how you knew you were ready for a 1986 360/12

[freebyrd]

hi everyone! first time poster here, please be gentle

i guess my question is two-fold.

1) what is everyone's skill level, playing wise? i have been playing guitar for about 14 years off and on, only for fun, occasionally picking up my mexi-strat and looking up some tabs and playing chords..then gradually adding cheaper upgrades like an agile, better amp, more pedals. however i wouldn't say my playing is really proficient, so i just restarted taking lessons to get where i want to be.

i am of course, totally taken by rickenbackers and have been for quite some time. i can't think of any band that has had this guitar and not been amazing, in fact i consider them legendary, beautiful works of art and that alone makes me want one in my home. also as a girl with small hands, the thin neck is very appealing and as an apartment-dweller, i like that you don't necessarily NEED an amp to play it.

of course, they're not cheap, and i couldn't imagine someone who had never picked up a guitar saying they need a ric in their arsenal but it's just so tempting to have that inspiration when i know i could have some fun with it and learn WITH it.

2) i just saw a beautiful 1986 360/12 listed on craigslist for $2000. where would i find out if that's a fair price? the information i've seen so far seems mixed on ric value.

thanks for your help in advance. i am in awe of many of you

[electrofaro]

Welcome, Jessica!

when I decided to go for it and improve my playing and make guitar playing my main hobby I got myself the guitar my hero played: a 360 JG! I'm still not a great player, but have fun playing! Rickies might not be cheap, but then if you invest the time then why not invest in a good tool - a good quality guitar means more fun and less worries!

As for the price - what does the average on the forum's guitar register say? 1780 USD as average... 2000 is above it, so the question is in what state is it, and could you find something cheaper in the same state (I think that should be possible).

[freebyrd]

hi everyone.. new to the forum and rics!

i don't have much to say other than-

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/msg/2929936882.html

what do you think? my first thought was that it seems expensive but i don't really know what the value of a 1986 is.

[cjj]

Welcome to the RRF Jessica!


I think you'll find people of all skill levels around here. And of course, that's part of what makes this place great!

Now, on the question of how to know if you're "ready" for a Rick, well, that's something only you can really know. My personal experience has always been that when I tried to be "cheap" and buy something of lower quality (be it an instrument, amp, or even hand tools), I always end up disappointed. Then when I get something really good, I wonder why on earth I tried to be cheap and spent money twice.

Of course, things like guitars are very personal items and what's great for someone won't work worth a darn for someone else. So, if possible, try anything new before you buy it. It might be the best guitar in the world, but if it doesn't feel good to you, you probably won't ever like it. Sometimes even cheaper guitars are great.

As for price, well, that can vary all over the map and a lot depends on condition, age, etc. But you can get a reasonable idea from the "Register" here on this site. In the upper right side of the banner, click on "Rickenbacker Register", then click on "Rickenbacker Pricelist" and scroll down to the model you want to know about.

These prices are gathered by getting auction data from ebay and such, so it's pretty realistic, but not an absolute by any means...

[electrofaro]

Ohh, it's a WB!!! You didn't say that in the other thread. WBs are usually higher priced, and this one despite some lacquer flaws does look really nice: 24 frets, soundhole binding, toaster PUs, vintage case. If it's close-by just ask if you can try it!

[freebyrd]

hey, thanks

my head tells me a 6 string is better for my level..my heart says.. GET THE TWELVE AND JUST LEARN!!! boy do i looove that sound. brings a tear to the eye!

i will check out this guitar register you mention. it's craigslist, so i don't think haggling is unreasonable..!

[sloop_john_b]

Welcome Jessica!

That is a 360/12WB (note the 330 body shape as opposed to the typical "rounded" 360, the binding, and the triangle inlays).

It also has toaster pickups (an upgrade over the typical Higains) and a silver "vintage" case, which is a big plus.

These have not been made in quite some time and are very desirable instruments. $2000 is an excellent price, and is on the low side for these.

[electrofaro]

CJ, see Jessica's other thread... it's a 360/12WB FG... average is just above 2200 USD on such a model.

Jessica, I forgot to ask: have you tried Rickies, know how they play? I wonder what would've happened if I didn't like how they played, I might;ve stopped playing altogether! I found a 12er to be not that different playing from a 6er than I expected, actually...

[cjj]

Yeah, what they said!

'Course, I have NO idea about the prices of those skinny stringed things... I'm just a bass player...

[freebyrd]

yes, i just found the "online sighting" forum (very helpful) and posted the actual listing there.

i've never played one! only gazed from afar. it's damn hard to find them to test out, though apparently a local shop in my town (which keeps somewhat prohibitive hours) has listed a 330 on ebay and i'm gonna head over this weekend to see if they'll let me play if it's still there.

my feelings playing other guitars, neck wise- holding my strat is like holding a plank..my LP copy slightly better..an SG better than that.

[sloop_john_b]

'Course, I have NO idea about the prices of those skinny stringed things... I'm just a bass player...

If you would just put that in your sig already, it'd save you about 25 posts a week...

[freebyrd]

thanks guys! i sent the guy an e-mail and felt good about my ric knowledge (from lurking this forum!) because i'd already asked him to confirm that he upgraded the pups because i wouldn't have pictured a 1986 having toasters.

anyone mind educating me on uh, what WB means? since the seller didn't mention it, maybe they don't know either..!

[cjj]

'Course, I have NO idea about the prices of those skinny stringed things... I'm just a bass player...

If you would just put that in your sig already, it'd save you about 25 posts a week...

OK!

[sloop_john_b]

thanks guys! i sent the guy an e-mail and felt good about my ric knowledge (from lurking this forum!) because i'd already asked him to confirm that he upgraded the pups because i wouldn't have pictured a 1986 having toasters.

anyone mind educating me on uh, what WB means? since the seller didn't mention it, maybe they don't know either..!

Sure, that just means "With Binding". It just signifies that it's a 330 body shape, but with the "deluxe" features, like the binding and inlays.

Also, he didn't necessarily upgrade the pickups - it could have been ordered from the factory that way. Either way, it's a plus, tone-wise and looks wise.

[electrofaro]

With plank you mean too skinny neck?