1977 B.C. Rich Eagle Mahogany (Standard) Made in USA, Dimarzio

$6,499.00 USD
By B.C Rich

Maker: B.C Rich

Model: Eagle mahogany

Condition: very good

Description: 

This is a very early (late '76 or early '77)  B.C. Rich Mahogany - one of the first versions of what became the Eagle Standard. Serial dates to 1977 but this model has slightly different switches than the actual catalog '77 Eagle Standard but matches the Eagle model in the 1976 catalog, save for the Dimarzio Pickups which became standard in 77 - as such this appears to be one of the earliest examples of the Eagle model which was first introduced in late 1976 as an evolution of the Seagull II. All-original condition featuring the original vintage Dimarzio Super Distortion and PAF pickups.

Although nearly 50 years old this one remains in great shape showing only some minor surface marks, dings (some of which have been professionally filled in), and scratches. The top edge of the body shows some fading/cloudiness in the finish (see photo) but otherwise the body is overall in very good condition with no major damage or issues. Rear of neck shows some light marks and dings with one notable ding/finish chip on the top edge of the 5th fret. This does not affect playability in any way but is worth noting. Otherwise neck is in excellent shape with no bowing or twisting, and the truss rod functioning perfectly in both directions. Headstock shows a fair amount of surface marks, scratches, minor dings, and wear, but is overall in very good condition. Original Grover tuning machines show some light aging and wear but function perfectly. Fretboard shows some very light wear along the edges but is overall very clean with no major issues or blemishes. Frets show a bit of wear but have no major divots or issues with buzzing or dead spots, and have a healthy amount of life still in them. Hardware remains in very good condition for its age. Bridge shows some light age and wear but is in good overall condition and functions perfectly. Output jack plate has been replaced with the correct type from the same era. Electronics have been thoroughly and professionally cleaned and re-wired to the original specs. Output jack has been replaced with a brand new one. The top toggle switch has been replaced. Electronics are working perfectly and are so incredibly versatile and fun, it really is the highlight of these guitars. Features a set of DiMarzio Super distortions with an original neck pickup, and a replaced Super Distortion in the bridge. A truly beautiful example of a very early Eagle that plays incredibly well and has tons of mojo! Has been thoroughly inspected, set up, and electronically restored by our luthier and in incredible playing shape. Ships with non-original padded gig bag. See below for a full list of specs and info. 

 

Weight: 7lbs 7oz

Neck Shape: C 

Neck Thickness: 1st fret .757", 12th fret .867"

Fretboard Radius: 12"

Nut width: 1.65"

Pickup Values:  

  • Birth (1976): Following complaints that the original Seagull's upper horn was uncomfortable, Bernie Rico designed the Eagle, featuring a more "waisted" body and a sleeker upper horn.
  • Design & Electronics: The Eagle was designed to be a "standard" alongside the Mockingbird and Bich, often featuring Koa wood, neck-through construction, and active electronics developed by Neal Moser.
  • Key Features: It typically included DiMarzio pickups, Grover Imperial tuners, a Badass bridge, and a 24-fret fingerboard.
  • Versatility: Despite B.C. Rich's later association with metal, the 1970s Eagle was adopted by rock players like Brad Whitford of Aerosmith and Neil Giraldo (Pat Benatar), who valued its rich tones and active electronics.
  • Construction: Features a neck-through-body design.
  • Body & Neck: Early versions often used Honduras mahogany. The 1976 Eagle was designed to be more comfortable than its predecessor, the Seagull, by removing the "sternum horn" that poked into the player's torso.
  • Fingerboard: Typically Ebony or Rosewood with 24 frets and mother of pearl diamond or dot inlays.
  • Pickups: Originally equipped with DiMarzio Super Distortion or PAF humbuckers. 
  • Electronics: Featured the Neal Moser Vintage Circuit, which included an active preamp, a 6-position Varitone filter, phase switches, and coil-tap switches.
  • Hardware: Standard hardware included Grover Imperial tuners and a Leo Quan Badass bridge or a stop-bar tailpiece.
 



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