Description

B. C. Rich B-38 Brazilian Rosewood Dreadnought

Serial # 407485

This guitar was made circa 1974, built by Bernardo (Bernie) Chavez Rico Sr. himself according to the first owner. It features excellent woodworking and fretwork as well as top grade Brazilian Rosewood. More rare then just after the embargo than now, this makes it an important part of the history of the guitar. This very rare, collectible instrument is in fine playing condition. The BC RICH name was first used 66-67, and he made about 300 acoustics until 1976. This guitar has beautiful quarter sawn Brazilian Rosewood sides and back and a pearl rosette as well. Original Grover tuners, frets, finish, pick guard, with ebony bridge. Even back then, Brazilian was getting rare and it was a good investment. The BC Rich "factory" was quite primitive with men shaping necks with drawknives. This is a model B-38 s/ 407485. The nut width is 1 5/8" The finish and frets are all original to the guitar. The action is set it to factory specifications 8/64" on the low E and 7/64" on the high E at the 12th fret. The X bracing looks standard and scalloped. The shape of the neck is a hybrid between a fat classical and vintage V. The neck has a Spanish heel-all one piece neck block and neck. The top has been identified as German or European spruce which was exclusively used in that workshop, handed down from classical guitar making days. One piece mahogany neck. When acquired the bridge was replaced early in its life with a Martin style bridge and no longer had the diamond inlay. This was replaced with an original style bridge. The soundboard finish evidences some crazing in the nitrocellulose finish, typical for 40 year old a nitro finish. The top grade Brazilian Rosewood back is 4 pieces because Rico used classical guitar sets that were cut and imported between the 1930's to 1950's while top grade dalbergia nigra was plenteous. This sizing necessitated an addition of a 2 inch piece on each lower bout by Rico to bring it to dreadnought size. This seam is almost invisible as the grain aligns well.

Solid German spruce top Quarter sawn solid Brazilian Rosewood sides, back and headstock overlay 25 1/2' scale length 1 5/8" nut width Bone nut and saddle Solid ebony fingerboard Non-original ebony bridge Diamond inlays Pearl inlay Grover tuners Tortoise pick guard under nitro finish 3 /32" string height at the 12 fret 20 frets Abalone dots on bridge pins Herringbone purfling