381 Love!

[Tommy]

Beautiful guitars, folks....
but how do they sound?

I have never played one of these 381s. I am looking to buy myself a new Ric 6 string; I know these 381s are rather expensive, but I have champagne tastes when it comes to guitars. These 381s look very thick and woody. Do they give the classic Ric sound of the 330s and 360s?

[JakeK]

To answer your question, Tommy, based on Paulie A's 381 models: Yes.

[crstory]

They are quite resonant and have that sound you look for. Works of art IMO.

[Tommy]

So they do supply that classic Ric tone. Damn, not the reply I was hoping for.
The famed Rickenbacker tone from a guitar that is among the most beautiful ever designed...why do guitar makers do this to us?

[crstory]

Sounds pretty close to my 68 360F

[Danotron]

They Play great! The sound is a little "deeper" than other Ricks I've played, but again, I'm talking about the JK model which is my only 381 experience.

Dig my helpful photoshop arrow

[JakeK]

Yeah Dan, your Kay model is pretty sweet, lotsa tone, rocks like no one's business But you know the next time you see Paulie, you can simply play his 381/6?

[Ivan3000]

I've always been a fan of the carved german top.

[paologregorio]

Even the standard 38s sound a little "deeper" or "darker," as Paul W's described the sound; they still achieve the "Rick" sound, though it's all how you play the guitar and set your amp. I can get a killer rock sound out of my 381/*6, and Darren Trott's played some mean overdriven Stevie Ray Tex/Mex Blues Rock on the same guitar.

[Ivan3000]

Check out the burgandy one in the gallery from 1967...its nice, and well played.

[parker_knoll]

the guitarist from forgotten Manchester band The High played a 381:

[jwilli]

Can't wait to get mine back from Paul W. Hopefully in late November. Fully customized.

O-o-o-o-h that sounds awesome ! Any pictures of the customization in progress ?

No pics yet as this is going to be a really special build. However, I should have it before the end of the year. This year, lol.