My first ric --> 330/12

rmconner80 · Post by **rmconner80** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 10:28 am

After a few years of kicking the idea around I finally got serious. I got a promotion and though the money doesn't kick in for a few months, I figured now was the time for a ric.

So I started shopping around. Located some dealers in my neck of the woods (DC). Knew I wanted a 12. I had previously tried a 330/12 and swore them off as impossible to play, at least with my mitts. After trying one again with much lower action, I found it a lot more tolerable. The seed was planted. I tried a few more. Found some local for great and not so great prices, but I was holding out for one with toasters (or a mont. brown!). I looked around and the only one I could find was wildwood in colorado. I knew it wouldn't last, these things are hard enough to find even without the VP option.

But then I started on the 660/12 bug. Convinced myself that's what I wanted, even though I prefer the look of the 330. After much shopping, I found that these are even harder to find in stock! Couldn't play one locally. PM Blues had the one I wanted but it was out of my price range. Knew I wouldn't be happy with any other, and knew I couldn't wait for 6 months for a guitar I might not like as much as the expensive one I had my heart set on.

So I went back to the 330/12 at Wildwood. Still in stock! Flash forward 2 days and I got it a day earlier than expected (last night). Cracked the case and man am I glad I took a chance on it. It's a beautiful Fireglo, absolutely gorgeous. Photos CAN NOT do this finish justice. And it plays unbelievably better than all the others I've tried. And the toasters are IT!!!

The tone??! I need not even mention, if you've ever played one.

Aside from some intonation issues (I tune e flat for my band - a 12 string bridge is probably in the cards), I'm a very happy camper. I've played/owned a LOT of guitars, and I am really impressed with the QUALITY of this thing. It's unbelievable. It's on par with the best custom shop Gibsons I've played or owned, and far exceeds the CS turkeys that you can still buy for $3500. Ric really knows quality control and attention to detail. I love a good Gibson guitar but Gibson could really learn a lot from what Ric is doing (especially considering the price difference).

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 11:32 am

Congrats, Robert.... My SECOND Ric was a 330/12, and it continues to sing like an angel--wonderful-sounding guitar.

And what you said about the QUALITY of Rics compared to Gibsons is absolutely true....

Welcome to the club of Rickenfans, and may there be many more Rics in your future!

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 11:38 am

Another happy customer

Welcome to the forum. This is the place to feed your addiction, not to mention all he handy tech & set up info to be had. Now I really want a 12'er in FG! Please post some pics so we can all drool

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:04 pm

Welcome, Robert. Congratulations on a great first-up Rick and the colour selection. My first was Fireglo too!!

brian_l · Post by **brian_l** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:24 pm

Welcome to the forum. I know EXACTLY what you mean about the quality of a Rickenbacker versus a Gibson. My fireglo 360/6 makes my Gibson Flying V '67 reissue look like a piece of driftwood. The V is a nice guitar but the Rick is a better guitar in almost every way.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:25 pm

I'm getting a jones for a 330-12 now. But it's gotta be MB, I think...

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 12:31 pm

'Getting a jones', Paul? Please explain......

I'd take just about anything in MB! I hope there's still something in that finish hanging around when I'm over there. I don't really want to go through all that importing jazz again..... Erk!

rmconner80 · Post by **rmconner80** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:18 am

Hey all,

Sorry for the late post, I've been busy!

I'll work on getting some pics... it's a beauty!

Also - Paul, I hear ya on the Montezuma Brown (or did you mean Midnight Blue?). I would have loved a Monty Brown but I couldn't find one, much less one with toasters. I think that is a superb color and a bummer that it is discontinued.

Still, the fireglo looks SO MUCH better once you get it in your hands - I couldn't be happier.

krick · Post by **krick** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:34 am

I still have a 2004 Montezuma Brown 330/12 with Toasters and a 2004 Fireglo 340/12 with Toasters listed in the "Rickenbackers For Sale" section. Email for more information and additional photos.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:20 am

Midnight Blue would be MID. I'm talking Monte Brown.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:24 am

"jones" = gas (gear acquisition syndrome)

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:30 am

Thanks, Kevin.... I understand 'gas', but the 'jones/gas' link soars way over my head (don't forget I'm a dumb Aussie)!!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:33 am

Me and Mrs. Jones...

We gotta thing goin' on...

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:41 am

Aha! I would never have got it without the second line......

desertgoldenboy · Post by **desertgoldenboy** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:42 am

Mrs. Jangle would be very upset.