Which is the better guitar to play the 330/6 or the 360/6

[andyenobs]

I have only played a 330/6 so what are the main differences on the 360/6 apart from the shape ?
All opinions welcome.

[jps]

Better?

[sloop_john_b]

I’d say the round top on the 360 is a little more comfy on the forearm than the “slab” 330.

[andyenobs]

Hi John
Is there any difference in the sound from a 360 to the 330 ?

[iiipopes]

Which is the better guitar to play: the 330/6 or the 360/6?
Yes.

[collin]

Aside from the rounded top, the only discernible difference playing a 360 is the bound neck, in my opinion.

Some folks prefer the feel of the unbound neck or vice versa.

Generally though, it's mostly a cosmetic difference and down to preference.

[jdogric12]

I've always felt the 330 (and OS or WB 360's) has more "bite" but I can't explain it with science and may be totally wrong. That said, I've played a lot of both and I don't think I've met a round-top 360 I didn't like.

[Tommy]

Aside from the rounded top, the only discernible difference playing a 360 is the bound neck,
Some folks prefer the feel of the unbound neck or vice versa.

The bound neck is preferable. Two reasons:

1. it seems to provide a better glide for my fret hand, and

2. no two ways about it, when winter comes with its dry weather, the fret ends do sprout out a bit on my 330. I don't feel them when I play (I suppose that's due to the way I shape my hand when I fret notes), but if I run a finger down the edge of the fretboard, I do feel the ends of the frets. The 330 is apt to suffer from fret sprout, while the 360 isn't.

Bad thing about slight fret sprout on a Ric is that it is near impossible to get rid of. Taking a file to the ends would damage the glossy finish that Ric puts on their necks and fretboards. And even hydrating a Rickenbacker for a few days doesn't make the fret sprout disappear as it does on other guitars. I suppose the heavy gloss on the neck slows down the hydration.

But once again, I do not feel the fret sprout at all when I play. That's a good thing. But it is there. I feel it when I just run a finger along the neck. Very slight, but there. Goes away come Spring and Summer months.

[andyenobs]

Thanks to all for your comments most enlightening. And a special thanks to Scott for his unique contribution.

[jps]

Thanks to all for your comments most enlightening. And a special thanks to Scott for his unique contribution.

You welcome. It's a shame you didn't elaborate on whch you feel is the better guitar, yourself, Dunstan.

As to the 330/360 Question, either one works just as well for me. Binding/no binding, curved front/slab front, body shape. It's all personal preference, really. I will give a nod to the 330 for being lighter in weight, therefore, more comfy to play, ( so, I suppose it is the better guitar ).

You?

[andyenobs]

I had a 2009 330/6 which I didn't find difficult in any way except for the neck for whatever reason would get grippy or sticky at the top between 1st and 3rd frets. Despite cleaning it thoroughly with a solution of vinegar and water and then polishing it with a good quality guitar polish the same thing would happen again. Also the body which was in Mapleglo was pretty bland so I got rid. I think Tommy's point about binding on the neck is very valid as I always felt the frets on the 330/6 always felt prominent on the ends. I have both a 660/6 and a 660/12 in charactered Maple and I genuinely love both of them. Great action set up and playability. But I have never played a 360/6. I did have a Walnut 330/12 but found the neck width restrictive so in the end I traded it in for a 12 string Taylor in maple. If I can afford it in the future and I am getting old now maybe a 360/6 in Walnut.

[andyenobs]

Jeffrey my note earlier was aimed at Scott Pope not YOU !

[collin]

Thanks to all for your comments most enlightening. And a special thanks to Scott for his unique contribution.

You welcome. It's a shame you didn't elaborate on whch you feel is the better guitar, yourself, Dunstan.

Jeff - simmer down, bull dog.

Andy came here with a question - not an answer.

[jps]

GGGGRRRRRRRR_WOOF!

[drumbob]

If you ask us, you'll get differing opinions, because we all have our preferences. If you go play examples of both guitars, you'll know and be you will able to answer your own question. If you can't find local examples to play and buy one online, make sure the seller has a return policy. Both guitars have their own unique features. Obviously, we can't predict which one you'll like better.