330 for Early Beatles Sound or 325C58

audiophile · Post by **audiophile** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:03 pm

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase my first Ric. I am looking for that early Beatles sound as I'm sure most here are as well. Will the 330 do it for me or do I need to spend the extra money on the 325C58?

Thanks

jonpaul · Post by **jonpaul** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:18 pm

Paul, To me the 325c58 is the way to go. It not only has the sound you are looking for but it also has the visual vibe. I love mine and it's a blast to play. However, keep in mind that it is a 3/4 scale guitar and the neck is a bit smaller and can cause some discomfort if you have larger hands. The other thing is that the 325C58 was mainly used as a rhythm guitar, if you are playing lead you may want to check out the 330. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck on your choice.

eggman · Post by **eggman** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:23 pm

Paul,

That depends on how serious you are about duplicating John's rhythm guitar sounds. I had a little 325 some 20 years ago. They're surprisingly small and require concentration and deliberation when playing even your basic chords.
If you cut your teeth on a Fender, the little 325 will be an adjustment. Still they've got a unique tone, owing largley but not entirely to those 3 "Toaster Top" pickups.
With that in mind, I made my next Rickenbacker a JG 330 to come close in terms of looks and sound for John's 325. The full-size guitar was easier to play. I suggest getting a 340 Jet-Glo) and retro-fitting 3 "Toaster Top" pickups. This'll basically be a slightly larger (and easier to play, really!)version of John's little 325 right down to the pickups. As for the Bigsby talipiece? I'd just stick with the standard "R" tailpiece. It all depends on how much realism you are after.
FWIW,I've owned a re-issue of John's little 325 and a stock JG 330. The stock jet-glo 330 will get you at least 66% of the way there tone and sound-wise. Use "toaster-tops" and you'll be 80% or closer.
The larger body of the 330 does impart a slightly different tone, along with a full-scale compared to a 3/4 scale neck. Good luck and have fun. Rickenbackers are a blast and look DYNAMITE on a stage, especially in JG; it captures a little of the John Lennon "mystique"

Larry

audiophile · Post by **audiophile** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:36 pm

The sound is what I am mostly after but the Jet-Glo is a must. I did cut my teeth on a Fender so it appears that the 330/340 would be a better fit for me as far as comfort.

Are the toaster-tops hard to find?

eggman · Post by **eggman** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:45 pm

Paul,

The vintage pickups ("Toaster-Tops") are the easy part. Try Pick of the Ricks. There are other places which may be cheaper..you may want to start a seperate THREAD to find the source with the lowest price on "toaster tops"

They LOOK so cool, too!Good luck.

Larry
PS: FWIW: John disconnected the middle p/u on his little 325. I'd suggest just getting a stock 330 (JG) with just the 2 pickups, THEN retro-fitting the "toaster-tops"; they are an exact fit.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:50 pm

Paul: Cheers and welcome to the forum. You'll love it here!!

If the 3/4 scale neck is an issue (and it certainly is for me), I'd suggest a 350V63 'Liverpool'. 325 size body, full scale neck, three vintage reissue toaster pickups and trapeze tailpiece.

I've got the older 24 fret version with hi-gains, and it's great!!

If you'd prefer the larger body, a 340 JG with the VP option from the factory might just fit the bill.

rickinroma · Post by **rickinroma** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:01 pm

I agree with Howard...350 jetglo... the same body of the 325 but full scale neck...same look and probably same sound if you choose the toasters

jonpaul · Post by **jonpaul** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:12 am

Good call Howard, I had completely over looked the 350V63 (shame on me, naughty boy). It would definitely give the sound & visual vibe of the 325 at a larger scale. Paul, I'm not trying to slag off on the 330, but it doesn't have the overall vibe that the 350V63 would have, again JMO. You might want to check 'em all out (play 'em) and see which one feels the most comfortable to ya. They are all great guitars, after all they are RICKS! Again, best of luck in your search & keep us informed.

audiophile · Post by **audiophile** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:26 am

Thanks to all!

I will play as many as I can and report back. Doing a bit more research and with some of the great advice from the list I seem to most be interested in the 350V63.

Paul

brammy · Post by **brammy** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:54 am

Have you considered a 360?

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:12 am

Paul: Welcome to The Rickenbacker Forum. If you think that you may only get one Rickenbacker guitar I would choose one that is aforable and versatile.

I would go for a 21 fret model with toasters. I consider that you will be very happy with the sound and look of a Model 1997 in Jetglo or Fireglo.

Two pickups fits the bill for The Beatles and the dot fret markers do as well. Also, the jetglo finish with the whilte guards is tough to beat for a Beatle look.

As a purist, you might move toward a model 325 but in practical terms I would select an instrument that has the vintage toaster sound and the classic look along with being a comfortable and versatile player.

All of the advice here has been good. But knowing what I know now, my first guitar would be a Model 1997. I would choose fireglo over jetglo and pretend that it is Lennon's backup model 1996.

rickinroma · Post by **rickinroma** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:26 am

Paul there's a 355 Lennon limited edition on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7339602531&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

audiophile · Post by **audiophile** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:09 am

What's a fair price for a 355 Lennon?

audiophile · Post by **audiophile** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:19 am

Peter,

Why the model 1997 over the others. Is the model 1997 still available?

What is the best place to shop for a Ric?

Thanks
Paul

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:59 am

Peter can give you more info on this than I but this is a model 1997, Paul. They can be found with some searching or help. It is essentially a 330 body with some great appointments, toasters, trapeze tail and 21 frets.