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NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:37 am
by RickHofner
NGD baby!

I've had my two little Ric 325's for years now. In the past months I've decided that I need to own a full scale Ric since I haven't ever owned a full scale 6 string Ric. I had a 610/12 years ago, but I never took a shine to it.

I thought and thought, and after searching the 'net for a nicely figured, honey amber colored MapleGlo 381v69, and finding a buyer (a fellow BGC'er) for my beloved 325c58, I pulled the trigger on this 1988 model 381v69. It came from Cream City Music up in Milwaukee and arrived today. I got a good price for this 26 year old instrument and the c58 nearly covered the entire cost of it. I looked around at a lot of the brand new MapleGlo 381's, but the wood they are using these days is very, very pale and not as highly figured as they used to use. If I was going to get the 'Cadillac' of Rickenbackers, it had to be just exactly what I was wanting, looks wise. Well, this is it and more. I don't think this thing has ever been played in all it's 26 years! There's not a blemish on it, or fret wear or dings or anything! It must have been an investment instrument. Well, I plan to play it.

I haven't had much of a chance to plug it in and play it yet, but the neck feels fantastic. The weight is akin to a Les Paul, but is balanced beautifully.

Honestly, I don't feel like I'm worthy of this guitar, but I'm sure I can figure out a way to earn owning it. Here's some pics, I'm putting my unboxing video on YouTube tomorrow if you're interested in watching me act like a kid on Christmas morning.

If you had told me back in 1988, the year I graduated high school and began my lifelong journey into Beatle and guitar nuttiness, that I would one day own a guitar like this I would have thought you were crazy.
381v69.jpg
381v692.jpg

Re: NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 8:15 am
by kharri
Beautiful guitar. I just bought a 381/12v69 (FG). I really like the checkered binding. Read nothing but good things about the 381.
Enjoy

Kevin

Re: NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 9:37 am
by Rickadelphia
Wow.....that is just beautiful. Enjoy.

Re: NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:04 pm
by stringsncords
Great job, Brian - it's a beauty.

And I know how you feel about feeling "worthy" to own and play such a great instrument - I own a few Ricks; when I was much younger, I never thought that I'd be in a position to do so.

Book some gigs and ENJOY!

Re: NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:06 pm
by JakeK
What a beauty, Brian! '87-93 are some of my favorite reissues.

That ambered maple is perfect, too!

Re: NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:17 pm
by stringsncords
Love the "grand opening" video - the guitar is definitely a time capsule instrument; it looks brand new.

CONGRATS!

Re: NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 4:40 pm
by jch
That is rather lovely,congrats! 8)

There is a nice quilted top mapleglo 381 on the bay in the UK at the moment ,i believe the fellow maybe a member here.

Re: NGD - 381v69 in MapleGlo made in 1988

Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 9:46 am
by mike_d
I had the chance to play this one last night. Quite a beauty. I know you we're trying to purchase a similar one posted for sale here a few weeks ago, but for whatever reason didn't pan out. I think it worked out for the best in the end as this guitar is utterly flawless and has the best mapleglo finish I've ever seen. It's very golden in person with lots of Birdseye. Best Mapleglo Ever!