Rickenbacker Model 335S/Rose Morris Model 1997 Model Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1965), made in Santa Ana, CA, Fireglo red sunburst finish, laminated maple body, laminated maple and paduak neck, original grey tolex hard shell case.
A very rare and classic Rickenbacker -- the Model 335-S export model with an F-soundhole instead of the standard scimitar style. Rickenbacker's UK distributor Rose-Morris requested this feature on instruments ordered by them, which they felt would appeal to the more "conservative" UK customer. There are no other definitive physical distinctions between a Model 335-S sold in the US or in the UK, or elsewhere for that matter. The great majority of F-hole 335-S's were ordered by Rose-Morris and sent to the UK, but if a US dealer ordered one (few would have reason to, but it did happen!) it would be shipped; it made no difference to the factory. This popular model was also exported to Canada, Australia, and the continent, including a large (for Rickenbacker!) batch to Sweden.
This example dates to the second half of 1965, and has the standard 1960's "chrome top" control knobs instead of the plainer all-black knobs seen on earlier export guitars. The fireglo finish is particularly vibrant, with a darker red hue than many. All pots and caps are all original; pots match perfectly; every visible pot date reads 65-26.
The 335-S is an absolutely classic British Invasion guitar -- this is still the instrument many people associate with that particular style and era. The Animals' Hilton Valentine is one of the many players that used this model prominently around 1965; Pete Townshend, of course, used many examples of both the double and triple pickup versions, helping to account for their current rarity! This is a superlative example of this especially cool Rickenbacker, including the original silver case.
Height is 39 1/2 in. (100.3 cm.), 15 in. (38.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 9/16 in. (40 mm.).
Extremely clean overall; only light playwear and all original finish and fittings. The Fireglo finish is particularly rich and deep with virtually no apparent fade. One of the finest of this rare model we have ever seen. Excellent + Condition.
