1964 Rickenbacker Rose Morris Model 1996 – FireGlo

Check out this beautiful 1964 Rickenbacker 1996 Rose Morris in Fireglo! Rose Morris out of London was Rickenbacker’s UK distributor, and in 1963, they commissioned six models specifically for sale to the Beatlemania-driven British market. Each model closely resembled Rickenbacker’s traditional line but featured an F hole instead of the “slash” sound hole and dot inlays instead of triangular. Fireglo was the only finish option available. After an incident saw John Lennon’s black 325 out for repairs, Rose Morris was quick to offer their new 325 equivalent, the 1996 model, for him to use, practically identical to this one! Lennon was prominently used in advertising for these Rose Morris models, even referring to the 1996 as the “Beatle Backer.” The fireglo finish frames the subtly figured maple body and neck beautifully, and the finished rosewood fretboard ties it all together. The three toaster pickups can easily give you that Beatles tone and the tremolo can add a bit of color to the sound. This one has seen a plugged strap button hole at the back of the neck, and at some point, other tuners were installed on the guitar. The original tuners have since been re-installed with no extra holes, although the original holes are slightly enlarged.

Overall Condition: 8, forearm edge wear, fretboard wear in first few positions, light overall playwear