The 325 Connection Transitional Capris

The 325 Connection

Transitional Capris

In 1957 F C Hall instructed his guitar development team of Roger Rossmeisl and Paul Barth to commence work on the new Capri concept. During the development period a good number of Capri prototypes were produced, many still exist to this day. There are variations in body size, neck scale, headstock shape, control electronics, and hardware. Featured here are some of these 'transitional prototypes' that have a 325 connection.

This 1958 one-off short scale Combo850 known as 'The Polynesian' was actually very much like a 325. It has all the '58 325 features, but also the German body route of the 850's. Other pics can be seen on pg 147 of Smith's Rickenbacker book. Serial number Unknown.

In late '57 while the Capris were under development, different prototype bodies were made. Three 'Longbody' 325's were made. This one is actually a short scale neck on long-body. Indeed unique

Talk about transitional! This maple prototype from '57 has elements of many Rics. It has a 325 sized longbody, with 2 switch combo controls, painted on long scimitar soundhole, full scale neck, and 7 piece top Serial No. 2T1XX

From pg 105 of the Rickenbacker book.* A Longbody capri with fullscale neck but strangely, an early Combo style headstock. Regarding this term "Longbody", rather than the flattened tail we find on production 325's, Longbody's have a fully rounded tail, similar to a 330. This results in a rounder and longer body, but not as wide as a normal 330. Serial Number unknown

Just in case we thought the two control configuration was limited to the 325's, here's an early '58 345 with the very same control setup as the 325's. It has a transitional sized scimitar shaped soundhole - sized between the later common style and the early prototype long and 'extra curvy' ones. Serial No. 3V1XX

Another of the 325 longbodies. Confirmation of how early these were is the visible extended combo jackplate. Fewer than 10 early Capri's had this rare feature. From pg 107. Serial Number unknown.