Best model for. . . .?

[Kingbreaker]

Here's the deal.

I had two Ricks back about ten years ago. (A 660/12 and a 330 MG) I sold them to fund other hobbies, and am now kicking myself because I miss them greatly. A recent change in life circumstances has me re-evaluating why I lost my fracking mind and sold them (The 330 particularly).

I am *considering* the following six-string models for an old-yet-new experience:

360
620
660

Most of the time, I play indie rock type stuff. Basically, everything from Pete Buck jangle to Carrie Brownstein snarl. (By the way, she absolutely rocks - one of my fave guitarists.) For these purposes, I am totally aware than any of these three models would be fine.

BUT, and here's where the real question comes in: which of these would work best for mellow, jazzy tones on the neck pickup when looking for a different mood? The variables to consider are

a) toasters vs. hi-gains, and
b) solid vs. semi

I will eventually upgrade to a fender-ish tube amp, so there's that to consider too.I own a vox tonelab for effects purposes.

ANY responses welcome - thanks!

[aceonbass]

Since you mention the jazz thing, I'm thinking a 360. I mean, few guitars say "Jazz" like a Gibson 335, and a 360 is the Rick equivilent.

[admin]

John, welcome to the RRF. My recommendation would be a 360 with high gain pickups. Lots of versatility with the tone you seek at the neck. Perfect with the tube amplifier too.

[JakeK]

If budget is no option, I really love the 381V69, because it's about as large as a jazz box, and it's toasters sound great. If budget is a factor, then yeah, newer 360 with Hi-Gains.

[Kingbreaker]

If budget is no option, I really love the 381V69, because it's about as large as a jazz box, and it's toasters sound great. If budget is a factor, then yeah, newer 360 with Hi-Gains.

Ya know, if I had the cash for a 381 I'm still not sure I'd do it. And it's for a silly aesthetic reason: the pickguard just doesn't cut it compared to a "lesser" model - that straight line up front seems like a violation of the laws of nature to me:)

Then again, I'm sure I'd love the tone.

[jdawe]

In terms of the Buck-to-Brownstein part of your wish list, I think you'd probably be best off getting something with Hi-Gains rather than toasters.

In terms of getting jazzy tones on the neck p/u, the difference in tone between the Hi-Gain equipped 360 and the 620 isn't all that vast. Both are great guitars and you really can't go wrong with either. I'm happy with the clean neck tones on my 620, but I don't have a 360 to compare it to.

[david/wales/u.k]

I can't advise you musically but I know that when you get a Ric again, having sold two before, you will appreciate it all the more.....that's my experience anyway. When I first had a 330/6 (JG) not long after learning guitar, I sold it as I wasn't a good enough player to appreciate it and I suppose I wanted to experiment with other guitar models as well. Last year, for some reason, I started to 'kick' myself for having done that, even though it was about fifteen years ago when I sold it!!
I then wanted a Ric really badly and even started dreaming about them! ... In August I bought a 330/6 MG and am so glad I did. I just don't want to play any other guitar now.......I still want to get a 330/6 JG though, the Ric I first had, as I still think about that guitar but am looking for a 360/6 JG first.....( will have to save up for a while though!!

[Hotzenplotz]

For a warm an d full jazz tone I went this way:
1. A 330/6 (semi-hollow bodies offer more "jazz reserves".
2. Toaster pick ups (brighter sound, less spiky on higher tones, and less output=less distortion)
3. Thomastik Infeld flats (mellow, full and rich)

There are a few (cheaper) amps that set up is already "over-jazzed". But with tube amps...

I normally prefer VOX amps, but I can imagine this setup combined with a tube Fender would be a pure joy to listen to.

[sloop_john_b]

Any guitar can do "jazz". Based on your other requirements, sounds like Higains are the way to go.

[johncorth]

Any guitar can do "jazz".

I sort of agree. Turn the tone to mush, plug into a lousy sounding solid state amp, and play as many notes as you can, as fast as you can.

Can you tell I'm not a big fan of modern jazz guitar?

[sloop_john_b]

Any guitar can do "jazz".

I sort of agree. Turn the tone to mush, plug into a lousy sounding solid state amp, and play as many notes as you can, as fast as you can.

Can you tell I'm not a big fan of modern jazz guitar?

My thoughts exactly!

Though I think when most people say they're looking for a guitar that can sound "jazzy", they're looking for a warm-sounding neck pickup - which every single electric guitar that has a neck pickup, whether it be a Telecaster or a 360 or an ES-175 - will provide.

[Kingbreaker]

So now the debate is realistically between a 620 and a 360.. . . . Although part of me wants to get a 350, put in some humbuckers, and learn to shred on it just to be "inappropriate"

I'll be honest - it's a nice problem to have.

[Kingbreaker]

Though I think when most people say they're looking for a guitar that can sound "jazzy", they're looking for a warm-sounding neck pickup - which every single electric guitar that has a neck pickup, whether it be a Telecaster or a 360 or an ES-175 - will provide.

Yeah - that's pretty much it. I don't do "jazz" per se but love me a good, _warm_ neck tone for mellower stuff.

I've been trolling youtube for the past several nights . . . the *biggest* variable in getting that tone seems to be amp more than pickup or guitar.

[antipodean]

Though I think when most people say they're looking for a guitar that can sound "jazzy", they're looking for a warm-sounding neck pickup - which every single electric guitar that has a neck pickup, whether it be a Telecaster or a 360 or an ES-175 - will provide.

Yeah - that's pretty much it. I don't do "jazz" per se but love me a good, _warm_ neck tone for mellower stuff.

I've been trolling youtube for the past several nights . . . the *biggest* variable in getting that tone seems to be amp more than pickup or guitar.

Agree... Though the other variable is technique...

The band I'm currently in does '40s and '50s swing, and our guitarist uses his Les Paul or borrows my Tele. He plays through a Fender Deluxe '65 RI and absolutely nails the tone (with either guitar). I'm going to lend him my 330 when it comes back after being "toasterised".

I'd vote for a 620 or 330 as the most cost-effective Rickenbackers. The 620 will give a little more sustain and a brighter tone (all other things being equal) due to build differences. The 330 is more "airy". They'll both cover the ground you're after.

Alternatively, you may want to find and procure that "perfect" amp first....

[Kingbreaker]

I'm just a bedroom player ATM. .. The little 4watt Vox with the 12" speaker cab and built-in attenuator look pretty tasty. The youtube clips are pretty tasty.