owned by the guitarist/lead singer from 'The Knack'. It has a painted on scimitar soundhole. I really can't see one of these looking right on a standard 325 body, although it is one of the early longer type scimitars. Perhaps a regular shorter one wouldn't look so overwhelming.

http://www.geocities.com/vintage325/310mglng.JPG

I still say that the slash soundhole would great on the 325............

The thought of a slash hole on a 325 makes me feel a little blue.....

Tee-hee...

I think a slash sound-hole on a 325 would look goofy.

A slash sound hole on a 325 looks pretty good.

I'm in the"a slash soundhole on a 325 looks wrong"
camp.But I'd concede that perhaps a slightly Smaller rendering of the full size 360 slash hole might not be too bad.Still, F holes are the only proper thing for that body, IMO...

As sure as well are discussing this idea, there are 325 instruments out there with a slash hole. Until someone comes forward with a legitimate photo here is a doctored one for the purposes of discussion. While the proportions aren't exactly right, I could get used to the look. Thanks for your observation Nick.