1967 Rickenbacker 345S or 1998 Rose Morris UK export model, Vintage - Fireglo

Here we have a rare vintage 1967 Rickenbacker 345-S or 1998 Rose Morris UK export model in "fireglo" finish and flawless original conditions. This is the same model used and abused by Pete Townshend of the Who. The 1998 model is the full-scale equivalent of the 325 or 1996 short-scale model used by John Lennon and John Fogerty. Please check the linked episode: there's an accurate description of the history and technical details of this very guitar. As clearly shown in the video, this Rickenbacker is ready for a recording studio session or to leave on tour and boasts an impressive tone. It has never seen a soldering iron.
Rose, Morris & Co. Ltd was a leading UK distributor, still operating in London. On the 30th of December 1963, Rose-Morris signed an exclusive agreement to distribute Rickenbacker instruments throughout the UK. This distribution agreement lasted until 1969.
Rose-Morris requested for their line of models, some exclusive specifications. In particular this model sports a traditional F-hole, the main distinctive feature that sets apart the Rose-Morris Rickenbacker export line from the regular US-distributed full-scale Capri models, which have the standard “cat’s eye” or “slash” sound-hole design.
These rare export instruments were considered “Special” orders, so they were identified by an “S” added to the model number. In addition, Rose-Morris named the 5 models with their own reference catalogue codes; they used numbers from 1995 to 1999, not to be confused with years of manufacture.
This wonderful vintage Rickenbacker Rose-Morris 1998 model is the export equivalent of the 345.
The date code consists in two letters on the jack plates; in our case "GJ" points to October 1967. 
The circuit still presents virgin solder joints, with original Mallory blue molded tone caps.
The original pots are dated June 1967. Through the control cavity the body shows penciled signatures and initials of the workers and handwritten model indication "345 EXP" (see picture).
Body and neck are made of subtly figured maple with finished rosewood fretboard.
The neck has a central dark walnut strip laminated with contrasting maple sides for optimal strength. The headstock also has additional walnut sides to create a 5-piece design with an upmarket appeal.
It mounts original Kluson “double brand” tuners.
The 3 pickups are nicknamed, easy guess, “toaster top”, they were originally used from 1957 to 1970. With this 3-pickup circuit, the neck and middle pickups are permanently wired together.
When the 3-way switch is in up position, you get the neck and middle pickups in parallel; the switch in middle position gives a bigger sound with all 3 pickups in parallel and the switch down gives the bridge pickup alone. The small "Blend" or “Compensator” knob, is an additional volume control for neck and middle pickups. Counter-intuitively, it goes from full volume when rolled all the way back to about half volume when fully open.
The original Rose-Morris export models were never supplied in large quantities they are cherished as icons and are particularly sought after. Even the Reissue models are quite rare.
This 1998 is a defining model of Rickenbacker’s glory years; it's the valuable testimony of pivotal moments in rock history such as the "Beatlemania" or "British Invasion" phenomena.
Comes with vintage non-original case (shown on video) and original Rickenbacker strap (see picture).
I ship worldwide or you are welcome to personally collect the guitar in beautiful Bari, Italy.