My first rick...which one to get???

firebirdseven83 · Post by **firebirdseven83** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:25 am

hi all.
well, ive decided to get my first rick! i need your guys help though trying to decide which one best suits my needs. its between the 330, 360 and the 620.
i play in a three piece band, and dynamics are our most important aspect, we change from clean to heavy(in a retro fuzz fort of way) allot.
i was wondering which of the ricks are going to serve me better, being the only guitarist in my band i play a mix of rhythem and lead.
being a solid body i thought maybe the 620 may suit me better, but ive heard such great things about the 360 i just cant decide, whats your guys opinian?
im greatful for any help u lot can offer

longhouse · Post by **longhouse** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:25 am

I was the sole guitarist in a 3-piece band for a while. My main (sole) instrument was my 360V64. Your style and approach have as much to do with covering all that sonic space as your guitar, but rest assured, the Ric covers all bases with aplomb. Even though they sound wonderful plugged straight in, I would be certain to have a compressor, a few flavors of dirt, and whatever modulation (or wah) effects you want on tap. If your amp is switchable, that is a plus. So between my floor effects, switching my amp, AND the oft-overlooked art of switching your guitar's pickups (tone/vol controls too), you have a veritable arsenal of sounds. I developed a style using a lot of open strings in my chord progressions and incorporate double stops into my solos for extra girth.

Something else to note is this: I have never (ever!) seen someone come up to tell a Strat/Tele/Paul/PRS-wielding player that their guitar is 'beautiful' or ask if they could play it (or even touch it). Whenever I perform with my Rics (I've never gigged with my other electrics), people are wowed by its appearance and tone. Recently, I played with a 10-piece band for a few shows; their main guitarist had a new Les Paul, an American Strat, and a couple of acoustics -not to mention his 5150 Full Stack. Guess what he wants now... a Ric! and a JC120!!! It can be like seeing color television for the first time.

As for the Ric model to choose, I would go for a 360 or try to find a vintage series model. I prefer the 21 fret necks and toaster pickups. Contrary to what anyone might say, the 300 series Rics are not prone to feedback and they have immense stage appeal as well as tremendous versatility in the studio.

Best of luck.

Noel

firebirdseven83 · Post by **firebirdseven83** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:41 am

thanks for the advice, im indeed leanign towards the 360.
ive been using an epiphone supernova for a long while and its served me well in that time, but since my band is about make it, well, due for an upgrade. always wanted a rick, and now ive got the chance!
very excited about finally getting it and outting it thought my marshall tube stack...mmmmm

thank u again

spencer · Post by **spencer** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:49 am

Hi Chris - And Welcome.

Just a quick observation for you...

-Peter Buck is the only guitarist in REM.
-Johnny Marr WAS the only guitarist in The Smiths.

My last band was a three piece - me being the only guitarist and my 330 was more than enough for me.

And Noel's right - people ARE wowed when you show up with a Ric. Kind of like - "Damn, why didn't I think of that?"

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:15 am

Maybe this is a cop out, but... They're all great! You can't go wrong with any of them. To many people, the 330s and 360s really 'represent' what Rickenbackers are all about, visually and sonically. But the 620 is a sweet one, too. Really underrated I think. The 620 has that neck-through design and is solid, of course so it will sound different in comparison to a 330 or 360.

I say, pick the model and the color that really gets you excited and go for it!

firebirdseven83 · Post by **firebirdseven83** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:17 am

lol, i know for a fact that im always like that when i see them

would u say that its true that the 330 is genrally fuller sounding than the 360? thats what ive heard anyway

wormdiet · Post by **wormdiet** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:48 am

I prefer the sound of a semi for a 6-string but. . . you really can't go wrong with any of these. A 620 is so totally unconventional looking that it will draw a lot of looks. A black one. . . yum!

when I tested a bunch of amps in local shops with my 330 all the store clerks would watch, which I've *never* seen before

Then they heard me play,

spencer · Post by **spencer** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:54 am

A 330 is more acoustically 'open' than a 360 - in that it has less wood in it.

I just dig the 'horns' man.

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 2:04 pm

Yeah, what Spencer said! The 330 is a little more 'acoustic' and woody and resonant to my ears. The 360 is brighter and tighter. But only a bit. They're really pretty similar in the grand scheme of things.

I used to have a 360, but I sold it to get a 330. Nothing wrong with the 360 - I just realized that I prefer way the 330 looks, that's all. Ideally, I'd have both. Ooh and a mapleglo 381v69. And a 660/12. And a 360/12v64. And a 325c58. And a Sea Green 620. Oh yeah - Definitely a Sea Green 620... Good luck!