Old Rickenbacker fan thinking of getting back in.

[ocduff]

First post -

My first real electric guitar was a 325v63 which I lusted after, and got for my 8th Grade graduation (also sort of a reward for getting so good at guitar). Believe it or not, my folks paid $1000 for it, w/case brand new in the box. Sold it 9 years later for $900. Not bad, huh? It had some belt buckle rash, some arm wear, some fret and fretboard wear. I played it out live quite a bit, recorded with it, and it treated me well. I took care of it, but it was well used.

Then I got onto Fenders, and have been into them a looong time now. No complaints there. I sold the Ric because I found that it just didn't play or sound as good as a Fender. It LOOKED 50 times better, but let's face it, a 3/4 scale guitar with strange wiring, just didn't seem that professional an instrument. That is MY opinion, btw, and I'm not saying it was the right one. I simply determined that Rics, although great to look at, were not as suitable to my changing style as other guitars.

So, coming back to Rics now, and thinking about getting another - I'm confronted with sort of a whole evolution of products, as well as a different company, it seems. Prices, for one thing - and I don't mind paying for a good American made product. I won't buy a $2000 Japanese Gretsch, so let's pray Rickenbacker never goes that route. That said, I notice they can't (or won't keep up with demand). It's sort of a situation where I can't even buy one if I wanted. Wait times and paying retail aren't really anything I'm considering. I mean, Musican Friend quoted me $3,200. Probably worth every penny, but that's a big expense.

Also, I notice that Ric's have a large following with customers who want to emulate the tone and sound (and look) or their favorite hero. I always loved Lennon's guitar, and admired him as a rhthym guitarist, but most of all, I just love the look of the 325 series. It just does it for me. However, I don't play much Beatle material - and other than rhythm work, I think I may find the 3/4 too little. But it's a moot point - 350 doesn't interest me. It doesn't look as good to me.

So, I'm trying to hold myself back about getting GAS - I need to determine if a 325c58 MG is right for me, to plunk around on, or if I want to deal with the wait, hassle and expense of finding one.

Anyone been in the same shoes, have any insights to share? Most of all, I'm thinking about coming back to a particular style of guitar that I played for 9 years, and loved. But I got turned onto Fenders and I wonder if coming back to Rics, I'll feel something is missing.

[jingle_jangle]

Welcome, Owen!

That's a lot of questions, and I also sense a whole lot of doubt.

Why would you want to come back to a "short-scale guitar with weird wiring"? (Your words) And, of all things, the quirkiest Rick in the line, and one of the hardest to find? Hmmm...if it's for nostalgia's sake (and this certainly sounds like a massive nostalgia attack), and $2K+ for a trip down memory lane isn't too rich for your blood, then, fine. If it's for daily use, you're going to be disappointed, I think. There are better Ricks for daily use.

I love American-made products, and especially Rickenbackers, but you're missing out on a good thing by being stubborn re: Japanese Gretsches...the American-made ones are way, way overpriced, and the Japanese-built ones are of excellent quality and very good value.

As to whether Rick is a "different company", that's hard to deny, although I don't see anything but another Golden Age of Rickenbackers in terms of product line and quality. You really can't lose, thanks to their devotion to their products and the building of same.

One thing for sure: chances are that you can recover the cost of your 325C58 jaunt, no matter when you do decide to sell.

Once you find one for sale, that is...

[BobKat]

Owen, if I were you, I would give string consideration to the single most popular RIC guitar: a Jetglo 330 six-string. The blackand white give it the Lennon vibe a bit, the 330 body and neck make it extremely versatile and playable, and the sound is, well, Rickenbacker. It's like the Swiss Army knife of RICs.

My first RIC six was a '85 330JG. Wish I still had it.

[BobKat]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/msg/578230424.html

Here we go.

[doctorwho]

Welcome, Owen!

If you are accustomed to Fenders, the 650 series neck might be a more natural feel to you. The 650C is the only one currently in production, but it is available in all finishes offered.

I don't see your location listed ... depending on where you live, you might be close to a Confluence, where many models and variations of Rickenbackers are displayed and (usually) can be played. This would give you the opportunity to try out some of the newer models to see whether they might suit you better.

[ocduff]

Thanks everyone for your kind and thoughtful responses. You all raise some good point - Jingle Jangle I think you keyed in on something I forgot to mention - nostalgia. I think this is a big part of it - I have dreamt about that old Ric I had, and regret having sold it. And I just want to go back to being 14 and playing one!

And I mean no disrespect - the 325 is indeed a quirky guitar. But quirky is good - I like that. And I love the way they look and I loved the way my old one played and sounded.

And the best point - and a great point about guitar gear, is that if you buy right, you always get your money back. So I'll be keeping my eye out for a 325c58 in Maple Glo.

And thanks for the 330 and 650. I do like the 620 vintage model in Maple Glo too...hmm. Anyway the 325 just does it for me. Also, the other model I really like are the old Capri's - I used to play a '58 FG, and that thing looked fabulous. I wonder if Ric will ever reissue that model. That would surely sway me away from the 325.

Anyway, thanks folks for reading my ramblings - I'll let you all know when I purchase.

[jingle_jangle]

And I mean no disrespect - the 325 is indeed a quirky guitar. But quirky is good - I like that. And I love the way they look and I loved the way my old one played and sounded.

And the best point - and a great point about guitar gear, is that if you buy right, you always get your money back. So I'll be keeping my eye out for a 325c58 in Maple Glo.

And thanks for the 330 and 650. I do like the 620 vintage model in Maple Glo too...hmm. Anyway the 325 just does it for me. Also, the other model I really like are the old Capri's - I used to play a '58 FG, and that thing looked fabulous. I wonder if Ric will ever reissue that model. That would surely sway me away from the 325.

Anyway, thanks folks for reading my ramblings - I'll let you all know when I purchase.

For the C58, you'll probably be in the $2K range. $1800 or under is a bargain; $2300 is top dollar. For a good one with OHSC, of course. Read up on 'em, because the control operation and vibrato are both quirky indeed.

Although the C58 was the first Rick I lusted after when I got back into geetars in '04, after losing a half-dozen Ebay auctions for them, I moved on and bought some (about 25) other Ricks. I finally got my C58 last year from Dan Powell, RRF member. It's the only 6-string Rick electric that's out on a stand in my living room for instant access. In short, although an acquired taste, it's a kick in the pants to pick up and play...light as a feather and chink-a-chink-a-chink.

[JakeK]

Welcome!

I, like you, wanted a 325 forever and wondered when I would get one. When I finally got it, I used it a good deal, but after a few months, I used my Fender Telecaster more than I did the 325. Eventually, I ended up not using it at all, and sold it (the guitar didn't really sell until a few weeks ago when a member from this forum (that's you, Arrow201!) purchased it and was very satisfied with it.

My main guitar lately has been a Fender Stratocaster '62 RI. I use that guitar for all my 6-string work. If I'm rehearsing, it's very seldom I'll change it out once I put it on.

Now, I've got a Ric 12 (660/12), but I want a Ric 6-er. Now, a 330 or a 360 wouldn't satisfy me because of the hi-gain pickups and the 24-fret neck. I've found a '99 1997 from Chris' Guitars which I should be purchasing before too long...

If you run across a 1997, try and get that. Whatever you do, don't get the one from Chris' Guitars. That's going to be mine!

Best of luck on your hunt for a new Ric!

[wj350]

Howdy Owen,

Welcome back to the infectious world of Rics! There are a couple new 325c58 MGs on Gbase at the moment. Now idea what the prices are, but they're dealers so you may be able to work with them--these are, as you're already aware it seems a bit of niche guitar, so they may be helpful in dealing.

325s

I'm a big fan of the 325 and 350 style. As Paul points out, the c58s are a joy to play, partly because they're so feather light...I think my strap almost weighs as much as the guitar .

Happy hunting!

Bill

[ric330]

Welcome Owen,
There's a Pickup Winder out there named Owen Duffy I think...Is that you?
Welcome Back to Rickenbacker. There are so many used Ricks out there that you should be able to find one you like.
So maybe it won't be your only guitar or main axe but surely could be a part another inspiration for you.
Keep your eyes open, search the net, Ricks pop up for sale all the time - even the 325 you want.
Love to have you here around the forum.

[brianeharmonjr]

Owen,

In regards to being discouraged by the search and pricing, I think we've all been in that boat at one time or another recently. I know it's really tough, but it is definitely worth the wait if you can get what you really want for a good deal. I had been looking for a 325c58 MG for quite some time, recently. I turned down several deals on similar guitars, and held out paying too much just to get what I wanted. After a long time of searching ebay, gbase, and cragslist, calling around to tons of stores, and hanging out on forums like this, THE one finally came around for the right price, and it was worth the wait. I finally was able to snag the beauty pictured below used, but in great condition, for $1750. So, you just have to tough it out until the right one comes along. I've had similar experiences with a couple of other models, including a 330 Blueboy that I just put some money on after searching for years for one.

About the 325's 3/4 scale, it does take a little getting used to. After finding the right string gauge (.012 Ric's) and the right tailpiece (trapeze), it now stays in tune perfectly and is a joy to play. After I received it, I played it every night after work (and still do), I got very comfortable with it. It's an incredible little rhythm instrument. Once you get up past the 12th fret, it's a little cramped for fingers as fat as mine, but I absolutely love it! I say hold out for what you want.

[ocduff]

Brian and everyone -

Wow, sweet c58...wow. Yep, that's exactly what I want. There's no rational reason to why I want it, I just do. Been kicking it around for years. As much as I love my other guitars, and swore I would never have more guitars than I can play, I just feel a calling to this guitar again. I remember when I used to have that v63 I loved it. Used to tell my friends I'd never sell it. But then I got my hands full of vintage guitars and I let the v63 go.

Anyway, I had an Early Beatles book with a bunch of cool pics in it, one of which was this, and I just always loved this guitar, and was amazed, even then, how different it was from the v59 model.

http://www.germanbeat.info/images/hbc_jl.jpg

I'm sure you've all seen that pic, but I've always loved it. Forgot to mention that perhaps (blasphemy?) one of my favorite Beatles albums is actually the Live at the Star Club stuff. Honestly, I'm a big fan of early rock and roll, and I'm not sure it was ever done better than that. What a great band the Beatles were, first and foremost.

Anyway - so yep, I need to get my hands on a 325c58 in MapleGlo. Been doing lots of reading over the years - I think it's the guitar for me. It just speaks to me. Sounds like the same is true for a lot of others here. And btw, what a great group this is - makes me want to be part of the club!

And Kevin - yep, I'm that pickup guy. Getting back into Rics might get me passionate about building some pickups for them. I've done some rewinds on them, but the demand is really low compared to Fenders and Gibsons.

Thanks again - and thanks for the Gbase links. I think I'll wait for a used one to come up. So if $1800-$2300 is the used price, what is a reasonable "new" price from a dealer, with the waiting list, etc.? Not sure I want to take that $1000 hit right off the bat. That is what's nice about guitars - but them for $X, sell them for $X, or there abouts. In some ways, you are paying to "hold" them for a while.

- Owen

[wj350]

So if $1800-$2300 is the used price, what is a reasonable "new" price from a dealer, with the waiting list, etc.?

When I bought mine, it was around $21-$2200 new, and about an 11 month wait. I'd say on average the new prices would be in the ballpark of $2600 new, considering Ric raised the list price from $3200 to around $3800.

[johneek]

Owen, Email sent.....

[JamiePresto]

I just wanted to tell you that I have played Rickenbackers for the past 43 years, and I have owned many. I own 4 right now--and two are reissues of the 325 C58 and the 325 C64. I love my C 58, but it does not come ready to play. Mine took 2 separate set-ups, and fret filings because the frets angled out from the fretboard so sharply. Took 6 months to really notice that. And now it seems it needs more filing, and I keep my guitar room humidified. And that flat fretboard--I don't know whose idea that was, but it is not comfortable or aesthetically pleasing. And, it takes quite an amplifier to boost this guitar's signal. It's a quiet guitar. Hope you have a powerful amp.

Okay--the C 64 is the opposite. The fretboard has not shrunk, it's curved for easy playability, and the pick-ups will knock you out. Three times the power of the C 58, and it sounds like a full scale guitar. Every note perfect, all the way up the scales. A far-superior instrument.

Look--I own both and I love both for different reasons, but the people who tell you they are at all comparable don't know what they are talking about. They either have limited guitar experience, or have no way of making distinctions. The C 64 is superior in every way, including action. You can only take the C 58 strings down so far before they begin buzzing on the high frets. The pick ups are set so high. The C 64 can come very close to the fretboard and make playing a dream.

This may be too late to help you, and many will disagree with me, but they're wrong, and you will be able to prove it to yourself if you get an opportunity to play both guitars.

--Jamie