Are 381's worth the money?
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
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1ststatestereo
Are 381's worth the money?
I cant get my mind off a 381. I know they are much more than any other Rick, but is it worth it?
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1ststatestereo
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jingle_jangle
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Welcome, Mark! I was very fortunate in that my first Rick 6 was a 381. It was love at first sight. I've had it for 5 months now, and it's finally settled in, as have I.
In brief: There is nothing like one of these in the world. The best example I can give is that no matter which of my other guitars I play, returning to the 381 brings into sharp focus how superior of an instrument it is. The neck, action, and tone possibilities are fantastic. That's ignoring the sheer physical beauty of the instrument, which by the way, is impossible.
Cost? Yep. they're pricey--sort of. But I have several instruments by other manufacturers in the same price range, and they are made overseas. Ricks are American-made with the same methods and skills as they always have been, in many cases by the same skilled people who've been making them for years.
American-made Gretsches cost nearly 3X as much, if you can find one, and then you've gotta be a Gretschhead and a wealthy collector to boot. Fender Custom Shop stuff starts out where a 381 is, and goes up--way up--from there.
Suggested list on a 381 is around $3K. You can find a new one for under $2K. My advice? Black or a custom color--they're out there. But you can't go wrong, whatever color.
In brief: There is nothing like one of these in the world. The best example I can give is that no matter which of my other guitars I play, returning to the 381 brings into sharp focus how superior of an instrument it is. The neck, action, and tone possibilities are fantastic. That's ignoring the sheer physical beauty of the instrument, which by the way, is impossible.
Cost? Yep. they're pricey--sort of. But I have several instruments by other manufacturers in the same price range, and they are made overseas. Ricks are American-made with the same methods and skills as they always have been, in many cases by the same skilled people who've been making them for years.
American-made Gretsches cost nearly 3X as much, if you can find one, and then you've gotta be a Gretschhead and a wealthy collector to boot. Fender Custom Shop stuff starts out where a 381 is, and goes up--way up--from there.
Suggested list on a 381 is around $3K. You can find a new one for under $2K. My advice? Black or a custom color--they're out there. But you can't go wrong, whatever color.
“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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jingle_jangle
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1ststatestereo
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jingle_jangle
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Mine's Montezuma Brown. It's been personalized, with gold pickguards, oven knobs and a Kaufmann.
“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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scoobster28
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Paul, do you actually use the Kaufmann or did you "set the rivet" so it wouldn't move. Either way, great instrument. I played a 381JK once and the feel of the guitar was great. Sounded good too. I only hope I will have enough money to get one of these, maybe in Blueburst, before they discontinue the color. Summer job, here I come!
"Here he is, come to pay homage to the Rickenbacker display!" (Said to me by owner Bruce at the "Great House of Guitars" in Rochester, NY)
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highway_star
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They are definitely works of art and have great tone to boot. I pulled one out while some friends and I were jamming on some rockabilly stuff and everyone loved the chimey sound. You can dial in a nice chime or twang and then set it for a nice creamy tone on the neck pickup. And the fit and finish is outstanding, which is something I've come to expect from Rickenbacker.
Get one if you can afford it.
Get one if you can afford it.
If you think all is going well, you've obviously overlooked something.