Comparison 330 and 360

[12stringbassist]

Hi,

This question has been asked elsewhere and I thought I'd come here, where the experts are, for the answer!

"Anyway, technical question for our resident Ric fans....

the 330 and 360 seem very similar, the only diffrences I can see are in the binding on the 330 top which compares to the (more pleasing to me) curved top edges of the 360. Do they sound identical? Or are there any deeper differences between this jangly twosome?"

I don't have either of these two models... A quick summary, anyone?

Thanks.

[stringsncords]

I have both, and the sound is very similar (mine both have Hi-Gains). The difference is in the feel of the guitar - the more squared contours of the 330 as compared to the tapered edges of the 360. Both are great in their own way, and I really like both models - the best thing to do is to give both a test drive, and decide for yourself which one feels better.
PS - The 330 does NOT have binding.
Good Luck!

Bob

[houblues]

Though if you see someone selling a "330" with binding on the top, buy it and ask questions later!

[libratune]

Though if you see someone selling a "330" with binding on the top, buy it and ask questions later!

Though make sure the "binding" is not painted on! For example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :middle:us

[whojamfan]

Egadz on that thing. If you pay to have it "professionally" refinished, why not get the binding done right? This guy claims to have many Ricks and stuff, so why shoot the resale value of this instrument in to the toilet? Think of what he could have sold it for if it was bound and finished properly.

[paologregorio]

Have the best of both worlds and buy one like these!

[Rickygirl]

I have both too and the contours of the body are different, though it didn't take me long to get used to the less rounded contours of the 330. My 360 is not really a good comparison sound wise as it is a 1974 and the bracing in the body is different. It sounds completely different to my 2008 330, more "hollow" sounding and extremely resonant. In fact, I was astonished it sounded SO different considering they both have high gain pickups. Still, the more recent models I am sure would sound very similar.

Whichever you choose, you will love it, I promise!

[Dr.Tom]

I have only recently come back into the Ric ownership ranks after having owned a 360, a 360/12v64 and a 360WB in the past. I chose to buy a 330FG this time around because I didn't bond with the 360 the last time. I have definitely bonded with the 330 this time and am just loving it. I'm enjoying the less is more approach this time which is not my usual approach with most guitars. But I don't think you can go wrong with either the 360 or 330 it just boils down to personal preference. I never used the Ric-O-Sound in the past so that also helped sway my decision also.
Here's some pic's:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/D ... -17-09.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/D ... -17-09.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/D ... -17-09.jpg

Regards,

Tom

[Razorback]

Thought I'd resurrect this thread!

My first RIC was a 2007 360 JG and while I loved the look of the guitar, I could never play cleanly on it, probably due to the skinnier neck. It just never felt right to me. I also picked up a 370/12 VP and that was 10 times worse, but made a cool 1G on that sale which is why I bought it anyway....

I was never a fan of the shape of the 330, I always preferred the 360 look for it's smoother contours. Not long ago I was able to get myself a couple of 330's (MID & MG) for good prices and I can't believe how much easier they are to play for me! I then managed to pick get myself a 330/12 JG with toasters and it's awesome to play too.... what gives? I never bothered with 330's because they were strictly mono but then in retrospect I never used the Ric-O-sound on my 360's anyway so what did it matter? While I still love the look of the 360, I have to say I would rather take a 330 on stage with me anyday if I want to sound good.

Since I've gotten the 330's I haven't had the chance to play a 360, but if memory serves me correctly the 360 neck seemed a lot chunkier...is it thicker because of the binding or is it just the rounded edges that make it seem that way?

[jps]

Thought I'd resurrect this thread!

...I would rather take a 330 on stage with me anyday if I want to sound good.

You'll look a lot cooler, too!

[collin]

Since I've gotten the 330's I haven't had the chance to play a 360, but if memory serves me correctly the 360 neck seemed a lot chunkier...is it thicker because of the binding or is it just the rounded edges that make it seem that way?

All the modern 330/360 necks seem similar in size.....but from what I've seen/owned--vintage (60's) 330 necks are all chunkier than vintage 360 necks. I have no idea why...

[JakeK]

Really, Collin? I thought it would be the other way 'round! Example: my 1997SPC has a slightly smaller neck than my 360/12V64, thought it was like that in the 60s...

I digress...

Anyway, I've played a standard 330 and I've played a standard 360 at the local music shop through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb RI with no effects (the footswitch wasn't on display, so I couldn't add reverb or tremelo) and the sound and the neck feel were vitrually the same. If you have a near by store that is fortunate to have both, go in, try 'em out through the same amp and see what you think.

[collin]

Yep, every 60's 330 neck I've played (including the RM1998) have a small nut width, but chunkier necks than the 360s I've had ( '66 365 and '65 365OS). Noticeably different in feel. I thought maybe it used to be a deluxe thing? I haven't owned any vintage 12's yet, so my observations are only on six strings...

On the whole though, all modern necks are bigger than vintage. Even a chunky 60's neck is smaller than a standard or reissue neck today. Each one was a little different back then as they were all hand-carved.

[joseph12]

I'm concerned about the string spacing of the 330. I'm thinking of picking up one of the bargain 330's from Musicians Friend for rhythm-playing/strumming; the price is great but am concerned the width might not be wide enough for me.

I play bass, have a couple 4003's but also record so have a bunch of instruments.,
I have a # of wide neck acoustics, a Martin OM21 + D18GE; I also have a a slot head Larrivee, SD-60.

The only electric I already have is a Rick 660/12 (really like it) & I also have a 650D Dakota on order, I expect to get that soon.

Is the string spacing a problem for you folks that have 330's (or 360's) if you have one but you otherwise own wider string spacing guitars?

I'm not really talking about nut width, but string spacing. I guess I'm more concerned about the picking hand (right hand spacing). I'm thinking it may be great for strumming, but I don't want it to be so narrow that all I can do with it is strum, might want to fingerpick it, is it really tight?

I hope I'm being clear, I've read a lot this weekend about 330/360's but cannot decide if i want to spring for it.

Thanks.
joe beck

[joseph12]

Also, does the 330 give a bit more string spacing than the 360 considering there is no binding on the 360?

thank you so much.

joe beck