Rickenbacker 325 replica build review. Rickenbacker copy. Beatle gear. John Lennon capri 325 V59.
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- The review of a replica rickenbacker 325 built using an imported CNC body and neck along with OEM rickenbacker parts and aftermarket wiring harness. Rickenbacker build. #backbeatvintage #hofner #beatles #rickenbacker #paulmccartney #johnlennon #thebeatlesgetback
![JOHN LENNON'S RICKENBACKER 325 GUITARS: A Brief History [Part 1 of 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SbuVbe2pirI/mqdefault.jpg)
![JOHN LENNON'S RICKENBACKER 325 GUITARS: A Brief History [Part 1 of 3]](/img/tr.png)
if you close your eyes it's Bill Murray talking about his knockoff Rickenbacker 325. Great project, actually turned out nice
John fitted his 1st 325 with the one piece aluminium bridge from bigsby, and it increases the sustain dramatically. It also had just a single-step pickguard; I don't know if the second layer was lost in the early days or if the guitar was shipped that way. The original controls were first replaced by Höfner tea cups and later by early pre-logo Gretsch knobs. The wiring, after he did the paint-job was similar to a Gibson two pickup standard, the middle pickup was disconnected. Last detail... John fitted his with open back Groover Sta-Tite or Waverly tuners instead of the stock Klousons.
Ah I love knowing how the "hamburger" was made. : )
PLAY THE DAMN THING! CONGRATS
Fantastic video! I have been planning a 325 build myself and this is an immense help. Great tips! Thanks for putting this on.
Good job, wish you would play it so we can hear the different tones that has.
Yeh that would be great to hear how it sounds.
Jam session using rick... czcams.com/video/_CeFLVmi9ig/video.html
Hi EJ, I don't play 6-string but love the mechanics and technical details that you so patiently go through. Like other viewers, please PLAY your projects. It's the reward after the chase. Very relaxing production. 👍👍. 🇺🇸
You are my hero. I have a luthier body plan for the Rick 350 24.75 inch length. I am itching to build one!
I don't know if you know it but you're actually a master builder I don't think anybody out there could do that at least us normal musicians thank you
Thanks Dalton. Much appreciated...
Fantastic job. It look very authentic. I love the 325 but could never afford one. Thanks again.
Enjoying all of your great and informative videos!
Thanks Rick! Ej
Nice video. Like your reference to the somewhat legendary mjsokes. Still the only one on YT who exactly nailed the Beatle-feel.
There is a simple trick to making the Bigsby Bowtie bridge hold its ground on the guitar top. Take a piece of 3M masking tape and trim it to the footprint of the bridge base, then adhere to the underside of base. Once you tighten your strings, the added texture of the tape helps to grip the guitar top, plus over time adhesive will "bleed" from edges of the tape and help the bridge grab even better. I did this to my Lennonized 325 plus a floating bridge on my Gretsch 6119. An old boy from the Gretsch parts hotline gave me this tip years ago, and it works. The Bigsby Bowtie not only looks right, but feels a lot better on the hand when palm muting. RIC bridge saddles can have some pretty sharp edges. And my RIC still has great intonation with it. Don't be scared!
Just started building one myself! I'm having a little fun and making it a fretless version
Amazing work! Very well done
Thanks!
I can’t believe you don’t have more subscribers. You know your stuff and it’s very interesting! Keep up the good work.
John Lennon also used Hofner Tea Cup knobs on his V59 at one point and I'm sure yo have a few lying around somewhere! LOL
Great video...as always!!
Hey, looking forward to seeing your video on your Gibson 335. Enjoyed this video as well. Thanks for sharing.
I came here because I made myself a headless 325 tribute... Nice looking modifications you made. Also nice THX 1138 reference on the wall there... :-)
Hey Sam! Thanks for checking it out. I check out your channel too! I’m amazed at how many postings you do.The plate is in regards to american graffiti and my other hobby which is in storage for the winter months. I know his first film is also referenced to that number too. Stay safe be well. EJ
Love it! Great job! I have a 1980s' Rickenbacker 320 with a single truss rod. Apparently there was no rhyme or reason for single or double truss rods in the 320/325!
The bridge on John's Rickenbacker had a double "Concave" set bridge clearly seen on photographs. I saw an exact replica of that on a Chinese version from a company overseas
one night I was looking at their inventory. I should have ordered that!
I need one and a 350. The barking dog sound is perfect.
You did a great job replicating John's guitar. I have a bolt-on neck 325 copy. I don't know the brand. It's 1 3/4" thick. I have the cheap Bigsby knockoff and I don't lace the strings under the front roller. It has just enough tension to hold the strings down. I once made a Country Gent pickguard and used an off the shelf metallic gold spray from my auto local supply. Stew Mac is good but a bit pricey. Btw, my older brother bought a Chinese copy and now I have to bring it to specs after he watched your video.
Thanks John and best of luck on your brothers guitar. Ej.
I'll never build this guitar but, I respect extreme Beatle geekery ; )
There supposed to be open back tuners. That's what on John Lennon's first Rickenbacker. I know my Rickenbacker's. I own Rickenbacker's there locked up at my parents house. If you wanna get open back tuners. Get Grover Satelite tuners. John Rickenbacker has that now. Just trying to help. You did a great job redoing it.Seattle.
Hi, I love how you kept the bi-level pickguard and the Rick bridge - I would do the exact same things. I get why you painted it - my personal dream 325 would be yours in natural if the wood was nice. I would also somehow make the pickups balanced so that the neck didn't over-power the bridge, as I've heard was the situation in the stock ones, and thus the "blend" control on the '64-model. One other thing I would do if it were mine would be to put the '64 vibrato on rather than the Bigsby... I personally wouldn't be so much wanting to recreate Lennon's exactly either, not a fan of Bigsby's in looks or performance, just get the basic look and vibe with full-functionality. I basically like the '64 model better, but with the thicker '58 body. If I were updating the design, I would prefer a modern sculpted neck/body joint too. Nice job on yours.
Congrats on finding a matching set of vintage toasters! I've only ever seen one single pickup available for $295! Quick question, would you recommend replacing the stock Chineses pickups with P90s and using the existing toaster covers? Would that tone be close / similar to the vintage pickups? Thanks for sharing and all the details! Lastly, one note... dude! plug it in and play! :)
Hi, the toasters i used were new pickups but were wound with vintage spec. Im not sure about your suggestion of p90’s but if u want the rick sound i would use rick pu’s? I did pot the original chinese PU’s and they dont sound too bad but everything on these chinese guitar is very unreliable and inconsistant. Thx
@@BackbeatVintage Thanks for the quick reply. The main issue is cost, on the Ric site one toaster pickup is $160, three pickups is $480.
I did reach out to Glen Lambert also, he suggested I could try removing the existing ceramic bar magnet and attempt to add 6 Alnico V magnet poles in the middle of the bobbin, then secure them with resin and listen to the sound/tone.
Another easier option might be to replace the existing ceramic bar with an Alnico V bar first. The cost of a set is around $30 and might be worth a try. If I didn't like it, I could spend another $30 for 18 poles.
Rickenbacker sells the stock wiring harness for $70, 330k pots (tone, volume, and mixer) with the .047 caps, all to original specs. It wouldn't be Glen's custom wiring, and I'd have to install and solder it, but it would be stock.
I'm debating if I want to try it myself or get the harness from Glen.
Definitely a fun project to look forward to!
Cheers!
the creamery, gemini pickups, and retro vibe makes fantastic toaster copies.
Beautiful job E J.
How do i change out the Höfner contemporary control panel to a original hofner violin bass panel?
Beauty! Extra nice job on widening the body. We would like to see pics of the chambering you created if possible. I know in all the commotion I don't usually stop and pick up a camera.
I did about 40% of your build. Got the cheap knockoff body, removed everything and replaced. Including Glenn's Loom. Pick guard, TRC, Burns knobs, open back tuners, RIC strap buttons, long jack plate. TI flats (13's stay in tune best for me), Bigsby vib. I like the roller with spacing grooves you got.
It was a lot of fun recreating the guitar. I got the same revelation that those Chuck Berry chords are much easier on the short scale.
On the wish list are genuine Ric pups. That is a steep ask. I did not rework the body as you did. I would be curious about your review of the pups.
Really good video and hope to see more.
Maxwell Edison hi, so sorry but the guitar build was done prior to the youtube channel and i didnt shoot to many pics. Thx
where did you get the long jack plate?
Hi On the one i constructed I had to put the shorter spring on also. Instead of the grooved tube I used grooved roller saddles on the bridge to cut down friction.
I keep hearing that AliExpress Ric 325's have a problem with the necks popping off. Supposedly, the neck tenon on them is only about an inch or so long, just going back to the top of the neck pickup. Could you please advise as to what yours was? Did you reinforce yours? TY
Hi, i did not have that problem but when i added the half inch to the back i also added it to the neck heel. One inch neck inset isnt bad as long as it is glued properly. As u know i just wanted the neck and body and could have reglued it if that was the case. If you send me and email i will send u a picture of the guitar as bought so u can see which one i ordered from Aliexpress. My backbeat email is in the drop down. Thx!
@@BackbeatVintage Thank you as well, I'll drop you a line in a few mins. Best, William R.
Backbeat Vintage hi i am interested in which one you ordered from aliexpress.
@@megamanx1954 I am interested too.
Thanks very much for this.
Love to hear, watch a demo, thanks!
Hi, I jammed with it at the end of this video. Thx! czcams.com/video/_CeFLVmi9ig/video.html
Just got my loom from Glen today, can't wait to put it in. On the original Chinese pickups yours came with, is the ground bare or shielded in white? Thank you for such a helpful video
THE FUNKY TONE AND VOLUME KNOBS WERE REFERED TO AS OVEN KNOBS BECAUSE THATS WHAT THEY LOOKED LIKE. THE SKINNY ARM VIBRATO WAS A GERMAN KAUFMAN VIBRATO.
Awesome info thanks
I got one of these from China too. Was disappointed in the body, since I requested they make it 2" thick. Instead I got 1.5" Head stock was misshaped too. I replaced the Wilkneson trem with the Bigsby B5 and got rid of the cheesy bridge. Replacing it with the Sorkin bowtie. Used flat wounds but cant remember the brand. Was going to go the total look with the burns knobs and replace the Wilkenson toaster PU with vintage Rics along with Ric tuners, but lost interest in the project due to the various faults it had to begin with. Overall, it just sounded pretty darn awful even playing thru my 30 watt Vox Yours looks pretty good though. Would have liked to hear it.
Send it to me I will finish it
Hey Man! Great video, nice build! I’ve been looking to do this same thing for quite some time. What model did you get? That body looks exactly like the rics. What are the speculations if you don’t mind me asking?
For all the time, money and effort, I feel like it just makes more sense to buy a real one.
Paying 700 dollars at best for pretty much the same instrument as an over 3000 dollar instrument is one of the biggest wins ever
Thanks for the video.
You should have done a video while rebuilding it. Especially doing that chamber.
I know.... it was built long before my channel started. Thanks!
Nice video
EJ, Please do a video of your 335 project. I have a currently have a 335 kit I'm going to start on. I would love to see what you've done. Thanks
Great video
Just a idea on the jack. I would put a lock nut on it.
I'm curious on where you got your pickups? I'm doing a similar project. I've found a few websites, but i want to know where you would suggest i get them.
try Chicago Music Exchange on Reverb
GG hi, reverb.com had them for sale so i called them for a price if i bought three. Reverb.com. Thx.
Any idea what Chicago Music Exchange calls the vintage Rickenbacker style pickups? I searched , vintage, toaster, Rickenbacker, 325 pickups, those terms aren't working for me, thanks in advance!
@@anthonycongiano8890 They may be out of stock at the moment but they have them often . I have 3 toaster pickups that were built by Frankentone (Ebay) to vintage specs . I think they were made to stop making them by Rickenbacker . They are superb pickups I already put on my 325 build . I bought the 3 more to build another but never got around to it. I could send you the specs if you are interested .
Hi, just to clarify we are talking about rick toaster pickups. The issue here is that all rick toasters look alike. What you want to be looking for is the ohm output. The vintage toaster output depends on whether you want 50s or 60s output pickups. Here is a link...scrole down to pickups and they explain the various output readings. Let me know if the link doesnt work. So what you will be looking for are rick toasters with the output range per the article. Rick does sell vintage wound pickups in the lower output. www.rickresource.com/rrp/toasters.html
Is it the Callaham grooved roller on the Bigsby? Or is there another option I could use? Thanks again for the walk through.
Yes thats the one. Thanks!
Loved the video, but same complaints as a few others here; I don't think I'll ever need to hear "I Want To Hold Your Hand" again for the rest of my life! :-D
All newer videos music is gone. Message noted. Thanks Ed. EJ
Looks great to me.
Stupid question time: does the f hole in these style guitars make that much of a difference? i'm thinking overall no, but i'd like to hear what you think/say about it. seeing's how you have rics & i has none. thanks.
I believe it does make a difference in tone. Sometimes it also allows for feedback. Acousticlly they are louder when not plugged in too. None of mine have f holes so this is my best guess. Sorry!
I just got mine in the mail and I'm planning on maaaany modifications!
Gotta hollow it out and add a cap on the back and grab some vintage pickups!
I do have to ask though, where can I find a gold four hole pick guard and truss rod cover?
rewarched, pickguardian for the guard. lol
Where did you get it? Aliexpress? Do you have the link?
I would love one of these made for me.
Can you do a video to show me if 62’ tuners will fit a 63’ bass
How did you contact Glen Lambert for the wiring loom? I want to replace the wiring in my 325 with his loom but the only place I can see to contact him is a website from 11 years ago.
Sean Stevens glen_3@hotmail.com
Contact Aceonbassworks. He does all the types of Ric and Ric copy harnesses.
@@WYLDKAT7 Hey, thanks Aceonbassworks hooked me up with a great ric copy harness.
Once he had hofner knobs on his
Hi Backbeat, I'm finishing up on a similar project. I have a gold truss rod cover ( painted on the back) that I could sand off. Did the pickguard you ordered come painted already? Or did you get it clear and paint it to match your truss cover? Do I reading the paint right; Metallic guitar lacquer 3891-'pale gold' ? Thanks. Love your channel and especially that historical detail you put into the Hofner rehabs.
Hi, i ordered my pickguard from pickguardian already painted. The truss cover i reused and fine papar sanded of the china paint and sprayed the back. Yes you have the paint code correct. It matches pickguardian and Rick gold. Thx!
Tuners: You NEVER tune towards flat! The lash isn't the issue in itself! It's the quality of the mating surfaces that makes it stable when you have tension on it. You ALWAYS tune flat and then SHARPEN TO PITCH! Then the lash won't be an issue. If you're tuning down, the tuning shaft might stick but you open the lash up and sooner than later, the shaft is going to pop and take back that lash you left in the gears!
I just bought a Chinese 325, and I wanted to change the tuners too as several of the tuners with those little screws on back were not even screwed in all the way and you could move the tuner back and forth. So, I could not even unscrew or tighten these "junk" screws without stripping the head. I wonder if you had this issue and if you know some way to remove these screws? (same thing happened with the screws to the chrome cover on the bridge as they were frozen - liquid wrench, 3in1, WD40 didn't work).
Yup, I had that problem with the bridge cover too. I drilled it out carefully and retapped it. I used it anyway after refitting a new screw. Fyi....I’ve had that problem with the ricks too. The tuner screws I used a medium size jewelers screwdriver. Once you go through everything you will have a nice guitar. I bought mine just for the body. Anything else that I was able to use was a bonus. I have another one that seems to have better quality parts but not by much. Ej
KLUSON TUNERS WERE THE ORIGINAL ONE ON IT BUT I BELIEVE GOTOH MAKE A UPDATED ONE THAT IS BETTER BUT LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME.
Great video and you’ve done exactly what I’m about to do, could you point me in the right direction in getting the body made ?
garystoner hi, i bought it thru aliexpress. I guess they make a few different versions. If u send me an email i will send u a picture of what it looked like so u can find it. My backbeat email is in the discription drop down. Thx
Hi EJ Excellent video enjoyed a lot like all your videos. I have a question, Do you recommend the Tomastik strings that you used in your Rickenbacker fora Gretsch Electromatic G5420T? Thank You and please, Keep posting videos!
Could you send me a link to where you bought the guitar on AliExpress?
Did you get a link?
i think he didn't buy on AliExpress, its just a chinese guitar, pretty sure he bought on some common music shop or reverb, chinese guitar are not pnly sold in AliExpress
@@alavanemano9027 counterfeits usually are primarily sold on wholesale websites like that, Reverb is for the most part exceptionally good at taking down fakes. i once put up a partscaster replica of a fender where i explicitly explained it was a warmoth guitar and they made me sand the little headstock decal off before i could relist it within a day of me first posting it, those guys are eagle eyed
EJ, I love your videos. Very informative and well produced. I looked on Aliexpress and found nothing like your project. Can you please tell me who you bought the kit from? Thanks and keep the great videos coming
Hi, I wish I could but I too cant find it any more. I dont know why but it appears the postings are random names and different pictures.
Nice Reproduction project you have there.
Not sure I would have the patience to alter and improve what had been sent to that degree.
In the UK, because of the chaos Brexit has caused, importing from anywhere is not really currently an option.
But seeing how much you actually had to swap out, I know finding a local luthier in the UK would now be the only viable option, to getting a decent 325.
Great video as always… cheers.
where did you get that guitar that you bought less than 300 DOLLARS
Hi, aliexpress website. Search rickenbacker 325. Look for one that looks like a real one. Besure its chambered. EJ
@@BackbeatVintage i have one from aliexpress too but not just exactly that on mine is black with gold pickguard like it is now with yours
@@BackbeatVintagewhat does chambered mean
It means that the body has a hollowed out area within the solid block body. A chamber within the body. It affects the tone. Thx!
EJ is there anyway possible that you could give me the name of how to acquire one of those 325 greatly appreciate it again love your channel keep up the good work
Hi, best I can do is give you the website. Be aware that there are a few in china making them and some are awful. Be sure it is chambered. Google aliexpress. Then search rickenbacker 325. EJ
is it the 20 inch scale right? (good fret positioning?)
Yes its the saame as the original. I believe that is 20.75
Do you do commissions
Because i have a copy and I wanna it to be a replica of Johns
I'm not a professional at this kind of stuff
Im sorry but i dont. Give it a shot. Do small changes until you feel confident. Thx
@@BackbeatVintage
Thanks for the reply
I want to make a chamber in mine
But I have no idea how to do it
@@TheLogFella I'm doing these projects as well if you're interested. Email me!
@@GG-ng9vs I ended up finishing the guitar
Unstable Doc Good for you man! Hope it turned out well!
is possible to obtain the wiring diagram of your guitar ? i have try to search it in internet and i didn't faind it
Hi, I dont have a diagram since I purchased the lambert wiring harness. I’m not all that impressed with it though...if I had a diagram I’d share it. Sorry!
How do you even get the glen loom that’s one thing I haven’t been able to figure out for a long time
Here you go! glen_3@hotmail.com
@@BackbeatVintage thanks a lot
you are underrated
What was your process for painting the pickguard? I want to do it too but I don't know how...
Cpt Chaos Gaming hi, the pickguard from picguardian came painted. The logo plate up on the headstock i sanded the awful gold paint off the backside with fine emery paper and then sprayed the backside with stewmac.com’s #3891 pale gold. Perfect match. Be sure to clean sandedside off so paint lays down smoothly.
If I buy a clear one can I just paint straight onto the back?
Cpt Chaos Gaming yes as long as you scuff the side you paint with 1500 paper and make sure the surface is clean and oil free or the paint will not go on even and fisheye.
If I scuff up the surface on the truss rod cover, won’t I scratch off the rickenbacker logo?
On mine the rick logo was on the top surface. The gold gets sprayed on the other side (bottom).
Do you have any of those old parts (the fake Bigsby, Toaster Oven Knobs, fake toaster pickups, and bowtie Bigsby bridge)? I'd definitely be interested in buying them. Would be good for a few guitar projects I have. Thanks.
Hi, sorry but I dont. Thanks!
Hi EJ nice video as always loving the Rick 59, I have a 1980 Tanglewood that I upgraded with Rick parts based on v63 -325 sounds great with 10s on mine holds tuning great. loving your guitar are you going to play it in one of your videos, That would be great, looking forward to it nice one.
Hi, yes i will be posting it soon. Thanks Ricky much appreciated. Ej
I'd have liked to hear it played- and I love "I Want To Hold Your Hand" but not for 25 minutes repeating , it just distracts from the video. Sorry.
Please do a demo
Hi EJ, I’m looking at doing a similar project. What models are the pickups and bridge you added?? I have a Chinese guitar on the way and I’m assuming the pickups and bridge won’t be any good. Love your videos, thanks
Hi, they are rickenbacker toasters. The bridge is the one from china. The bigsby is the actual model used on the 58/59 325. Good luck with your project.
Backbeat Vintage great, thanks so much for getting back to me!! Any tips on where to find Rickenbacker toasters??
Do one on the 4003 bass
Doing the same project for a rickenbacker 4005 bass
Was hoping you were going to play it.
Here you go. Jam session with rick. czcams.com/video/_CeFLVmi9ig/video.html
Where can I get the wiring harness?
I want one for my Rickenbacker
Here is Glens email. glen_3@hotmail.com
Very nice but what does it sound like?
Hi, at the end of this video I jammed with it. Check it out. czcams.com/video/_CeFLVmi9ig/video.html
what is the web site you bought it from thanks
AlliExpress.com. Be cautious. Search rickenbacker 325. Lots of knockoffs. Look for short scale and 2” body if you want at 58 or 59. C64 has 1.5” body. Look at images. I’ve never seen one come thats the same twice in a row. Good luck! EJ
I just purchased a Harley Benton "Beat" bass which is their knockoff of Paul's Hofner. I immediately ordered Hofner tuners to lessen the neck dive otherwise this is a very fair approximation of the Hofner.......and at $225 which inc shipping a no brainer !
I wanna hear it !!!!
Here is a jam session where I used it. czcams.com/video/_CeFLVmi9ig/video.html
Does anyone recommend a cheap 325 aliexpress seller?
@Backbeat Vintage Would you care to upload I Want To Hold Your Hand?
musicman1963 not sure what u mean? If I upload an actual Beatles song it will get taken down.
@@BackbeatVintage No, your 325! Didn't you play that as a cover?
Backbeat Vintage the rhythm guitar track from your 325! :)
Love it! Do you have a parts list by chance?
I dont but once you determine which year 325 you like track down the parts. Thx!
Great, great job!!!
Please can you tell me where tou find it?
Or maybe te link. 😁🙏 i aprecciate much
Go to aliexpress and then search rickenbacker 325. Be sure to pick one that looks accurate. They are really only good for the body and neck. EJ
It’s a Replibacker!
Great stuff ..again the music is unneceaaary and distracting though
Thanks! My latest videos has the music removed. Message received...thanks again.
@@BackbeatVintage Great! ..and thanks for you tips on my hofner bass with the nickel plating issue of tarnishing. If it's natural I'll just keep buffing it as before
Beautiful guitar. I wonder why these Ricks are out of fashion these days.
How much is it?
Hi, not for sale
Backbeat Vintage 非売品なんですね！教えてくれてありがとうございます！
1:09 She was just 17? I saw her standing there
Sound this guitar Please!?
I played it in this video. Watch. Thx! czcams.com/video/_CeFLVmi9ig/video.html
@@BackbeatVintage Thanks very much, like this canal is good work!!! Saludos From Chile ✌️☺️👏
A real Rick is capped from the back as well, not the top.I have owned 3 real ones.
If they capped from the top, they couldn't carve the ramp.
Why didn't you play a little?? 😕