Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Thanks to Tony at Pickguardian, the V63 is another step closer to my dream of a '64 RM RI:
Next, waiting for Dale's new/old HS, then the rest will be woodwork and finishing stuff (neck profile, wing separation fix, my preferred redder FG, celluloid inlays - basically a lot of similar work as to Sean Kelly's old/Paul Boyer's new "none more white"), which will have to wait until I can afford it!

Celluloid inlays?

Whoa, gotta get me one of those pickguards! Did Tony make it with the tug bar holes, or did you drill those yourself?

Paul W., I think that's what Dale put in Sean's bass to replace the pearly ones. I have no idea what the '60s dot inlays were made from, but they do appear to be a solid yellow-y white, rather than pearloid, so that's what I'm thinking of. By all means, suggestions for more "period-correct accurateness" are welcome!

John B, I put the holes in on my template and Tony drilled them there. I did suss out where they should go so as to not have one screw go into the route for the pickup wire this time, though!

pacealot wrote:John B, I put the holes in on my template and Tony drilled them there. I did suss out where they should go so as to not have one screw go into the route for the pickup wire this time, though!

Sounds good Paul - since Tony has the template I could probably just order the exact one from him based on your design, since our basses are the same month/year.

True, John, but I did redrill all the p/g holes, so keep that in mind if you don't want to "bespoil" your beauty like I have! The new guard does cover all the original p/g holes this time, though. The hole nearest the treble p/u volume does show a bit because some of the CV chipped off from being exposed for so long. I was just more concerned about having it finally look "right" shape-wise and have multiple under-guard holes than maintaining "originality."

My band's playing the Mercury Lounge in early May (2nd & 3rd), so if you're around during that time, John, it'd be interesting to try to get our "sisters" together!

pacealot wrote:Paul W., I think that's what Dale put in Sean's bass to replace the pearly ones. I have no idea what the '60s dot inlays were made from, but they do appear to be a solid yellow-y white, rather than pearloid, so that's what I'm thinking of. By all means, suggestions for more "period-correct accurateness" are welcome!

These were punched out of sheet styrene or ABS with a handheld Whitney punch. So they are plain white, and they do yellow over time.

Thanks, Paul - that's very good and helpful info for the project!

pacealot wrote:True, John, but I did redrill all the p/g holes, so keep that in mind if you don't want to "bespoil" your beauty like I have! The new guard does cover all the original p/g holes this time, though. The hole nearest the treble p/u volume does show a bit because some of the CV chipped off from being exposed for so long. I was just more concerned about having it finally look "right" shape-wise and have multiple under-guard holes than maintaining "originality."

My band's playing the Mercury Lounge in early May (2nd & 3rd), so if you're around during that time, John, it'd be interesting to try to get our "sisters" together!

This brings up an interesting question - what would go for more? A stock "incorrect" v63 or one that has the correct pickguard, tug bar, etc? Even though they've been going for bigger and bigger bucks, I don't think v63's have reached collectible status yet, and therefore originality may not be entirely important. I could be wrong, though.

I should be around for that, Paul - keep me posted! I forsee a mini-confluence.