Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I recently bought a 350 (not the v63) and installed the accent vibratto. I really like the sound with the vibratto, but miss the nice "R"

I'm curious as to whether or not anyone here has also installed the vibratto and if not why?

Great guitar by the way.

Selwyn, I too have been considering an accent on either my 330 or my 350. Did you notice any loss of sustain after switching to the vibrato tailpiece?

Peter (or anyone else): When were 350's firtst made? The two books I have say 1983 and 1985. My recently purchased 350 has an XJ serial number which puts it as a Sept/Oct 1984 model. Also, does anybody have any idea as to the value of a normal 24 fret 350 versus an equivalent model 330? I just wonder if they are/will be worth more being as the only way to buy a 350 anymore is as the Vintage model at about $400-500 more than the standard 350 went for.

Jeff, I've not noticed much difference in the sustain. It adds a nice sound as you already know.

Regarding your question of value: Is the "original" 350 less valuable than the "Vintage" Series 350v63?

And aren't the Vintage 350v63 only 21 frets?

Selwyn

I love the effect of the Accent and the one I have had the chance to try seemed to stay in tune well (at least the way I used it), I had just heard that they didn't sustain as well as the "R" tailpieces.

Yes they are 21 frets. The "regular" 350's originally cost less than a 350v63 just like standard 360's,etc. cost less than their vintage reissue counterparts. What i am wondering is for example: In my area a new 330 runs about $995 plus tax, and a used one about $800-900. In the case of the 350, your only choice is a discontinued used standard model, or a new 350v63 at about $1400-1500 plus tax. Does this make a used standard model 350 worth more than a similar condition used 330 because the step up to new is a lot more(and you can't get a 24 fret new model)? They (350's) seem to be fewer and farther between than most other models.

I've not really even seen a 350 for sale. It is always the 350v63 that's available. I purchased mine for $800 - it's a 1995 350 jetglo with only the tiniest of nitpicky blemishes. In my opinion it was in fantastic shape. I added the trem bar for another $140, so I guess I am in pretty deep with it. The new 350v63 goes for $1599 at Musician's Friend, although I've seen it for about $1400. I'm not sure what I am trying to say, except that without regard to price, my 350 really sounds great and plays great as well.

Jeff: I would post my question with regard to the value of your 350 under the Rickenbacker Appraisals topic where those interested in instrument appraisal may be more likely to see it. Having said that, my 350 Liverpool, pictured above, was about $850. US. It is also important to point out that the 350 Liverpool has the high gain pickups while the 350V63 has the vintage reissue toasters.

While we're on the subject of 350's. Why do some have the wide pick-up spacing and the others the narrow 325-style spacing? Does it have to do with the 21 vs. 24 fret necks?
A cool 350v just came into a local store, but unlike the 355 I have it has the wide spacing(which I really don't like).

It is because of the fret differences. On either model the neck ends at the body instead of extending 3 extra frets into it for the 24 fret model. Because the scale length is the same on both, the bridge also moves closer to the neck end of the body leaving less room to squeeze in 3 pickups. The non-vintage series guitars are about one inch longer because of this.

This difference in pickup position is considered by some to result in a somewhat different sound. Unfortunately I don't have one of each to check it out.

I have played a 350v63 in the store (in fact it was what led me to buy a 350 because of its feel) and it had a distinctly different sound, but I don't know if it was the pickup position of the 21 fret neck or the toasters. I didn't find my 24 fret model until 2 months later and when I went back to the store to compare, the other one was gone.

I have been playing my 350v63 FG at gigs and it has quickly become my main guitar. I play many leads with it as well as rhythm ... on leads, this thing has more spank than my tele when some overdrive is applied.
It sounds really good through a Fender Vibrolux, and, surprisingly, it gets a fantastic distorted sound through a Mesa Boogie Mark III!! Someday I'll get a Vox ....
I played it on many songs on our latest album as well... (we also used a 4003 on every song and a 381 on many songs!!) ... my band's website is uhfweb.com if you want to check it out. There are pictures of the guitar in the NEWS section.

Thanks to Mark Arnquist and Don Adamek I have refurbished my 350 adding a gold guard, trapeze tailpiece and today, scatter wound toasters. This guitar cuts through bigtime! I certainly enjoyed the high gains but to my ears they cannot compete with the toasters. Someday soon I will take some new photos. You are certainly right Jordan, it is great for lead and rhythm and as I have said before is so very comfortable to play. Thanks Rickenbacker!

Congratulations Peter, for the new pick-ups on your 350. It's a beautiful guitar. I'd bet that you're playing your fingers off and it sounds great!

Thanks MIke. Your bet is a safe one.

To all those who have made suggestions with regard to modifications to my 350, I have included a recent photo with many more to follow I am sure.