300 series return to 21 frets

[steverok]

Also, I actually really like Hi-Gain pickups, but the cosmetics of Toasters on these is a must

Yeah, they look strange with hi-gains, to me.

[brianeharmonjr]

Here's a full frontal pic from Fab Gear:



Messaged a dealer on Reverb that has a few posted with a few questions. Regarding the fingerboard, they said "The fretboard is indeed gloss, and Rickenbacker has switched back. They actually switched back again at the end of 2022, after many complaints about the raw finished rosewood. So, gloss is here to stay."

Gonna wait for Dave's to get some more in, as they are my dealer of choice. Best prices and have always provided great service for me. They have a MG, but I'm hoping they get a JG in, especially if it's one with a dark and interesting fingerboard, but might go MG.

Would LOVE to get some feedback/comparison from anyone who has a chance to get their hands on them!

[kennyhowes]

For me, the aesthetics of toaster vs higain is less noticeable than that of 21 fret vs 24. I like both kinds of pickups, they make different sounds. Visually, I get 5-10 feet away from the instrument and can’t tell a difference, unless the lighting is dead on.

Smaller headstocks, 21-fret fingerboards...no, they “don’t make them like they used to,” but they are much closer to it, to the punter (that is, to those mostly giving a passing glance), and are also more consistently crafted and reliable. I’m stoked.

This is a cool and unexpected move.

Bring on the 12-strings!

[steverok]

For me, the aesthetics of toaster vs higain is less noticeable than that of 21 fret vs 24. I like both kinds of pickups, they make different sounds. Visually, I get 5-10 feet away from the instrument and can’t tell a difference, unless the lighting is dead on.

With this move, I think they should bring back the "VP" factory option, meaning we could get 21-fret Ric's with toasters, just like the 60s guitars. I would end up with at least two more lol.

[rickinroma]

They should also go back to the Kluson type tuners

[Uffingdon]

They should also go back to the Kluson type tuners

+1

Ben Hall did chime in on another thread recently regarding replacement Kluson type tuners where he said RIC have found a supplier offering a better quality product, so fingers crossed

[jps]

They should also go back to the Kluson type tuners

+1

Ben Hall did chime in on another thread recently regarding replacement Kluson type tuners where he said RIC have found a supplier offering a better quality product, so fingers crossed

I know Ben said something, somewhere, about switching from Schaller to Gotoh, but not sure if that includes the vintage-style tuning keys.

[collin]

They should also go back to the Kluson type tuners

+1

Ben Hall did chime in on another thread recently regarding replacement Kluson type tuners where he said RIC have found a supplier offering a better quality product, so fingers crossed

I know Ben said something, somewhere, about switching from Schaller to Gotoh, but not sure if that includes the vintage-style tuning keys.

That was specific to the vintage style tuner keys used on reissue models. (switching from a Schaller vintage Kluson-style tuner to a Gotoh vintage style tuner). AFAIK, nothing has been said about changing the sealed Schaller tuners on non-reissue models.

[jps]

+1

Ben Hall did chime in on another thread recently regarding replacement Kluson type tuners where he said RIC have found a supplier offering a better quality product, so fingers crossed

I know Ben said something, somewhere, about switching from Schaller to Gotoh, but not sure if that includes the vintage-style tuning keys.

That was specific to the vintage style tuner keys used on reissue models. (switching from a Schaller vintage Kluson-style tuner to a Gotoh vintage style tuner). AFAIK, nothing has been said about changing the sealed Schaller tuners on non-reissue models.

Thanks for the clarification.

[collin]

Sure thing.

In fact, Ben recently shared a photo of new Gotoh sealed tuners for the 330s that have a special Rickenbacker "R" etched on the back (same as the R tailpiece style), which look really cool.

[jps]

I love the Gotoh 510 tuning keys that are on my two Yamamotos.

[brianeharmonjr]

12-strings poppin' up now:

[jps]

They just look so right.

And I love that RIC is putting the vintage-style knobs on them!

Yeah, toaster pickups would very much add to the whole concept.

[brianeharmonjr]

...and a Mapleglo 12:

[scott_s]

I've been out of the loop for a year or so... I wouldn't have expected them to go back to finished fretboards or 21 frets, but these new instruments are looking really sharp! The slimmer headstocks and vintage knobs are nice touches, too.