Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was just curious if there is some reason that 1984 is the last year that is considered vintage. I understand that eventually a 1995 will be considered vintage as the years go buy, but I just wondered if there is another reason, other than you have to cut if off somewhere. Over on the offset.com forum, 1980 is the cutoff for what is considered vintage. I'm just curious if there was something that changed about the process of making Rickenbacker's in 1985?

pocaloc wrote:I was just curious if there is some reason that 1984 is the last year that is considered vintage. I understand that eventually a 1995 will be considered vintage as the years go buy, but I just wondered if there is another reason, other than you have to cut if off somewhere. Over on the offset.com forum, 1980 is the cutoff for what is considered vintage. I'm just curious if there was something that changed about the process of making Rickenbacker's in 1985?

In 1984 John Hall (current CEO) took over the company from his father Francis (F.C.) Hall. The result of this was the introduction of new models, finishes, and trim options, the discontinuation of others, and a general modernization of the factory, production process, image, and marketing.

Oh, thanks a lot for the information.

sloop_john_b wrote:

pocaloc wrote:I was just curious if there is some reason that 1984 is the last year that is considered vintage. I understand that eventually a 1995 will be considered vintage as the years go buy, but I just wondered if there is another reason, other than you have to cut if off somewhere. Over on the offset.com forum, 1980 is the cutoff for what is considered vintage. I'm just curious if there was something that changed about the process of making Rickenbacker's in 1985?

In 1984 John Hall (current CEO) took over the company from his father Francis (F.C.) Hall. The result of this was the introduction of new models, finishes, and trim options, the discontinuation of others, and a general modernization of the factory, production process, image, and marketing.

Almost sounds like a pre-John Hall period.

IMO there is a quite noticeable change between, say, a 1983 330 and a 1986 330, whereas my 1968 330 doesn't feel very far off from my old 1983 330. I wouldn't go so far as to compare it to pre and post-CBS/Norlin as I don't think there is a quality difference, but there is certainly a difference.

A big difference in the hollowbodies was the discontinuation of the X-Bracing. I thought this was right around then.
The re-design of the truss rods also happened at this time.

Ironically, the first Ricks I played with both new features were a 4001V63 and a 360/12V64(3? I'll be beaten with a Maxima for forgetting that LOL!)
This was in January of '85.

chefothefuture wrote:A big difference in the hollowbodies was the discontinuation of the X-Bracing. I thought this was right around then.
The re-design of the truss rods also happened at this time.

Specifically, in the early 80's the top's got thicker but the X-brace remained, then after '84 the top got even thicker to compensate and the X-brace was eliminated on standard models. An 83 or 84 with the thicker top and the X brace has a really cool sound!

There were also small headstocks and very slim necks, in general. Nice ramps as well. The early 80's also a period of iconic Hi-Gain sounds... Johnny Marr, Peter Buck, Paul Weller etc. It's a very nicely balance pickup, with a lower output than later hi-gains. These guitars also had the vintage style electronics with the tone cap inline with the bridge pickup.

Another thing to note is that the early to mid 80's were some of the worst years in company history in terms of sales. Not very many guitars were made. I have friend who called the factory in 1983 and I think they shipped his guitar in 2-3 weeks. So I like to think that maybe some of the guitars got a little more love in the woodshop... who knows.

I special-ordered a Rick 360 WB in Azure-Glo Blue towards the end of `84, with the new "vintage chrome bar pickups" and it arrived in about five months or less.

It is X-braced, and has the thicker top. Cool guitar.

paologregorio wrote:I special-ordered a Rick 360 WB in Azure-Glo Blue towards the end of `84, with the new "vintage chrome bar pickups" and it arrived in about five months or less.

It is X-braced, and has the thicker top. Cool guitar.

Awesome Paul... post a photo!

sloop_john_b wrote:
In 1984 John Hall (current CEO) took over the company from his father Francis (F.C.) Hall. The result of this was the introduction of new models, finishes, and trim options, the discontinuation of others, and a general modernization of the factory, production process, image, and marketing.

Therefore, the year 1984 ushered in the era known as the 'CBS years'.....(Changes By Son).

egosheep wrote:

paologregorio wrote:I special-ordered a Rick 360 WB in Azure-Glo Blue towards the end of `84, with the new "vintage chrome bar pickups" and it arrived in about five months or less.

It is X-braced, and has the thicker top. Cool guitar.

Awesome Paul... post a photo!

Here you go:

paologregorio wrote:Here you go:

Nov 84 AZ Blue 365 WB.jpg

I've seen and heard that guitar...definitely a good one!

Could be BC and AC (Before CEO... After CEO).