I'm looking for info on the model 1997 reissues. I've got my eye on one of these locally - to a large degree because of the excellent fireglo finish.
I'd be interested in general impressions, as well a information on production years, numbers, configuration options, etc.. I'd also appreciate a ballpark estimate of the value of one in good shape.
Thanks.
RFI
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adam_swapp
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RFI
You want to put that where?
I believe that Rickenbacker made the 1997 from 1988 to 2001. It is a great guitar; essentially a reissue of a 1964 330 with f-hole (called a 330S in the States).
The "19- " model numbers were affized by Rose-Morris to the Rickenbackers to integrate them into their catalog. They imported and distributed many brands other than Rickenbacker and all had 4-digit catalog numbers. It was very very cool of RIC to use the export catalog number in this case, IMO.
The 330S/1997 was available in a few different configurations. I list a quick comparison of the original model number, new model number, and features:
Rose-Morris --- Modern Reissue --- Features
XXXX -- 1997 -- 2PU, Trapeze Tail
1997 -- 1997VB -- 2PU, Accent Vibrato
XXXX-- 1997SPC -- 3PU, Trapeze Tail
1998-- 1997SPC VB-- 3PU, Accent Vibrato
As you can see, new and old model numbers vary. At least in theory (because at Rickenbacker there always seems to be one oddball exception), the original Rose-Morris guitars all featured the Accent Vibrato, so there was no equivalent for the modern reissues with trapeze tailpieces.
The originals were only available in Fireglo (standard exception-to-the-rule disclaimer as listed above). The reissues were available for years in FG. MG, JG, and then, for a brief period of time in 2001, available in any color RIC made at the time.
The "19- " model numbers were affized by Rose-Morris to the Rickenbackers to integrate them into their catalog. They imported and distributed many brands other than Rickenbacker and all had 4-digit catalog numbers. It was very very cool of RIC to use the export catalog number in this case, IMO.
The 330S/1997 was available in a few different configurations. I list a quick comparison of the original model number, new model number, and features:
Rose-Morris --- Modern Reissue --- Features
XXXX -- 1997 -- 2PU, Trapeze Tail
1997 -- 1997VB -- 2PU, Accent Vibrato
XXXX-- 1997SPC -- 3PU, Trapeze Tail
1998-- 1997SPC VB-- 3PU, Accent Vibrato
As you can see, new and old model numbers vary. At least in theory (because at Rickenbacker there always seems to be one oddball exception), the original Rose-Morris guitars all featured the Accent Vibrato, so there was no equivalent for the modern reissues with trapeze tailpieces.
The originals were only available in Fireglo (standard exception-to-the-rule disclaimer as listed above). The reissues were available for years in FG. MG, JG, and then, for a brief period of time in 2001, available in any color RIC made at the time.