Rickenbacker 325's

Lennon had four 325's during The Beatles: His original '58 Capri; The "Miami" 325 played during mid '64 to late '65; The Rose Morris 1996 used in '64, and his custom 12 String played on For Sale. All these guitars were 3/4 short-scale instruments, and required heavier flatwound strings with wound "G" strings.

Ironically, the 325 short-scale Rickenbacker models remained special guitars to John Lennon as his original '58 was the last guitar he ever played. It was used to record the lead break on "Walking On Thin Ice" the very evening he was assassinated and was confirmed to me directly by Yoko. He also had another 325 on order through Manny's, to accompany him on tour in '81. That particular guitar was being specially fitted with "toaster-top" pickups instead of the typical hi-gains that Rickenbacker was equipping their guitars. It was ready a few days after December 8th, 1980. Sadly, John never saw it.

Lennon's original '58 Capri, and the '64 "Miami", were to be professionally restored to black and serviced in preparation for his tour in '81. The Miami was in an especially sorry state, as its headstock was severed and poorly glued when damaged in '65. These guitars remain as left on December 8th, 1980; untouched to this day.

Even with a non-adjustable "bow tie" bridge, the intonation can be made near perfect with incredibly low action if you use the proper set of strings. I suggest the best string for these guitars (minus the 12 string of course) is these:

Pyramid Flatwound Gold Heavy Nickel (.013 to .052)