RICKENBACKER 381 REIMAGINATION

This was a fun project for a repeat customer. He had a top-of-the-line Rickenbacker 381 12 string that he thought was looking a bit long in the tooth*, and saw one of my “Mink” refinishes. (Incidentally, it’s the most popular custom color in my array…) He sent his 381 to me, with a request to replace the tuners with premium cast “waffle back” Grovers, and add gold truss rod cover and pick guards. The headstock was bound in checkerboard celluloid, too. The knobs are now the classic “cooker” knobs from Rogan, to which a STUDIO-CALIFORNIA “top hat” 5th knob was added.

The “Mink” finish was one of my first custom blends, and it’s stood the test of time*. It’s a five-step burst, whereas every factory Rickenbacker burst is one-step, out of necessity. It uses a combination of translucent tints and opaque paints, and is gorgeous in bright lights or full sunlight—it just sings!