Looking for the "right" 325 model

[Ricky63]

I have a 350v63 and am wanting to acquire a 325. I like the sound of my 350, but the neck does feel a little too long to me. Has anyone owned and/or played both the 325c58 and 325c64- and have an opinion that one is preferable to the other in terms of sound and playability? I am aware of their differences.....and have heard, for example, about the issues with the Vibrola tailpiece on the 325c58. I know that only the 325c64 is currently made. Used is fine- as would have to be the case anyhow for the 325c58. My concern is for the most part sound and playability. To complicate matters, there is also the 325v59, also discontinued from production. One Rick owner who had owned and played all three told me he found his 325c58 and 325v59 awkward to play and imbalanced sound-wise, yet gave the 325c64 a thumbs up. Others have raved about the former two. It's not easy to "shop" for these when there is no way to walk in to a place a be able to get your hands on all three. Bearing in mind the inevitable subjective preferences among these models, any suggestions from folks having experience with these 325s would be greatly appreciated. Apologies if this discussion may already exist in a previous thread. Thank you!

[krick]

My favorite 325 model is the recent "1996 AFG" reissue. It was a limited model that was produced in 2005 through 2008. There is more information about it here:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/model.asp?model=1996

It appears to be the same guitar as the 325C64 but with an added f hole and the Amber Fireglo finish. There were also a few finished in Jetglo. I like the looks of the 325C58 and 325V59 models but I prefer the feel and playability of the thinner body 325V63, 325C64 , and 1996 models.

[egosheep]

I prefer the 325c58 because I love older Ric's, and it's a very unique 325. I love the thicker body and the older tuners. I find that the thicker body goes better with the short scale. I also like to think about John sweating and battering it night after night in the clubs in Germany. It's just cooler to me, bottom line.

[MyBBruce]

Just a matter of opinion. I personally have owned all 3 325v59 325c58 and the 325c64 as well as a 350v63 like the OP. I found that the boxey body on the C58 made it somewhat awkward. The C64 for me at least was hands down easier to play. Like right out of the box. Came with a great setup and awesome neck. Of the 3 listed it's what I kept. It's just what you like. Personally I don't see how you find the 350v63 neck to long..It's shorter than your average guitar. It's a small guitar in it's own right. However if you like the way the body felt next to you while playing you'll probably like the C64. This is just a guess: But I think many buyers buy the C58 and for whatever reason sell it soon afterwards. You see more used of those on ebay than you do newer used C64's. A 1996 is technically the same body and neck as a C64 .

[Ricky63]

Krick: I had not heard of a 1996 AFG before- thanks for your info.
Egosheep: I hear you re: the vibe of the 325c58, especially in mapleglo. Beautiful looking guitar. And the gold colored pickguard and headstock plate look KILLER. Thanks
MyBBruce: I should clarify that the 350 neck is not too long nor is it uncomfortable, just some sometimes feels long compared with the small and slim body, to me only- it's probably as much a visual to me after all the years of seeing the 325 body with the 3/4 neck. That being said, I do love the way the body thickness feels on my 350v63, like it's totally part of you when you're playing it. And, I've become very comfortable with being able to tweak the tones with the 5th blender knob (I know, there is some almost humorous debate on the function of this 5th knob.....but I get it and love it). All that being said, the 325c64 may well be the move I need to make. It's pick-ups and the 5 control knobs are the same as the 350. Ebay now has a 1999 325v63 up right now.....I assume that's an earlier model name Rickenbacker used for the Miami guitar back then.....? Thanks for your input

[deaconblues]

I've owned a 325v63, a 325c58, and a 325c64. The c64 was my favorite sound and feel wise, the c58 was my favorite for looks and cool factor. v63s are more solid than c64s and the edges are a bit rounder. Other than that, they aren't much different unless they have the "hot" toasters. I don't much like the v59 as it's on the heavy side with a thick maple body and it has a super slim neck, almost like a Kramer or something.

The only problem was that the 3/4 neck meant my other guitars got a lot more play time, and my 325 sat in the closet.

[Ricky63]

Thanks Dan- in looking around as to what pops up on Ebay or Craigslist used.....it appears that a used 325c64 Miami is hard to find. Most all folks most love this guitar when they get it!

[deaconblues]

Wish I could have helped you out! I just traded mine 2 weeks ago.

The 1996 is an excellent choice too. The only difference playability-wise from a c64 is a flatter radius on the fretboard.

Good luck with the search.

[paologregorio]

I like the C58 with its thicker body style-reminds me a bit of my Gretsch Jets. The short scale makes for riffing on the mid-upper, and upper frets, easily done with the index and middle fingers only, Django style.

[JackAlan]

Still trying to learn about the Ric's in my search for my first 325. What is the v & c versions? Are they more the year that they were released or are the "c"s suppose to be the closest match to the vintage early 1960's models.

Is it the old 58 are hard to play vs. the 64 models too?

Thanks for the tips.

Jack Allen