Wild price fluctuations - 381/12V69

amatson · Post by **amatson** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:29 am

I'm looking around, trying to figure out which 12 string to buy. I like the look of that 381/12V69 on the Ric site. Looking at harmony-central's user reviews, I'm seeing prices ranging from $1300 to $2000. One place quoted me around $2200 for a back-ordered one. Another wants $2700. How can I figure out what's fair?
On a happier note, even though my old aquaintance Andy Babiuk is no longer working at House of Guitars in Rochester, they gave me a price of $1250 on a new 360/12. Musician's Friend wanted $1400, FWIW. The HOG guys have always been really cool to me.

lars · Post by **lars** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:10 pm

The latest on sold on ebay went for $2300.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260053523408&rd=1&rd=1

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:15 pm

According to the price list I have, the list price for a 381/12v69 is $3269. If one takes the sale price and divides it by the list price, one can get a feel for how much of a discount is being offered; e.g., 2200/3269 = 0.673, about a 33% discount. I've seen normal discounts range from 40% to 30%, so 33% is, to me, about right.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:42 pm

...everytime I read a comment (not you, Alex, and welcome!)about how Ricks are pricey, snob guitars, I do that very same math in my head, Gary...a 381V69/12 (top of the Rick line) lists, and sells for, the same price, roughly, as a Professional Line Gretsch.

And they're made in USA in very limited numbers, whereas Gretsches are mass-produced in Japan.

A 21st century bargain--I'll say it again.

And, BTW, $2200.00 or thereabouts is a pretty good price for one.

libratune · Post by **libratune** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:36 pm

I agree that a new 381V69/12 priced at $2200 is right on. I would suggest, if you haven't already done so, trying out the different model 12 strings made by RIC. Some players swear by the smaller, solid-body 660-12 or 620-12 models, commenting that different tones can be coaxed out of them. Those models also have (ironically) a slightly wider neck at the nut. Others prefer the semi-hollow 360 or 330 12s, which have their own sound, and they are slightly thinner than the 381. Then there's the vintage pickup vs. the hi-gain (current models) debate, as to which I will simply say they are different pickups. There's no substitute for trying them out if you are going to be playing one.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:44 pm

660s have a wider neck at the nut; 620s don't.

My 660/12 feels smaller each time I strap it on...or is it me, I wonder?

My 381 feels like no other guitar, Rick or other brand. It is a blast out of the past. Smaller than a big Gretsch, but feels bigger. Something to do with the carve on both sides, I think.

Alex, if I were you, I'd start my Rick 12 experience with a nice new 330/12 or 340/12. Save some money, but also a more conventional "feel".

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:02 pm

"My 660/12 feels smaller each time I strap it on...or is it me, I wonder?"

Salt bloats you, Paul! Ya gotta quit doing all those tequilla shots!

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:48 pm

Never! Just use another guitar.