Rick's Fine '52

I’ve had a mixed bag of experience here, certainly made some long term acquaintances, and also fallen out with a couple. I’ve learned that every day is a school day when it comes to vintage Fenders in particular, and there are many with much knowledge, to whom I’ve acknowledged and respected. I’ve enjoyed sharing my collection, and enjoyed looking at that of others. I’ve shared builds and viewed enviously at the talents of proper luthiers, and not the assemblers, like me. I’ve bought, sold, traded, and given plenty of parts and bits away to folks in need of that old knob , cover or screw. I’ve enjoyed the debates, and the jokes, and the sales and the trades. I’ve spent far too many hours scrolling through the various sale posts, and spent far too much money, some of which was unnecessary, all of which made me happy! Overall, I visit less now than in previous years, as there appears to be less topics and posts that tickle my particular pickle, but I still dip in, and enjoy when I do. I hope to, for times to come too! All good here, keep playing, keep safe!

No probs. PM me your email address.

Sorry, haven’t forgotten, just enjoying the sunshine! PM me what pics you want to see, and I’ll get them over later today!

NTRW - That should be a new thread Mark!! 😂 The tug bar looks great, better than sat in my parts bin!

Will get it out the case later and take some pics.

Early ‘61, Custom colour, Olympic White.

Here’s a couple, ‘60 & ‘61.

If the holes are the same, put the gold guard on for the true ‘57 vibe, and it pairs nicely with the black. Keep the off-white original one though, as it’s a rare bird. I have a set of those BFL (never heard that term before), and they are stunning!

I've had this one kicking around for many years, and posted on here a few times. Its a handmade/assembled thing. The body was handmade, probably rather crudely, but then the body was wrapped in adhesive soaked thin canvas (As used for artwork), then the paint applied to this. The neck i believe is from an old lawsuit Hondo replica, or similar, has nice pearloid trapeze inlays, and is very straight and well set. Since I've had it, its now got mostly original Ricky parts, TRC, tuners, tailpiece, scratchplate, pickups, pots, knobs etc. Looks ok, but could do with some TLC. I'm a big Mani fan, and its a bit of fun really, although its become quite an expensive one!! 🤣

Huge Mani fan here, and that black and white rehearsal footage of them after getting back together still gives me goose bumps, seeing the connection and smiles between them, is a joy. I actually bought that black Epiphone bass from Mani that he used at those rehearsals and the early gigs. Reni is also one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard or seen.

I actually like the double ‘hit’ number 7, it tells the story of your journey. Fab job!

You’re on the cusp of the introduction, and, as with all things pre-CBS Fender, there would undoubtedly have been a transition period. I think one of the endearing features of an old Fender is the slightly bowed tuner plate as it’s forced off the neck by the tuner wings, so personally I wouldn’t drill the divots, but that’s just me. For March you will be equally accurate with either option, so I wouldn’t lose too much sleep over this particular detail.