So let’s begin with a simple question: what exactly is a special run? Well, in this context, we’re defining it as a run of at least two identical guitars with specifications that do not appear in the catalog/price list for the given year of production. That spec could be color, binding, pickups, number of frets, etc. We’ll leave out the 60’s era “private label” guitars like Ryder and Symfonia Grande as these are covered elsewhere. Clear?
For each item we’ll give the year of production, the number produced, and the unique/non-standard feature(s) of the guitar.
Now a quick note about the production numbers. You’ll see me either give a firm number, an “about x” number, or a “??/large number” number. When you see a number without a qualifier, I have a high level of confidence in that number based on my research. When you see an “about x” number, it’s based on similar runs and Register data. When you see “??”or “a large number”…I got nothing. If you can clarify any of these numbers, please do!
This article will cover special runs produced between 1983 and 2014. Special runs produced between 2015 and today can be found HERE.
Finally, before we start, let me be clear: I am 100% certain I have missed something or gotten something wrong here. Literally every time I’ve said “OK, that’s it!” I’ve found another one. Please—let me know, and I’ll fix it. OK, let’s go!
1983 Fireglo Electro ES-16
A run of ?? was produced for all markets. What inspired this run? Why do these exist? You’ll find it said that the factory had a batch of leftover bodies from the last run in 1967 and decided to finish them out, and that’s actually…pretty believable, and as good of an explanation as any. Regardless of the reason, apart from the Electro truss rod cover all other appointments are period appropriate. For more info about the short scale solid body guitars click HERE
1984 610/12
A run of ?? was produced for the Japanese market. These are notable as they were a) produced 2 years before the 610 officially entered the line, and b) the first 12 string 610s ever produced—the model would not enter production until 1987. The few pictures of these available have obviously replaced parts, so the original specifications are unclear. For more information about this guitar, click HERE
1986 Jetglo 320/12V63
A run of 25 was produced for all markets. A reproduction of the one-off 12 string 325 built for John Lennon in 1964. A 325V63 with a special short-scale 12 string neck developed just for this guitar, trapeze tailpiece, and a “stubby” truss rod cover. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
1986 Jetglo 4003 “Shadow”
A run of 50-60 (?) was produced for US retailer Guitar Center in 1986. Features checkered binding, black hardware/black trim, black vintage knobs, and black dot position markers.
1987 Fireglo 1993
A run of 6 12-string and 6 6-string guitars was produced for US retailer Sam Ash. These are the only 1993 reproductions to date to correctly feature an unbound dot marker neck, but guitar was essentially a V64 body with an f-hole and the aforementioned fingerboard. Also note that the 6 string version was a completely new combination of features.
1987-1988 Red 4003S “Redneck”
A run of 125 was announced for all markets, but consensus is that far fewer than that were produced—with 38 often cited. A 4003S with black hardware/black trim and finished in Red with a matching painted maple fingerboard with very small black dot position markers. A handful of 8-string examples were produced as part of the run. Often incorrectly referred to as a “Bloodstar”.
1987 White 360 “Tuxedo”
A run of 30 was produced for all markets. Features black hardware/black trim and matching White painted maple fingerboard with very small black dot position markers. Like most White guitars of this era, the clear coat has a tendency to yellow over time, making bright White examples quite rare today.
1987 White 360/12 “Tuxedo”
A run of 30 was produced for all markets. Features black hardware/black trim and matching White painted maple fingerboard with very small black dot position markers. Many have a number applied to the back of the headstock that does not necessarily correspond the number on the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity. Like most White guitars of this era, the clear coat has a tendency to yellow over time, making bright White examples quite rare today.
1987 White 4003S “Tuxedo”
A run of 100 was produced for all markets. Features black hardware/black trim and matching White painted maple fingerboard with very small black dot position markers. Like most White guitars of this era, the clear coat has a tendency to yellow over time, making bright White examples quite rare today.
1988-1990 Jetglo 4003S “Blackstar”
A run of 200 was produced for all markets over three years. Like the Redneck and Tuxedo models, the Blackstar featured a matching Jetglo maple fingerboard neck based on the 4003S finished in Jetglo with a maple fingerboard painted to match, with small white dot position markers. Features black plastics—including KK vintage style knobs—and a mixture of contrasting black and chrome hardware—black tuners with chrome bushings, chrome pickup case and cover with a black mounting surround, black bridge with chrome mute screws, and chrome strap buttons and serial number plate. A handful of 5-string examples were produced as part of the run.
1992 Natural Oil Finish 360 “RCA”
Produced as Christmas gifts for RCA Records to present to platinum-selling artists. An unknown number were produced, but at least 1 was left handed. These were the first modern walnut bodied Rickenbacker guitars, and also feature maple fingerboards, HB-1 pickups, checkered binding, and gold plastics with the RCA/Nipper logo backpainted in black on the upper guard. For more info about the 1992/1993 RCA special runs, click HERE.
1992 Natural Oil Finish 360/12 “RCA”
Produced as Christmas gifts for RCA Records to present to platinum-selling artists. An unknown number were produced, but at least 1 was left handed. These were the first modern walnut bodied Rickenbacker guitars, and also feature maple fingerboards, HB-1 pickups, checkered binding, and gold plastics with the RCA/Nipper logo backpainted in black on the upper guard. For more info about the 1992/1993 RCA special runs, click HERE.
1992 Natural Oil Finish 4004 “RCA”
Produced as Christmas gifts for RCA Records to present to platinum-selling artists. An unknown number were produced, but at least 1 was left handed. These were the first modern walnut bodied Rickenbacker basses and indeed the first production 4004s (production on the 4004 would not begin until the next year), and feature walnut wings with a maple through neck/fingerboard, HB-1s, and gold plastics with a pickguard similar to those found on the 200 series basses with a black backpainted RCA/Nipper logo. For more info about the 1992/1993 RCA special runs, click HERE.
1993 Natural Oil Finish 360/12 “RCA”
Produced as Christmas gifts for RCA Records to present to platinum-selling artists. An unknown number were produced. Identical to the 1992 run apart from the RCA logo. For more info about the 1992/1993 RCA special runs, click HERE.
1994 360/12 SPC
A run of 30? was produced in Fireglo and Mapleglo with charactered tops for US retailer Norman’s Rare Guitars. Often incorrectly referred to as 1993 reissues. Also features an f-hole and gold plastics. All other appointments 360/12V64 standard.
1999 4001V63 PMC LH
A run of around 25 left handed guitars in Fireglo and Mapleglo was produced for the Japanese market. The 4001V63 featured headstocks oriented with the guitar—right handed and left handed. Because left hand headstocks did not yet exist, the 1964 4001S presented to Paul McCartney had a “backwards”, right-handed headstock. The PMC option offered during the 4001V63’s run therefore allowed a right handed headstock to be custom ordered on a left handed guitar to replicate the original McCartney bass. This 1999 run was the only “dedicated” PMC run. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
1999 Burgundy 425V63
A run of 36 was produced for all markets. A reproduction of a 1963 425—albeit with a long instead of short bridgeplate which would be correct for 1963. Vintage appropriate appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
1999 Burgundy 450V63
A run of 80 was produced for all markets. A reproduction of a 1963 450—albeit with a long instead of short bridgeplate which would be correct for 1963. Vintage appropriate appointments.
1999-2000 Jetglo 325/12V63
A run of 136 was produced for all markets. A reproduction of the one-off 12 string 325 built for John Lennon in 1964. Identical to the 1986 320/12V63 run apart from the name, the lack of an authentic “stubby” TRC, and the pickups—which had been changed to scatterwound in the interim. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
1999 Jetglo 425V63
A run of 84 was produced for all markets. A reproduction of a 1963 425—albeit with a long instead of short bridgeplate which would be correct for 1963. Vintage appropriate appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
1999 Jetglo 450V63
A run of 61 was produced for all markets. A reproduction of a 1963 450—albeit with a long instead of short bridgeplate which would be correct for 1963. Vintage appropriate appointments.
2001 1997SPC
A run of about 15 Rose Morris 1997 reproductions with 3 pickups in Fireglo, Jetglo, and Mapleglo were produced for the Japanese market. Features an Accent vibrato, all other appointments vintage standard.
2003 Fireglo 4003 CB VP
A run of about 24 was produced for the Japanese market. Features checkered binding and a toaster neck pickup.
2004 Fireglo 360/12V66
A run of about 24 was produced for the Japanese market of about 24 instruments. Features a 21 fret neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays, checkered binding, and toaster pickups.
2004 Mapleglo 370/12V67
A run of about 24 was produced for the Japanese market of about 24 instruments. Features a 21 fret neck with full width acrylic triangle inlays, checkered binding, and toaster pickups.
2006 Amber Fireglo 1996
A large number of Rose Morris 1996 reproductions were produced for the US and UK markets. Features a 2 o’clock f-hole, all other appointments 325C64 standard.
2007 Grayglo 360
A handful of guitars were produced and sold in this test color. Standard appointments.
2007 Grayglo 4003
A handful of guitars were produced and sold in this test color. Standard appointments.
2008 Amber Fireglo 1996
A run of about 30 Rose Morris 1996 reproductions were produced for the US market. Features a 2 o’clock f-hole, all other appointments 325C64 standard.
2008 Jetglo 1996
A run of about 15 Rose Morris 1996 reproductions were produced for the US market. Features a 2 o’clock f-hole, all other appointments 325C64 standard.
2009 Matte Amber Fireglo 4001C64S
An unknown number were produced for the US market alongside Matte Black and Satin Mapleglo examples. First appearance of this color. Standard C64S appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2009 Matte Black 4001C64S
An unknown number were produced for the US market alongside Matte Amber Fireglo and Satin Mapleglo examples. First appearance of this color. Standard C64S appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2009 Montezuma Brown 310C64
A run of 36 was produced for the Japanese market. Essentially a 2 pickup 325C64 with an R tailpiece.
2009 Satin Mapleglo 4001C64S
An unknown number were produced for the US market alongside Matte Amber Fireglo and Matte Black examples. Standard C64S appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2011 Special Green 4001C64
A run of 5 was produced for US retailer Pick of the Ricks. Standard C64 appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2011 TV Yellow 4001C64
A run of 5 was produced for US retailer Pick of the Ricks. Standard C64 appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2011 White 4001C64
A run of 5 was produced for US retailer Pick of the Ricks. Standard C64 appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2012 Pearl White 1997
A run of 10 was produced for UK distributor Rosetti (4 sold by Sound Affects and 6 by GuitarGuitar). A 1997 reissue with an unslotted 12-string neck, (ill-fitting) gold plastics, Rogan knobs, and a trapeze tailpiece. For more information about this guitar, click HERE
2012 Tobaccoglo 330S
A run of 12 was produced for the US market. Features a 21 fret neck, toaster pickups, black plastics, and an f-hole.
2012 Walnut Burst 330
A run of 25 was produced for UK retailer GuitarGuitar. Standard appointments.
2011 Walnut Burst 360
A run of 25 was produced for UK retailer GuitarGuitar. Standard appointments.
2012 Walnut Burst 4003
A run of 25 was produced for UK retailer GuitarGuitar. Standard appointments.
2013 Snowglo 4003
A run of around 30 was produced in 2013 for the US market. Standard appointments.
2013 Snowglo 4004L
A run of 15 was produced in 2013 for the US market. Standard appointments.
2014 Blue Boy 330
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. This version of Blue Boy was slightly greener than the 2005 Color of the Year. Standard appointments.
2014 Blue Boy 360
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. This version of Blue Boy was slightly greener than the 2005 Color of the Year. Standard appointments.
2014 Blue Boy 4003
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. This version of Blue Boy was slightly greener than the 2005 Color of the Year. Standard appointments.
2014 Blue Boy 620
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. This version of Blue Boy was slightly greener than the 2005 Color of the Year. Standard appointments.
2014 Fire Alarm Red 360WB
A run of around 35 was produced for German distributor Musik Meyer GmbH. A double bound 24 fret 360 featuring a maple fingerboard. All other appointments standard
2014 Fire Alarm Red 360/12
A run of around 25 was produced for the US market. Features 21 fret neck and toaster pickups. Identical to the 2014 Guitar Center 360/12GH apart from color. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2014 Fire Alarm Red 4003
A run of around 25 was produced for German distributor Musik Meyer GmbH. Features a maple fingerboard and checkered binding. All other appointments standard
2014 Fireglo 1996
A large number of Rose Morris 1996 reproductions were produced for the US and Japanese markets. Features a 1 o’clock f-hole, all other appointments 325C64 standard.
2014 Fireglo 330F
A run of 10 was produced for UK distributor Rosetti. Essentially a standard 24-fret 330 with an f-hole instead of a slash soundhole. Standard appointments.
2014 Fireglo 360C63
A run of about 50 6 string 360C63s was produced for US retailer Guitar Center. To date this is the only run of a 6 string C63. Standard C63 appointments. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2014 Fireglo 360/12GH
A run of 50 for US retailer Guitar Center and around 15 for the Japanese market were produced. A replica of George Harrison’s second, stolen 360/12, it features a 21 fret neck, plexi TRC, and toaster pickups. It does NOT feature checkered binding. For more information about Beatles inspired guitars, click HERE.
2014 Fireglo 4003 CB
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Features checkered binding. All other appointments standard.
2014 Jetglo 330F
A run of 10 was produced for UK distributor Rosetti. Essentially a standard 24-fret 330 with an f-hole instead of a slash soundhole. Standard appointments.
2014 Metallic Plumglo 4003
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
2014 Metallic Plumglo 620
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
2014 Montezuma Brown 330
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
2014 Montezuma Brown 360
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
2014 Pearl Jetglo 4003
A run of about 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Features checkered binding, a mirror-backed pickguard and truss rod cover with an outlined Rickenbacker logo, “MADE IN USA”, and trademark “R” engraved on the back. All other appointments standard.
2014 Pearl Jetglo 620
A run of about 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Features a mirror-backed pickguard and truss rod cover with an outlined Rickenbacker logo, “MADE IN USA”, and trademark “R” engraved on the back. All other appointments standard.
2014 Ruby 4003
A run of about 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Features a mirror-backed pickguard and truss rod cover with an outlined Rickenbacker logo, “MADE IN USA”, and trademark “R” engraved on the back. All other appointments standard.
2014 Ruby 620
A run of about 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Features a mirror-backed pickguard and truss rod cover with an outlined Rickenbacker logo, “MADE IN USA” , and trademark “R” engraved on the back. All other appointments standard.
2014 Satin Mapleglo 4001S
A run of 50 was produced for US retailer Guitar Center. Essentially a 4001C64 with the headstock in the “right” direction. Standard C64 appointments.
2014 Santa Ana Skyglo 4003
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
2014 Santa Ana Skyglo 620
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
2014 Snowglo 360
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Features gold plastics, all other appointments standard.
2014 Snowglo 4003
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
2014 Snowglo 620
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Standard appointments.
This covers all special runs I have identified from 1983-2014. If I’ve missed some—which I’m sure I have—let me know and I will endeavor to fix. Part 2, 2015-present can be found HERE.
Another fun little run was the 2009 RM1999 Reissue for the Japanese market! 60 examples were made based on the 4001V63, but with different tuners and the clear tugbar as well.
re: 2009 Montezuma Brown 310C64:
A run of around 15 was produced for the Japanese market. Essentially a 2 pickup 325C64 with an R tailpiece.
Limited Edition in Montezuma Brown -> 36 produced in 2009 for export to Japan.