Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, I have just bought a V63 with a S/N of XE 0523. this would make it a May '84 I think. i checked uder the scratch palte & found writing that said 84 / 3 / 18 i am guessing that this meant the body was made on 18/3/04 ?

I just wondered what the timeline for V63's was, and is there a site on the net that gives timelines for Rickenbackers?

All the best,

Bob

You're correct. The serial number indicates that the bass would have been made in May 84, making it one of the very first v63's made.

I believe '84 was the first year. It ended in '99 or 2000 when it was replaced by the C64.

Thanks Jon & Ted.

I got the V63 last week from Andy Prince, he used to play in the UK punk band Sham 69. He joined Sham soon after he got the Ric and made a couple of albums with the same bass.

It's the only '63 I've seen with a dot on the 19th fret/space. I guess for the first few V63's they might have used finger boards from the 4003S ?

Anyway it looks, plays and sounds good, that is what really matters.

Also it is a nice coincidence that on the 21st birthday of the body 18/03/05 I am playing a gig at The Trinity, Bristol. It's quite a big venue and is a fine place to celebrate the basses coming of age!

All the best, Bob

Bob,
I'd like to see detail pics of the horseshoe pickup on your '84 V63, please?

Bob,

Great bass, and welcome. Does it have two jackplates? I was wondering if it is a "B" series.

Jeffery, I'll get some pics taken over the next few days. The horseshoe is a bit diferent to the later ones. The surround is like an extended 'standard' 4001. At first I had some doubts about it's authenticity, so I took it all apart and it's the real deal.

Kevin, it only has one jackplate. I checked under it for signs of a previous plate, but this is the original.

Pics to follow, promise.

Bob

OOOps ..., Sorry Kevin, I thought you meant scratchplates. It only has one jackplate & one (original) scratchplate.

Bob

Hi Bob, great to see another guy from the UK on here, sounds like youve got yourself a beauty there, I grew up with all that punk music and loved Sham 69, what sort of music does your band play? I live down in Plymouth, its a shame I cant get up to see you guys play! You dont happen to be playing any Sham 69 numbers to christen that bass live do you, may be Borstal Breakout, Hurry Up Harry or maybe Hersham Boys, all big hits with them!

here are some photos .... I hope... !

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Bob, Congrats on a great pick and welcome to the forum! Up until now I had the oldest V63.of (active) forum members. I purchased mine back in 85 – it’s a March 85. You can see pics under the thread “ Look at the price of this horseshoe”. It’s the mapleglo. Check it out and compare!

Cheers!

Shes a real beauty, I love mapleglo as well as fireglo! A rick with a history is always a bonus.