Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Question for anyone: Why are some Rickenbackers outfitted with only one pickguard (as opposed to most that have the cut-away top piece), or is my 335 missing a piece? Is it just a model variation?

Unless your 335 is an early 1958 Capri it should normally have double layer pickguards. You should be able to tell by looking closely at the 3 holes where the elevated pickguard would normally be attached. Compare them to the lone attachment screw at the other end of the plate. That single hole is countersunk on white control plates. The other 3 are just plain holes, no countersinking. So the 3 screws may be either sitting proud of the plate or replacment flush mount types.

Thanks Glen. You are correct regarding the countersunk single hole at the bottom end of the plate. So I guess I need to call Rickenbacker and order the missing piece, or is it a complete "set" that I need to order? Thanks for your help. I've always wondered about this.

You have that mid 60s 335? Yes, you Are missing the topsection of the pickguards.A current issue Rick guard will likely Not fit your old Rick, as screw hole locations have changed.I could get a top piece fabricated for you, though for sheer aesthetics, 2 pieces of matching white Plexi
from new sheet stock to make both sections would look better.E mail me if interested.I can do this within a couple weeks. [email protected]

And speaking from personal experience, Mr. Phelps, the work will be done to perfection. Just in passing, the two-tier pickguards began in 1958 I believe.

Yes, from all the old photos I've looked at, I got the impression that two tier pickguards were introduced in the later part of 1958. It appears that those original '58 325's were all single layer though.

Thanks Peter and Glen. I e-mailed the good Dr. and he is going to do the work for me, and at a reasonable price, too, I might add. Just as a point of curiosity, I noted to him that I believe my current pickguard is a replacement, as there is a tiny bit of the hole underneath showing at bottom left curve (7 o'clock) nearest the vibrato. I am guessing that this hair-width sliver should be covered. None of the top 3 screws fit well, and are practically stripped. A small crack also eminates from the 2nd screw hole on the left side. But hey, this guitar has seen serious action over the last 35 years I am guessing. Probably the wrong guitar for a 17 year old like me when I got it in '85. I wish I had gigged a bit softer! Now I need to get a new one that I can be a bit rough with and not fear for my life every time I pick it up! Gotta get me a JG 360 with Peter Buck's babe sticker!