Rick 320. Leave it alone or mod it ? HELP!

anon · Post by **anon** » Fri Jan 12, 2001 10:10 pm

My question is should I monkey with my 1981
Burgandyglo Rickenbacker 320 by putting vintage Pickups on, vintage logo or leave it original???
I've been told that this guitar in this color is rare???
Im trying to deside if Im going to keep it and I really dont like the sound of the hi-output modern P.U.s...
This guitar weighs in at close to 9 pounds, are the 320-325 series usually this heavy???
thanks FATRAT

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Sat Jan 13, 2001 1:33 am

Sound pretty strange to me that it would be this heavy.But that was a time frame when the bracing and rod systems and other methods of manufacturing were being toyed with .

To change the pickups ...you need not drill any holes .So this is a no brainer.DO IT you will love the difference ..that is if you want more of a vintage tone .

The name plate is another issue .I'd leave it alone .

THey might have not been using helium in the compressor at that time ...that would give you a lighter finish .....just kidding .

anon · Post by **anon** » Sat Jan 13, 2001 12:40 pm

FATRAT, your '81 was heavier than the earlier models. I owned an '83 and an '86. The '86 was lighter. The pickguards were different too. There was at least a 1" difference in body width. The '83 was noticeably heavier.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Sat Jan 13, 2001 4:32 pm

I do recall seeing early 80s Ricks ,like 330s and 360s, and no kidding, I saw more than a few that had the "tops" as veiwed through the catseye
soundhole, that were at Least 1/4" thick tops.

anon · Post by **anon** » Sun Jan 14, 2001 1:27 am

thanks for the replies...
I bought a 83 360-12 that weighed a ton it had a real thick top....I sent it back....
this 320 is almost as heavy as my Gibson les paul.... I think Im just going to change out the pick ups for now and leave the rest alone...
the finish is really weather checked, what kind of paint were they using then???

FATRAT