The C-Series: Beatle Guitars Only?

[deaconblues]

Looking over the C- and V-series Rickenbackers on my RIC poster, I noticed the V-series is now down to only four models - the 350v63, the 381v69 and 12-string, and the 5002v58. Back before the C-series, the V-series included the so-called "Beatle reissues," as well as other popular reissues like the 1997.

Interestingly, when the 1996 was released it fell into the V-series, despite having mostly 325c64 DNA.

How would you organize the models?

Would you keep the C-series separate for just-Beatles reissues, maybe add some like the 425 or 325/12?

Would you upgrade everything to the C-series, with super-accurate parts and finishes?

What about "fantasy" reissues like the 660 and 350v63?

Personally, I think the C-series could be an artist-reissue section, with an improved 1997/1998 model, 370c65/12NS, 1999RM, etc. The V-series would feature fan favorites like the 381, 360F, 660, 350v63, and 4001v68.

[beatlefreak]

Neither the V or C series have been denoted as Beatles guitars. There was a short lived B series in the mid-eighties that had just three models - the 320B, the 360/12BWB and the 4003SB. The three Beatles guitars (more or less). They weren't very accurate as reproductions, hence the short life.

[deaconblues]

That's the idea - would you keep the current system or change it up?

The C-series has never been officially tagged as Beatles-only, but it has never included a non-Beatle reissue.

[lennon211]

Personally, I'd like to see the V-series have a series of guitars rotated in and out. That would give space to the 425, etc. As for the C-series, keep it for the models that are most desired in the dead-on accuracy.

[deaconblues]

That's something I hadn't thought of - like a limited-edition reissue series - cool!

[JakeK]

I'd like to see the C or V series feature the Rose Morris models...1993/12, 1996. 1997, 1998 and 1999 bass (complete with tug bar!). Of course, if this were to happen, I'd pretty much take out a loan to get them all!

But yeah, Matt, your idea seems cool. Too bad John Hall won't be making any new models until the backlog is cleared up a little bit.

[simer4001]

I don't think you'll see any changes with the back order situation. But I would like to see the V series reproduce true vintage models like the ones they have now and maybe add something like a 4001V68 and 4001V73. Models that have a special place in time but aren't necessarily associated with a particular artist.

The C Series could remain as faithful reproduction of famous player guitars. Maybe another McGuinn 12 string more closely modeled after his first 370. Like the 370V66 that was produced for the Japanese market. Perhaps a more accurate 1999 model that Chris Squire played. Even a true copy of Harrison's second 12 string.

Those are just some thoughts off the top of my head.

[chucksimms]

Some great choices to add. I'd suggest a 360/365 OS as well. If they were really accurate to '60s guitars that'd be sweet!

[paologregorio]

Some great choices to add. I'd suggest a 360/365 OS as well. If they were really accurate to '60s guitars that'd be sweet!

If they do, I would hope that the option of having soundhole binding is offered; it would make the guitar look even better; the unbound soundhole of the OS models makes it look unfinished or naked in contrast to the other surfaces of the guitar that are bound, and soundhole binding really accents/highlights the soundhole shape.

[simer4001]

Some great choices to add. I'd suggest a 360/365 OS as well. If they were really accurate to '60s guitars that'd be sweet!

Which line would you add this to? The "V" Series or the "C" Series? My preference would be the "V" Series.

[jps]

Some great choices to add. I'd suggest a 360/365 OS as well. If they were really accurate to '60s guitars that'd be sweet!

If they do, I would hope that the option of having soundhole binding is offered; it would make the guitar look even better; the unbound soundhole of the OS models makes it look unfinished or naked in contrast to the other surfaces of the guitar that are bound, and soundhole binding really accents/highlights the soundhole shape.

But then, that would not be accurate any more!

[simer4001]

You're correct Jeff. That would defeat the purpose of the V and c series.

[beefandbones]

I like what lennon211 said - rotate guitars in and out of V-series, and keep the C-series for perennially in-demand, historically accurate models. I'd add a 360c65 and a 4001c68 to the C series, and then rotate other models through the V-series every 2-10 years or so - 425, 450, 310, 1996, 1997, 1998, 610, 660, 330v65, 350v63, etc. Also, I think it would be cool if the V-series models were either a) available in all the standard colors or b) restricted to a special color, like AZ or BG or something, like the 1996 was.

I'd love to see F-models, the 4005, doublenecks, and so forth, but I think that's not likely.

[simer4001]

I like my idea better. Sorry!

[lennon211]

I like my idea better. Sorry!

No need to say sorry...the ideas are pretty close anyway.