Hello all.. I would like to ask the Rick experts for some help..

A friend of mine asked if I could look at a guitar for him. His dad passed many years ago and his dad left him a vintage Rick.
His dad bought it new in 1954? Or '55. and has pics that show his dad and grandmother with the guitar in the same year. His family could really use the funds right now so they are thinking of selling their dad's old Rick.

I know talk of values around here should not happen and I respect that. If anyone has an idea about numbers maybe they could message me.

First question...
I've glanced it over and didn't see a serial number. Location?

What color is it? Fireglo?
Cherry burst?

Is it a 360? If not what model?

It is in exceptional condition with some checking on the back. All original.
Plays great. I grabbed a pic for you fine folks to look over.

Trying to post the pic........

https://i.ibb.co/7VpZJyM/20200618-175239.jpg

N.B.: I am not an expert by any means, but I thought I'd give you a head start by pointing you to some useful resources...

There are some good resources right here on this web site:
Under the top banner here, there is a row of links. Under "Service" you'll get a drop-down menu that includes, "Serial Number Decoder" (There is a disclaimer there, however, that notes that some serial numbers/models from the the 1950s won't work.) This web page has photos & description about the location of the serial number (on jack plate) and how to properly read/enter the number into the decoder.
http://www.rickenbacker.com/service_serials.asp

There is also a model identification feature:
http://www.rickenbacker.com/identification.asp

You can see all models here (from the Models link):
http://www.rickenbacker.com/model_all.asp?series=all

Since Mr. John Hall has retired, this web site is not as active as it once was, although there is a gold mine of information here. While a few really knowledgeable guys drop in here once-in-a-while, most visit this site more frequently: "Rickresource" (link below). You may want to also register there, too. It may take two or three days or so for the Admin. guy to complete your log-on authorization, but it is a good site; lots of guys there with historical knowledge.

http://www.rickresource.com/forum/index ... 47e8003606

It's a Capri Series 360 with the thicker body style made from '58 to '61. Looks like an Autumnglo finish. Serial number is probably somewhere on the inside cavity. That's a great example of an early 360. Cheers!

Based on ricslinger's info...

I just did a cursory search for a Capri 360...

Here are some links for 1959:
***DIG THIS---> https://reverb.com/price-guide/guide/94 ... 59-fireglo

...AND THIS (you'll have to register to gain access to this particular forum):
http://www.rickresource.com/forum/viewt ... d792563230

Comprehensive info., incl. serial numbers:
http://www.guitarhq.com/rick.html

Misc. info. for the 1959:
https://imageevent.com/waitebt/rickenba ... 959fireglo
https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/ ... backer-360

Other pricing: https://reverb.com/p/rickenbacker-360-capri-1958-1960

1960:
https://imageevent.com/waitebt/rickenbackercapri1960

...can't find too many 1960s. One or two sold on GBase, but sale prices not provided.

You can easily Google more of this stuff.

That's a beautiful guitar your friend has there.

The serial number on it is 2T390.
So that puts it at 1953 according to the Rickenbacker serial number decoder. Is that right?
Maybe his dads memory was a bit off. That was a very long time ago.
And thanks for all the info. I really appreciate the help.

Would Gruhn be a good source to put a number on it or a waste of time.

I guess years ago before his dad passed someone told his dad it was values at 30k-35k. Seems a bit steep but it is a closet queen.

Well, I’m about useless at this point, but check this out; scroll down to “ Hollowbody Guitars and Early Capri Models.”

https://reverb.com/news/finding-the-dat ... ar-or-bass

Good luck.

Apparently there was a short period in the late '50s when there was no designation of the production dates. This was a transition time with the 300 series semi-hollow body being a new model. I would disregard the '53 date, this guitar is from the '58, '59 or '60 period. I'd contact a professional collector for the approximate value.

yeah, he nailed it down to a purchase date of 1959.

Glad you managed to find a year for the guitar. It's a rare one for sure, very nice.