330 2012 or early 90's?

[mickeef31]

Hey people,
I'm looking for a Fireglo 330.
Living in Australia, there's not a lot of choice and they are twice the price!
Should I be buying NEW or an early '90's or even an early '00's instead?
Any thoughts appreciated.
Mickeef31

[jdogric12]

Many prefer late 80's early 90's for their smaller necks. They are more comfortable to me.

[mickeef31]

Thanks Jason.
I have big hands and long fingers so I struggle with smaller necks. I just played a 330-12, loved the sound but couldn't get clarity with my fingers buzzing across strings.
Nice one.
Cheers.

[JakeK]

If you have big hands and prefer a fatter neck, then a modern Ric is perfect for you. I remember playing a brand new Ric 330 back in late '09, that was a pretty hefty neck. I remember 2003 being a chunky year, too.

[collin]

Get the 2012.

Since the introduction of CNC machines at RIC a couple years back, the necks have been a nice consistent shape. I recall some around 2006-2007 having larger baseball bat necks, but the current crop have a nice medium profile without being too small either.

Biggest (and best) difference to me is that the 2012 headstocks are back to the 60s smaller profile. Plus they have adjustable polepiece pickups. Also the current fireglo are some of the best in decades, nice darker shading with no pink (they switched to UV finish too, which looks great and is very durable).

[Kingbreaker]

Get the 2012.

Since the introduction of CNC machines at RIC a couple years back, the necks have been a nice consistent shape. I recall some around 2006-2007 having larger baseball bat necks, but the current crop have a nice medium profile without being too small either.

Biggest (and best) difference to me is that the 2012 headstocks are back to the 60s smaller profile. Plus they have adjustable polepiece pickups. Also the current fireglo are some of the best in decades, nice darker shading with no pink (they switched to UV finish too, which looks great and is very durable).

I must be one of the few who prefers the pinkish fireglo.. . . I wonder how many decades it will take for that finish to be reissued as a COY? "Salmonglo"

[collin]

Get the 2012.

Since the introduction of CNC machines at RIC a couple years back, the necks have been a nice consistent shape. I recall some around 2006-2007 having larger baseball bat necks, but the current crop have a nice medium profile without being too small either.

Biggest (and best) difference to me is that the 2012 headstocks are back to the 60s smaller profile. Plus they have adjustable polepiece pickups. Also the current fireglo are some of the best in decades, nice darker shading with no pink (they switched to UV finish too, which looks great and is very durable).

I must be one of the few who prefers the pinkish fireglo.. . . I wonder how many decades it will take for that finish to be reissued as a COY? "Salmonglo"

Yup, you're in the minority there, but different strokes....

Clownglo is really more about the abrupt lack of transition between shades. The pink could be salmonglo....or even mediumrareglo? Steakglo?

[cjj]

Dang, now you're making me hungry...