The 325 Connection 1959-1963

The 325 Connection

1959- 1963

As previously mentioned, the 325 was not a successful guitar for Rickenbacker in 1958. It appears that the next effort made to promote the short scale series was to introduce the variation models, also likely with a price benefit to the buyer. The models 310 and 315 are the popular models of this time period. The available finishes were Mapleglo and Autumnglo. Fireglo was a new finish to Rickenbacker and it appears to have taken over from Autumnglo in these years.

The 325 model was all but discontinued at this time with perhaps only 1 production unit being produced in the period 1959 and 1963. These 310 and 315's are a rare breed indeed. Not only were there apparently few made but the small numbers have been cut back even further by some enthusiasts adding pickups and vibrato's to convert them to 325's.

A 1960 310fg. In the owner's words "Can you say rare?". It is one of only 3 surviving examples that appearand a beautiful one it is. Reputedly this spent many years in a music store closet until it was rescued by a Ric enthusiast. Serial No. 2T 147

This 1960 325 is the only known genuine 325 from the '59 to '63 period. Another noteable point is that this guitar is also sporting Rickenbacker's new 'Fireglo' finish, which replaced Autumnglo in that time period. Serial No. 3V 154

Here is a '59 310 in Autumnglo. The 4 control format is now standard. The tailpiece looks to be the original pre '60 type. The following instruments have the more familiar Rickenbacker Trapeze tailpiece.
Serial No. 2V 294

This Autumnglo 1960 310* was featured in a photo with one of the Kim Sisters. Isn't she cute! (the guitar I mean!). This is a promotional photo from Rickenbacker's photo archive. The guitar wasn't neccesarily owned by the Kim Sister. Serial No. Possibly 2V285

This is a photo from some years ago. It shows a '59 315mg. One could be forgiven for replacing the Kauffman with a plain tailpiece. It was likely done in the distant past, before vintage guitars were invented. Serial No. 2V 287

The same mapleglo guitar shows up in the 'Ritter' book in more recent times. It now has a middle pickup, Bigsby B5 tremelo, and bowtie bridge - Lennon Style. Fortunately it's still mapleglo.

Here is the most recent photo of the same mapleglo guitar. It now has a set of non-standard large black knobs. Obviously the current owner can't be held responsible for the past of his guitar. It's in a good home these days. Serial No. 2V 287

A very interesting '59 315 in an early form of Fireglo. It was a promotional thru the late 50's and 60's, and has had a variety of pickguards, tailpieces, truss rod covers, and tuners fitted to it. Various holes are there to prove it. It is thought to be the very same guitar shown above with a Kim Sister. 2V285. More Pics

This is another converted guitar. It started out as a 1959 310 but now has a middle pickup and Kauffman vibrato. It is in original 2-tone brown finish. Serial No. 2T380

A '59 315 modified to 325 solidtop and refinished Jetglo. The soundhole has even been filled for the 'solidtop' look. This one features in the Japanese 'Ritter" book. Serial No. 2V284

Here is an extremely rare 1959 315mapleglo. The Kauffman vibrato has been replaced with an odd type, maybe from a lap-steel. Serial No. 2V 288

Sorry about the poor quality of this pic from a '62 trade show.Appearing for the first time is a Fireglo short scale Ric with Accent Vibrato. This may be an early '60 310 or 315 that ended up being factory converted to become the first ever accent vibrato 325fg.