320 (81) vs. 325 JL Question.
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320 (81) vs. 325 JL Question.
I have a question about the 320 v 325JL. Here it is. I own both I have found that the 320(81) sounds warmer and has that twang where the 325JL has that twang but does NOT sound as warm and does not sustain like the older 320. WHY? Any thoughts? Could that be attributed to the 320 age?
- jingle_jangle
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Pickups. Your '81 320 came with High-Gains. Possibly the amplification you are using complements the High-Gains better.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
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That brings more questions to mind.
If the construction is different between the 325JL and the 80's built 320, is the construction different between the 325C64 and the 325JL?
Is the 325C64 , 325JL or 320 different in construction than the 325 Miami that JL used in 64?
Set aside the difference in the pickups or caps or knobs
If there is a difference what would they be and why
If the construction is different between the 325JL and the 80's built 320, is the construction different between the 325C64 and the 325JL?
Is the 325C64 , 325JL or 320 different in construction than the 325 Miami that JL used in 64?
Set aside the difference in the pickups or caps or knobs
If there is a difference what would they be and why
- studiotwosession
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Thank you Glenn for the welcome, I have been playing and collecting Ric's since 1965. I can say I have as much passion for Ric's as anyone on the forum.
Ric's have a very unique sound, you can pick a Ric out in any tune where a Ric is played, like some know the sound of a Ferrari or a Harley when it is heard but not seen.
Within the unique Ric sound there is a difference in sound between similar Ric's
I have become curious about the differences between Ric's which are similar or at least look similar in body design.
I think that since the 320 sustains longer than the 325JL unplugged no amp that would also translate when amplified regardless if the pickups are toaster or high gain.
What leaves me scratching my head is why they are twins save the pickups and knobs.
I hope someone can shed some light on my questions
All and all the differences will keep me buying the different Ric models. Talk about a love affair I need to keep from my wife.
Ric's have a very unique sound, you can pick a Ric out in any tune where a Ric is played, like some know the sound of a Ferrari or a Harley when it is heard but not seen.
Within the unique Ric sound there is a difference in sound between similar Ric's
I have become curious about the differences between Ric's which are similar or at least look similar in body design.
I think that since the 320 sustains longer than the 325JL unplugged no amp that would also translate when amplified regardless if the pickups are toaster or high gain.
What leaves me scratching my head is why they are twins save the pickups and knobs.
I hope someone can shed some light on my questions
All and all the differences will keep me buying the different Ric models. Talk about a love affair I need to keep from my wife.
The 80's 320's are 25 years old. Perhaps they have "opened up" like solid wood acoustics do over the years? I know my '81 320JG is very resonant unplugged.
2006 Rickenbacker 360/12FG
2005 Rickenbacker 4003FG
1981 Rickenbacker 320JG
2004 Larrivee L05
2005 Yamaha FG720-12
2006 Epiphone Casino
2004 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster
2003 LaPatie Etude Classical
1968 Yamaha FG150 Red Label
2005 Rickenbacker 4003FG
1981 Rickenbacker 320JG
2004 Larrivee L05
2005 Yamaha FG720-12
2006 Epiphone Casino
2004 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster
2003 LaPatie Etude Classical
1968 Yamaha FG150 Red Label
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Paul,
After speaking with several people I think Douglas is right. The difference in sound between the older 320 (80s guitars) and the newer 325s so I am told is that the 320s ability to sustain longer than the newer 325s and its mellower sound it due to its age.
The wood changes with age and the sound changes as well.
I would guess that the newer 325s will reach that when they are 25 years old too.
With that said I would go for the older 320 hands down more than the newer 325s (V,C or JL) I would just change the pickups to the toasters
The 320 is a real sweet ax which I think will likely sound closer to JLs 1964 Miami. if we could were able to play both side by side.
Any thoughts?
After speaking with several people I think Douglas is right. The difference in sound between the older 320 (80s guitars) and the newer 325s so I am told is that the 320s ability to sustain longer than the newer 325s and its mellower sound it due to its age.
The wood changes with age and the sound changes as well.
I would guess that the newer 325s will reach that when they are 25 years old too.
With that said I would go for the older 320 hands down more than the newer 325s (V,C or JL) I would just change the pickups to the toasters
The 320 is a real sweet ax which I think will likely sound closer to JLs 1964 Miami. if we could were able to play both side by side.
Any thoughts?
If you want to check a Rick like a 320 for top thickness, just open up the control cavity and look at the edges of the control rout hole. An '81 probably Is thicker.I recall seeing 360s from around then that had much thicker tops than 60s or 70s models and wondered what was up with that? Those guitars were noticeably heavier as well.
- studiotwosession
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There's no mention of differences in strings here. I assume whatever guitars are being compared have the same strings on them.
I used to think my 83 320 was heavier but I compared it to a '66 325 recently and felt little if any weight difference. So that top can't be that much thicker.
I used to think my 83 320 was heavier but I compared it to a '66 325 recently and felt little if any weight difference. So that top can't be that much thicker.
This is off the record
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- jingle_jangle
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Toasters look like a two-slice toaster when viewed from the top. Two oval black slots in each pickup.
Hi-gains have six exposed polepieces and the entire top is black with a chrome ring around the pickup.
The two are interchangeable though by no means identical in sound.
As far as I know, the early '80s 320s all had hi-gains.
Hi-gains have six exposed polepieces and the entire top is black with a chrome ring around the pickup.
The two are interchangeable though by no means identical in sound.
As far as I know, the early '80s 320s all had hi-gains.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut