Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

After RIC finally delivers the 325C64 and 360/12C63, I got to thinking about what models I'd like to see added for future reissues in the "C" series. I know these were done in limited numbers in 1999, but I'd love to see a 325/12 done exactly like Lennon's in 1964, and also a 425 like Harrison's in both FG and JG from 1962. Also I'd dig an export model 1996 in FG. And what the hell, why not a 360/12 and 370/12 done in 1965 or 1966 specs. The "C" series so far represents the most famous Beatle Rickenbackers, so why not round it out with the rest? I threw in the 370/12 because I have a few friends (Byrd fanatics like me) who want the specs of a 1966 model. Oh well,........I guess we'll see what the future may hold.

I'm with you Jeff. I would love to add those guitars to the collection.

But then you'd have to buy them! How else will you complete your C collection!

Don't stop there! How about:
'57 Custom Built,
'57 El Toro,
'58 360 Capri,
a '57 Combo 450,
a '58 Combo 850,
a '63 375,
a '64 1996 2 o'clock F-hole,
'65 4005,
'68 4001,
'68 4000,
'71 4005 Lightshow
'71 330 Lightshow
'82 4002?
The list can get pretty long!

How about if RIC stopped making what they do now and just go back to making the instruments they made from '57 -'68?

No problem buying more guitars Jeff. It's just money!!

Tell me about it!

Jwilli,
what you're Really trying to say is, you wish you had been the age you are now, with all your financial resources to buy toys, back in 1957...
c'mon, fess up.....

Nyaah, because I would be 86 years old now.

I would love to see a reissue of the 370 F, in the late 60's style (controls on the body rather than on the pickguard).... They are such beautiful guitars. One made of quilt maple in blueburst would be my ultimate Ric fantasy!

Melissa, those are indeed quite cool, but I pity the tech who'd have to change any electronic components. Quite tricky - not as tricky as, say, an ES335, but still difficult. I like both versions a lot.

Kenny, what do those F series guitars sound like? I love larger bodied hollow and semi-hollow electric guitars for their additional acoustic qualities, and I've always thought that the F would be the ultimate semi-acoustic Ric. Every time I see one for sale, though, it's in the $4000 U.S. range. Far too rich for my blood, I'm afraid ...

I like them, and have used (borrowed, unfortunately) F-series guitars on recordings and what-not, and without doing a side-by-side comparison I believe them to be pretty darn close to a standard hollowbody Ric, sound-wise.

The pickups are wound lighter as well (5.? k) so that affects the tone, of course. (On the '50s era examples.) And a .0047uf on the treble p/u.

I think they're tres cool.

To get a general feeling of what they're like (and if your local shop doesn't happen to have one), Gretsch has made a very similar guitar, I can't remember what it's called but it's a Korean-made thing in the same general shape, with Synchromatic-style soundholes. And it's orange. Not as good, but it's similar.

Also, I don't know if people realize that these are pretty thin guitars, they're like an ES-335 with a flat top and back, not thick like a Byrdland or something.

But unplugged they're pretty loud. Not acoustic-guitar-loud, but they definitely have some resonance.

Thin to thick (left to right): 300 series (1.5 inch); F-series new (1.75 inch); F-series old (2.25 inch); J-200 (4 inch).