The 360 body shape: has it changed again?

[Kees]

Hi guys,

I have been away for a while and maybe this issue has been discussed previously, but I wondered if anyone has noticed, like I did, that the 360 shape has changed in 2010. Post-1991 models clearly have a more pointy upper cutaway (the big one) than pre-1991 models (I did not like this change). And now I noticed that new models again have a more rounded upper cutaway. Is it just me or has anybody else observed this phenomenon as well?

Best wishes,
Kees

[electrofaro]

Hoi Kees - welkom!

I compared some pictures and personally I don't see any difference.
Do you have any pictures where you think you can clearly see it?

[Kees]

Yeah I do. [img]C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/889660/Desktop/360%20bodies.jpg[/img]

[Kees]

But how do I post this picture? Ah, I just read the instructions (well done, Kees!). The 1997 shape of the upper cutaway was typical for the post 1991 360's. Before that, they are rounder, just like the 2010 version(s). I like the new (=actually old) shape, btw. Kees

[Kees]

And another example below. The right one is an FG from 2009, the other one is probably 1-2 years earlier, but it does already have the full-width inlays (when were these re-introduced?):

[electrofaro]

Well, all I can say is you got a good eye, Kees!
There is definitely a difference.
My '07 360 has the more pointy upper horn.
I think full width inlays is early 2008 on? Or maybe end 2007 - my 2007 doesn't have them at least.

[Kees]

For me, they even have a different 'feel'. I own an 360 MG, a 360/12 BG and a 360 CW Ltd Ed. JG (which is for sale) with the pointy cutaway type and an older 360 FG (1991) with the rounder type. The latter one clearly looks different (and more balanced) to me. It is, however, also the 'hand-made charm' of Rickenbackers, these little differences among copies of a single model.

Groeten, Kees

[electrofaro]

My '07 360 and '08 340 are about a year apart, but they sure feel different in the neck.

[360girl]

IMO they have changed. I used to have a '94 jetglo 360, and not only was the upper horn larger than the upper horn on my 2009 mapleglo 360, but the headstock was wider too. The necks are similar, but not qute the same (my 2009 360 seems to have flatter neck profile than my 1994 360 had).

[BILLYC58]

Wow I never noticed that before good eye.
Billy

[wim]

But how do I post this picture? Ah, I just read the instructions (well done, Kees!). The 1997 shape of the upper cutaway was typical for the post 1991 360's. Before that, they are rounder, just like the 2010 version(s). I like the new (=actually old) shape, btw. Kees

Bridge position seems to have moved also.

[winston]

It's a source of amazement to me how our members have noticed subtle variations in shape that occurred over the years. Kee's you have a great eye for detail.

[doctorwho]

It's a source of amazement to me how our members have noticed subtle variations in shape that occurred over the years. Kee's you have a great eye for detail.

+1!

[electrofaro]

Bridge position seems to have moved also.

In what way, as I don't see any difference in Kees' examples?

[Clint]

To me, the biggest change is in the width of the R tailpiece ramp. It's a lot narrower now and doesn't follow the curve of the pickguard.