Need some advice from 330 owners out there

[Prowl]

Ok I'm primarily a bass player. I post usually in the bass section . . . which makes sense. Anyway, my sole guitars are a Fender Cyclone which I love and its a versatile piece, and I also have a 96 something or other anniversary edition Ovation for my acoustic bits. BUT, well I think I want something more versatile than both of these guys and I've been eye balling the 330 model for some time now. I was curious if there were any pros and cons to them as I've only played one and I never see them around in any RIC dealer. I've played a 325V50something before and a very nice 360/12 but the 330 for some reason won my heart. So, I'm on the market for one but looking to see what some of the guitars advantages and disadvantages are. Sorry for the jumbled up message guys. I've not slept in 2 days cause I've been recording lol cheers

[kiramdear]

The 330 is RIC's bread-and-butter model. Not fancy, but full-featured (except for stereo output) and typical high quality Rickenbacker. It's my impression that there are as many 330s out there as other models combined. Look at all the great people who play them and how can you go wrong. They're your "typical" Rick. I don't have one yet but I will someday.

[beatlefreak]

The 330 is a great guitar, and one of the lower priced Ricks. They are a semi-hollow body, and can be subject to feedback at higher gain settings.

[8mileshigher]

Your 330 is your workingman's Ric, one of their largest production models, so should be fairly easy to acquire. You get the known Rickenbacker quality but the 330 doesn't have the premium features like the 360 models... neck inlays, stereo output and binding.

I have seen postings about the neck size and shape, particularly near the nut, being a little thicker on a 330 than a comparable 360. My 330 has a lttle more substance in its neck, at the nut, than my 360, so this may be a regular Ric manufacturing trait.

Of course the 330s have the sharp horns vrs. the 360 rounded horns. I have also seen threads where some knowledgeable folks indicate that the shape of the horns and quantity of air-space within, and the right-angle joinery provide sharper resonance than the rounded carvings, in the hollowed out section, thus giving a 330 a slightly different sound than a comprable 360 model. Sound and tone are pretty subjective things.

Some folks love the 330 shape -- other folks love other Ric models. Some crave Rics with double binding... otheres want the wide-necks, there are the advocates of Toasters vrs. High Gains or HBs, etc. Many folks on this forum gain such an appreciation of all Rics, that once RAS sets in, the only solution is to acquire many different Ric models to satisfy that need ... If you study all the models, test them out at guitar stores or at a Confluence, you will eventuallly make a decision that you are quite happy with.

[antipodean]

The 330 is the bargain guitar of the century. I have an early 00s model and I'm absolutely knocked out by its build quality, playability and sound. You can pick up a good used 330 for around $1k with a little patience. If you really want ROS and/or the aesthetics of a 360 or 350, then they are definitely worth the extra $, but if you're after a quality instrument to play, the 330 is the right one at the right price. The 620 is also worth a look if you are happy with small body guitars - they will come in at a similar price ot a 330 - but their availability is more limited.

[winston]

They will have to pry my recently acquired 1981 330 with HB-1's on it (now under toaster covers) out of my cold dead hands I am sure......................it is a super guitar. I can't put it down.

It has become my go to guitar for day to day playing. It sounds great in recordings too. Feedback btw is something that can be controlled and it can be put to good use under the right circumstances. So it's not always a bad thing.

[fireglo67]

Feedback btw is something that can be controlled and it can be put to good use under the right circumstances. So it's not always a bad thing.

Yeah baby!

[melibreits]

330's are great guitars. They look great, feel great, sound great, and are really pretty versatile. I love mine.

[billydlight]

330 shapes do it for me WAY more than 360s

[paologregorio]

330 shapes do it for me WAY more than 360s

+1!

My advice is to buy a 330 and have it double bound!

[fabandgear]

Rickenbacker 1997-the ULTIMATE 330! It has a really nice thin neck, plus the cool and unusual f hole!

[cestlamort]

Personally, I had always wanted a 330 (for aesthetics) but when I started the hunt for one, I came across a 360 first. And couldn't be happier. So, I'd suggest trying out whatever ones you find.

Don't, however, settle if you are unsure. Life is too short to sift through multiple guitars if your dream one is within reach (or close to it). (not speaking from experience of settling on various stuff for a decade plus, of course )

[lennon211]

The 330 is one of my most versatile guitars. It's comfortable and easy on the hands and eyes. I tend to like the older body styling of it better than the 360 and the stereo and extra binding aren't a big deal.

[paologregorio]

Feedback btw is something that can be controlled and it can be put to good use under the right circumstances. So it's not always a bad thing.

Yeah baby!

Ditto that! I love using controlled feedback on my Ricks, especially when manipulating the pitch with my Accent VB, or doing the toggle switch wiggle!

[cestlamort]

Feedback btw is something that can be controlled and it can be put to good use under the right circumstances. So it's not always a bad thing.

Yeah baby!

Ditto that! I love using controlled feedback on my Ricks, especially when manipulating the pitch with my Accent VB, or doing the toggle switch wiggle!

Absolutely. Feedback on a semi-hollowbody is a beautiful thing and much more organic than on a solid body.