Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm looking to by an '81 330..

It is fitted with Fender type vintage split tuners, the type with a split in that you push the string down, and then wind on.

Would these be original for 1981? I'm told by the guy selling they were?

He's reputable, but, just want to sure.. It's my first Ric.

Thanks.

Looking through the register, '81 330s appear to have string through Kluson tuners rather than the ones you describe.

See:
Jetglo
Walnut
Mapleglo

Possible explanations for the "top loading" Klusons on the 330 you're looking at:

- Rickenbacker had some sets of "Fenderesque" Kluson tuners in their parts bin and decided to use them;
- The posts on the tuners have been replaced for some reason (e.g. a post was bent and the repair person could only get the split posts so he changed the set);
- The tuners have been replaced.

I'd say option 3 is the most likely, with option 2 being the least likely, but option 1 can't be discounted. The early '80s was a period of flux at Rickenbacker in terms of hardware, with basses going from Klusons back to the wavy Grovers and then to Schallers. It appears that at the time 360s sported Schallers whilst 330s kept on with Klusons until the stock was exhausted. It is always possible that a non-standard set of tuners found their way onto an instrument.

If the tuners have been replaced, it's not really a huge issue. The tuners you describe are identical to the Klusons shown in the links above in all respects apart from the the post, so there should be no extra screw holes "under the hood" unless another set of tuners (e.g. Schallers) were put in place of the originals and then removed in favour of the current tuners.

Thanks for the reply.. From what I can make out.. They appear to be Grover Deluxe , not clear in the pics I've seen tho.
It's been resprayed as well, so maybe there is something under the hood, so to speak?..

I believe the Grover Deluxe tuners are a repro of the Kluson Deluxe tuners that would have been standard on a 330 in '81. They are extremely similar cosmetically, so hopefully no extra holes!

I actually prefer top-loader tuners. I find them far easier to restring.

Great, so they are possibly period correct? It's not a deal breaker, as I'm used to vintage tuners as I have them on my '52 reissue Telecaster . Just wondered if Rics ever did have them really..

Could be lots of things. With no info, I'd guess they should have been Grover star tuners. Post pics?

I'll try and post pics later, can't seem to on my mobile, thanks for your assistance tho

They used the Klusons until the early summer of 1982. My first RIC a JG 620 from April 1982 was from the last batch that used the Klusons standard.

Then the box Grovers started being used for about the next year or so. Schallers start being used around mid 1984

Check the SN of the guitar to determine the year and month of manufacture. A 1981 will have a SN that starts with a U.

Sounds like the tuners have been replaced by what you are telling us.

Good luck with the purchase!

Apparently it's Jan 1981 if that helps? I'll try and post pics later.. I suspect they've been replaced over the years..
I wanted a worn looking 330 and it looks like one, wants £750 for it, is that reasonable for a resprayed non original tuner 330 jetglow do you think?
Thanks.

Does it have the original case Craig?

No, not as far as I'm aware? Just the guitar.

Ok, a tolex case wouldn't be cheap (maybe £150-200).

Does it play well or does it need work - fret wear? Any other replaced parts apart from the tuners?

I don't mind it not having a case tbh.
The neck is worn on usual places, apparently frets are in good nick. Am told it's a good player.
Two pots have been replaced, and it's had a nitro respray..
Does £750 sound OK? I haven't seen it in on the flesh yet..

Need pics really - any Rick under £1K used to sound like a bargain, but not now the market is flat and not if you need a lot of work done. I would always factor the lack of case into the price, the refin too - especially if its not a quality job. You need to see if the refin is hiding anything, like cracks. Post pics if you can. Get around to the seller and try it out too if you can.

Good advice.. But it's a distance sale, I cant easily get to the guitar to try it, unless the seller is willing to deliver, that'd be the first time I see it..
There's no obvious cracks from what I can see, and he seems to be genuine.. But, have been bitten before, so hence I'm asking advice...