660/12 versus 360/12 Tonality Sound Off

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat May 31, 2003 6:08 am

The Beatles' and Byrds' sound is associated with the Model 360/12 semi-hollow body and the Tom Petty sound with the 660/12 solidbody. This is not surprising given that these artists recorded with these instruments.

I would like to hear from those who have been able to play these instruments side by side. Is the resultant Beatles/Byrds versus Tom Petty tonality in keeping with the above stated stereotype?

Can you play Beatles and Byrds with a Model 660/12 and Tom Petty with a Model 360/12 convincingly?

wileyibex · Post by **wileyibex** » Sat May 31, 2003 1:01 pm

I should think so, depending on whether or not your definition of "convincingly" implies a requirement that the end result must be a slavish and exact copy of a prior work.

On tour, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers appear to do a convincing job of playing their own material on Fenders. I've heard Roger McGuinn play remarkably convincing versions of Byrds songs on Takemine or Martin acoustic 12-strings; while McCartney seems to be able to pull off Beatle material without Ric's. Many attenders appear to be taken in by their clever ruse, and have not rushed off to the ticket window in high dudgeon to request refunds for their tickets.

Seriously, I find the tendency of some Ric afficianados to engage in bell-jar antiquarianism to be a little spooky and off-putting. Although some here would expect and demand authentic and faithful exact reproduction of prior works, ("What kind of extension cords did the Searchers use in 1968...What was the thickness of Harrison's picks on...?"), I don't feel the need to demand exact copies myself. If I want to hear that, there's always the recorded version. If you're a creative artist, feel free to bring something new to the party.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat May 31, 2003 5:18 pm

Paul: I agree with the fact that one can do a convincing job of a cover tune with an instrument other than the one that was used to make the original recording.

I will also conceed that it is great to put your own spin on a popular song. I am still interested in the perceived tonality differences between the Model 660/12 and the Model 360/12. The semi-acoustic models tending to be brighter to my ear than the solidbodies which have a greater sustain.

I am wondering whether others share this view of differences in tonality between these models or if they have a different experience.

jerrymac · Post by **jerrymac** » Sun Jun 01, 2003 11:10 am

Peter,

I had a 620/12 and a 360/12. You are correct, the 360/12 is without doubt brighter sounding.

Before I sold the 620/12, I replaced the high-gains with humbuckers. The 620/12 sounded much better with the HBs.

jerrymac

corey · Post by **corey** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 6:04 am

I'm just more drawn to the semi hollow sound, I guess. I like the 600 series sound to be sure (Rics are Rics!) but I'm not a solidbody player, really.

Peter Buck has been using a Danelectro 12 as his "jangle axe" of choice recently - again, convincing without using a Ric 12. The player's hands are a big factor, obviously.

wormdiet · Post by **wormdiet** » Mon Jun 02, 2003 6:22 am

I had the chance to do this exact same taste-test this weekend. . . . unfortunately I didn't realize the store I was visiting had both models in stock

Kicking myself because I'd really be intreesting in knowing this difference for future reference.