Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Rickenbacker made a batch of 25 or so Model 1993 12-strings in the 80's, possibly around 87' or so. Most or all of these were in Fireglo. At this time they also made a batch of model 1997 6-strings, but these were unique in that they had double-bound bodies. All of these were ordered by a guy named Jimmy DeStefano, I believe, who worked for the Sam Ash music chain at the time. These are very rare and I owned one of the double-bound 1997's for years until I was forced to sell it a few years ago due to financial situation. It's one of the guitars that I really regret having to sell. Bob "Bobkat" Belloff had one of the 80's model 1993 guitars at his house one day when I was there recording with him, back in 97', I believe. He was selling it, but I simply didn't have the money to buy it at the time, and that was the last time I've ever seen one for sale.


John Simmons, you are correct in that the model 1993 12-string would really be now a model 360-12C64 model guitar with an F-Hole, which means they could easily be made.

Sorry for the double-post! When I edited some spelling mistakes I accidentally re-posted the thread.

Some of these were made for the Japanese market in the mid '90's if I remember correctly. But they had gold guards and flame maple bodies. I saw that in the Rittor Music book.

I have seen one with a sn# dating it to 1985, and the guitar is spec'd out like Peter's, the only difference is that it's Fireglo. It is in Japan, I think.

I've seen pics of Bobkat's 1993 re-issue, a sweet guitar. I had heard the Sam Ash story as well, that they were made in a small run for the store. I'd like to have one, no doubt.

Did the Church and Marty Wilson-Piper have anything to do with why these guitars were made?

Tom, MWP and the Church have been popping up here and there online lately... While there has never been a Marty Willson-Piper edition Ric (some have clamored for it), there is a connection.
During their halcyon days, Marty was often seen on stage and in videos with a stunning 1993/12. I recall the clip from 'A Different Man' as being one.
Sadly I've seen many of his rare Rics slip away from him. He still has the 370/12RM and a lovely Mapleglo Capri.
If you haven't already, check out their new album 'Forget Yourself'.
Cheers, Noel

Guys, I have a lead on a Fireglo 370VP/12 with 'f' hole formerly owned by Marty Wilson-Piper. The current owner is selling. It has been gigged by MWP and shows a few signs of it. It's a great player, John Hall confirmed with the current owner it's history. E-mail me is anyone is interested.

Why did Marty Wilson-Piper have to sell off most of his Ricks?
I know the Church arent as popular but you would think he made enough $$$ so he wouldnt have to do that.
Its too bad...

Ive been listening to "Seance" a lot lately.

I know that others exist, as Al Sciarillo knows a guy with TWO of those 1993 12-string reissues, but the one I had is the only one I have ever personally laid eyes on, in person or in pictures.

Remember that the 360/12C63 or 360/12V64 with f-hole will have triangle inlay and bound neck; the 1993 reissue has an unbound dot neck.

Bob: Welcome to the Rickenbacker Forum. Do you know if any of these Model 1993 reissues were finishes other than Fireglo.

Here is Bobkats' 1987 Model 1993 reissue from his original article. It would seem that all of the reissues had the R tailpiece.

Peter, some of them were Mapleglo as well, from what I understand.

From what I understand, there has been more than one run of these. One run was the Sam Ash run and a later run was reportedly made for Norm's Rare Guitars. I am not sure right now if the later run all had the standard 360/12v64 neck, or if some had the dot neck; I have also heard that the later run included some models made with 1 3/4 necks.

Then, of course, there is Peter's gem.

I have a photo somewhere of one from the "Norm's" batch that has a bound/dot neck and gold plastic parts.

Thanks for sending this in Kevin.

Kevin, great going! Look-a there. Dot neck. But...it's bound. So, yet another variation.