Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

An older gentleman who is a fellow musician here in town has an opportunity to purchase a two year old 350V63 in JG. Seems he used to own an early 90's 350 which had the "R" tailpiece as well as the hi-gain PUs and the 24 fret neck and he says he wishes he still had it. But finding one of those older models around these parts is not easy.

Anyway, he likes the sound of the toasters on the V63 and the fact that it has 3 fewer frets doesn't seem to bother him either. Overall, he likes the guitar but is bothered by the vintage tailpiece. He asked me if I knew whether he could fit an "R" tailpiece to the V63 without having to drill any new holes. I told him I didn't know because I currently only own Ric basses. So I figured I would ask here in the forum for him (he doesn't own a computer himself).

I did, however, mention to him that even if it were possible to swap without redrilling, getting a hold of an "R" tailpiece could be problematic. AFAIK (someone correct me if I'm wrong), you need to turn in an old "R" tailpiece in order to get a new one, and I don't think you can turn in a vintage trapeze like the one on the V63 to get the "R". The guitar is certainly legit (I've seen it), so how does he go about getting his "R"? And are the screw holes compatible? I'm hoping one of you 320/350 experts out there can help out with some answers and advice. Thanks.

Sorry, not exactly compatible. Size differential and a difference in the number of screws. Someone may know a way around it, but I don't.

There are a number of old threads that deal with nearly all the permutations of the R-tailpiece/trapeze/Accent changeover pros and cons.

As for obtaining an R tailpiece, unfortunately it will most likely be on eBay, at a premium price.

You can go from an "R" tail piece to a trapeze and have all the holes covered by the trapeze bracket. Without planning for the potential of a reverse, however, the reverse process will leave holes showing from the R tail piece bracket after the trapeze bracket is installed.

Paul W. may have some nifty suggestions. His biggest problem will be trying to get an "R" tail piece.

I think he would have better luck trading his 21 fret model with someone who has a 24 fret one.

admin wrote:... however, the reverse process will leave holes showing from the R tail piece bracket after the trapeze bracket is installed.

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Peter, didn't you mean to say the reverse process will leave holes showing from the trapeze tailpiece after the R is installed. Now, I'm confused.

Peter, didn't you mean to say the reverse process will leave holes showing from the trapeze tailpiece after the R is installed.

Exactly right, Stan. My apology. You are not the one confused. It is time I went to bed.