Need to let go - Which one?

[Oskar]

I have two gorgeous Ric 360s and one, unfortunately has to go. However, I cannot decide which one and need some help. Here is what I have and what I want to keep.

1993 MG with toasters and vintage style black tolex case

1999 FG with stock pickups and molded case

I want to keep the toasters and the tolex case regardless of the guitar I end up keeping. Both play and feel great. I have been told that 1993 was the last year the 360 was hand made or hand carved. Not sure of which, or whether this is even true or not. The 1999 has the really beautiful rich fireglo, almost a crimson. Photos of the culprits are below. At this point I am interested in keeping the guitar that is probably worth more on the market and would hold its value over time. Not even sure if any of this makes any sense, and trust me, I've struggled with the "whichever one you like best" approach. I like them both That's what's frustrating. Any guidance would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[beatlefreak]

I would think that the value for both would be about equal. Which one plays easiest? Which one intonates the best? Which one has the most interesting grain?

[Oskar]

They both play very nicely, and intonation doesn't really seem to be a problem, although I haven't don't much with the FG. The grain is about the same on both, although the color of the FG is pretty stunning in person.
Do you think it's worth it to put the toasters in the FG and swap cases? I've had some who have said you should keep everything original.

[paologregorio]

If it's a toss up, then sell the FG; that way you don't have to unsolder and resolder the toasters, as well as unsolder and resolder the hi gains into the guitar you're not keeping. Everything stays original ( I don't think that's such a big deal with Rics, IMHO), and you have the black tolex case that came with the guitar.

[ken_j]

I like both MG and FG but the pic you posted makes me lean toward the FG. Of course as said before if one plays better than the other that would be the main factor.

[Oskar]

Yeah, I lean toward the FG as well, but I've heard the MG may be more valuable in that it was the last year (1993) that the Rics were hand carved. Any validity to this? Personally I can't tell the difference. If I do keep the FG I would put in the toasters and keep the tolex case from the MG.

[JakeK]

Personally, they're both pretty cool...if I were you, I'd keep the FG (but that's just cos I'm a FG fan! ).

[ricaddic]

KEEP THE FIREGLO, KEEP THE FIREGLO, KEEP THE FIREGLO, KEEP THE FIREGLO, KEEP THE FIREGLO, She is absolutely stunning.

[miltric]

I have no idea whether the hand-carving claim is true. Assuming it plays and sounds as good as the MG, I'd keep the FG. If you feel confident in your ability to swap the pups cleanly, you'll have what for many is THE standard-bearer in terms of model and color (the shading is really something). If it may be awhile before you get another Rick, you might want to have the more iconic one in your stable.

Every time I pass by my 360 AFG, I gawk amazedly at it. Of course, I have a 330 MG that I'm pretty attached to as well. Do you really have to part with one of them?

[Oskar]

Do you really have to part with one of them?

I really do. I already have too many guitars and while I am basically a Telecaster player my dream was to always own a Ric. Now I have two and am facing the dilemma. I really appreciate the input here and in many ways it's confirmed my wanting to keep the FG. Swapping the pickups is not a problem. I've done many swaps on my Telecasters so I'm pretty experienced.

I forgot to mention that when I got the FG the guy threw in an unused Ric-O-Sound unit. Still in the plastic The price of the Ric was irresistible , but when he said he had the Ric-O-Sound, I couldn't resist.

Here's a close-up of the FG

[leesh]

My vote is with the FG...but then I've always been a bit impartial when it comes to fireglo.

[cmuk]

Ditch the toilet seat!

[Clint]

Ditch the Teles.

[grazioso]

keep the 93. those were about best neck they ever made.

[paologregorio]

Sell them both and buy this WB from me :