What about a Ric 330 as first Ric

JackAlan · Post by **JackAlan** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:25 am

Hi Guys,

Still on the hunt for a 325, but came across a 330 used for about $1450 in great shape. I would be ordering as no dealers around, but overall what's the thoughts on a 330 vs the 325 (that I want for Beatles music). Also, is that a good price? I can't get into all the features yet on the forum, but working at it. Oh, BTW, I tried, per others recommendations, playing a Fender Squire Jr. to see if I liked a 3/4 neck. Outside of the guitar being a total P.O.S. and the neck set wrong, action at about 1/2" I could handle bar cording on the short neck and liked the layout.

Thanks for the help.

Jack

Jonesey · Post by **Jonesey** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 10:20 am

Hey there...
I bought a 330 as my first Rickenbacker almost a year ago and I absolutely love it. However if you want a Beatles-sound down to the very details you would probably need a 325 or a 360/12 with toasters. Post 1969 330's usually have hi-gain pickups as stock pickups which is slightly louder and bassier than the pickups used in the 60's. But a newer 330 is a brilliant guitar that will last for a lifetime and with a bit EQ'ing you can get really close to a Beatles sound - especially if you can get your hands on a old Vox AC30 of course - and it's way more affordable than a Lennonised 325.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 11:36 am

Offhand, I'd say that you'd be happier with a 330. If the toaster sound is really important to you, you can retrofit it with a pair, but based upon what you've said, I don't think I'd buy a short scale Rick without first really trying one out; not much chance of that in most places.

Are you in a Beatles cover band? Are you looking to replicate exactly John Lennon's playing and sound on their early hits? Then by a 325and learn to play it well. Otherwise, you'll be more pleased with a 330 as an introductory Rickenbacker--it's more versatile sonically, and much easier to set up and play.

The 325, typically, offers much less sustain than a 330 (although 1970s and 1980s 320s are a different, more lively animal to play, than a 325C58 or 64), and needs a good deal of devotion lavished upon it initially before the scale becomes comfortable.

You've played a Fender shorty? I'll wager not much, judging from your description of that instrument. Even if you'd have spent one or two hours with it, really digging in, you should know that its scale length (22.5") is right in between the standard Rick scale (24.6") and a Rick short scale, which is 20.75"! A Rick shorty is a sweet guitar, but I think it's best positioned as a second or alternate instrument to a full-bodied, full-scale Rick like a 330.

BTW, there are a lot of used 330s out there in the price range you mention. They are not exactly rare. Good 325s are close to twice that price, except for the models with high-gains, which are at about 1 1/2 times the $1450 for a good example.

JackAlan · Post by **JackAlan** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 3:35 pm

Thanks for the great info. I just found a new 2010 330 Fireglo that I bought & arrived. I had some discount coupons to use up with MF and got it for $1350.00. When did they change the headstock to the smaller look? That's kind of like making a beautiful 57 Chevy with smaller fins.

Like the bigger head, just may be me however.

Love the FireGlo look and now I may have the 2001 330 JG that I just bought up for sale. Don't think I need both. Found a 325v64 and am in the process of some fine tuning to get it playing well. Like the guitar, and you're right, I wouldn't want it as my ONLY Ric. Man, it's such a small little devil but sweet, very sweet. Not in any bands, just little old me trying to make myself happy playing along with the music.

I'll get some photo's posted when I can get the camera working good and have a few minutes.

Thanks again everyone. This is such a great forum of people, advice, and information.

Jack Alan

paologregorio · Post by **paologregorio** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 3:44 pm

Congrats on the new purchase! IIRC, `08 was the first year for the re-introduced vintage profile headstock. A majority prefer the smaller headstock, though there are a significant number of Rick owners who either don't care either way, or like the bigger headstock. I own both, or should I say all three, b/c the early-to-mid 80s headstocks are sort of in-between.

You could probably find someone with a JG paddle/Gumby headstock 330 who'd be willing to trade guitars with you.

When I play a 325, I end up playing "Django style" past the 9th fret or so, using my index and middle finger for most of the work due to the 3/4 scale.

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 3:44 pm

JackAlan wrote:I'll get some photo's posted when I can get the camera working good and have a few minutes.

Thanks again everyone. This is such a great forum of people, advice, and information.

Jack Alan

Yeah ---- we want to see all these additions to the family !!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 4:25 pm

The narrow headstock is vintage-correct, and to my eye better-proportioned than the wide 'uns. I'm getting in a number of Ricks from customers who want their headstocks narrowed and touched-up. Long-time members will remember the Ruby 360/6 WB that I picked up in '07, which had the widest canoe-paddle headstock imaginable, paired with Grover tuners with stubby shafts. Result was barely 1/16" clearance between tuner key and headstock--you know how Rotomatics have big, honkin' keys.

It's been narrowed and refinned (in Ruby, of course) and refitted with vintage tuners and bushings. Ahhh...that's how I spell relief.

Pictures as soon as I get around to them.

elreydlp · Post by **elreydlp** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 4:35 pm

Jack
When you're fine-tuning that 325, go to a heavier guage set of stings. It will help your intonation and sound. D'Addario makes a set (EXL-145; 12-54 unwound "G") that's a good place to start. I think I ended up with a 13 for the high E. With that scale length, a set of 10-46's will be like rubber bands.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 5:44 pm

Go to an .009 set for that banjo effect!

elreydlp · Post by **elreydlp** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 6:46 pm

Shirley you jest.

(..........and don't call me Surely!).

scotty · Post by **scotty** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 6:48 pm

Looking forward to seeing that new streamlined oar

indianation65 · Post by **indianation65** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 12:53 pm

Mr. Alan,
It appears the anxious need and love of Rickenbacker has gripped you again. You have a 330 Jetglo, but will part with it, and now the Fireglo, but with a smaller headstock. They are not quite what you wanted. I'd surmise you may be already on the hunt for that "perfect" Fireglo 330 for you! I may be wrong, and you may grow to really love your new 330. I believe mine all have the larger headstocks, and they aren't leaving. They definitely are player guitars with natural defects, but that's how I bought'em, and will keep'em, a few personalized alterations accepted. Good luck friend, good luck...Rickenbacker will appear to see more of your business in the near future! (If you seek it, it will find you!)

...wisdom

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