'66 360/12RM?? vs. '04 660/12

[sloop_john_b]

I made a couple of quick videos to compare the tones of my two Rick 12's, the re-necked '66 360/12MG and my old '04 660/12 Blue Boy.

Both guitars are running through my Vox AC-30 CC (Wharfdale speakers) with the settings untouched.

Both guitars are strung up with TI Jazz Flats and have had them for just about the same amount of time (2-3 months).

Both guitars are running the bridge pickup only - a new scatterwound 7.4kohm toaster.

No effects. Camera placed in just about the same spot.

The difference we're hearing - if any - is solidbody vs. hollowbody and late 80's wiring vs. new wiring. Also, it'll be interesting to see whether or not the oven knobs make a difference over the silver-tops.

The tune is a very short version of one of my songs, which is usually played with a capo at the 5th fret (key of F), but I decided to forego the capo for this. You may notice, however, that the 360/12 has a capo at the 2nd fret - this is because I keep it tuned down a whole step.

First, the 660/12:



The 360/12:



So, what kind of difference do you guys hear? Any? Which one do you prefer?

[JakeK]

I heard a small difference -- the 360 being more open rather than the 660. Were you using any compression of some sort?

Owning a 660, you'd think I'd lean on it...I'm torn between the two!

[sloop_john_b]

No effects Jake. The 660/12 certainly has a "tightness" and top-end sparkle that the 360/12 does not - for better or for worse.

[jwilli]

I heard a small difference -- the 360 being more open rather than the 660.

+1.

I liked them both, they just sound a tad different. Just like all of my Ricks!

[sloop_john_b]

Ease of play goes to the 360/12. I may have finally "outgrown" the 660/12 neck, if that makes any sense.

[jps]

I think the 360 has a sweeter tone, not as harsh when you dig into the strings. It even sounded better while just sitting on your seat before picking it up.

[goofyfoot]

JB......Hmmm, I've got my Mac laptop hooked up to a Klipsch iFi and the sounds are bouncing off my walls, man. Good stuff! The 360 seems to have more tonal depth, a more rounded sound, and slightly darker residue. It oozes earthiness.......really organic-sounding. The 620 has a noticeably sparkling, trebly quality to it and just a skosh more sustain. Forced to choose between the two, I dig what you accomplished on the 360. Just my dos centavos' worth.

Keep on keepin' on, brah......Goofyfoot.

[antipodean]

I prefer the brightness of the 660, though the 360 sounds great as well.

The "hand at the camera" end to the first clip reminds me of some tabloid TV shows.... have you had practice with the paparazzi John?

[sloop_john_b]

I prefer the brightness of the 660, though the 360 sounds great as well.

The "hand at the camera" end to the first clip reminds me of some tabloid TV shows.... have you had practice with the paparazzi John?

Haha! I suppose some very simple editing probably would have taken care of that. I'm planning to do a better version of this type of comparison soon.

[kiramdear]

I think the 360 has a sweeter tone, not as harsh when you dig into the strings. It even sounded better while just sitting on your seat before picking it up.

+1

[rickenbrother]

Both guitars sound great, but I think like the tone of the 360/12 a little more.

[scotty]

Thinking the 360 is a more rounded solid punch whilst the 660 glimmers like broken glass! I want to like the 360 but the 660 kicks you in the guts and thats what i like! 660 for me.

[deaconblues]

360/12 all the way...less piercing than the 660 to my ears.

Wish I could get my hands on one of those 21-fretters!

[jingle_jangle]

It would have been interesting as a fully-blind test...so we didn't know which was which. A bit less biased when you don't know which one you're hearing...

In any event, a narrow-necked vintage semi-hollowbody and a wide-necked nearly-new solidbody are about as far apart in the 12-string playing spectrum as you can get, Rick-wise. Which do you prefer from a player's standpoint, John?

[ken_j]

Although both sound great I prefer the 360.