Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Beefy,

My '81 has 21. All shorties are 21-fretters, except the ES-16, which has 18. The ES-17 has 21 as well.

Matt said: The 350 it is... is there much sound difference between the two?

Hey. IMO there's a rather discernable tonal difference between the 350 and the 325 for at least a couple of reasons. First, the 325 requires heavier strings for proper intonation. The heavier strings are going to give you a thicker tone. Second, the 350's longer scale is going to accentuate the tonal impact of the middle pickup -- or to say it another way, because of the full length scale the middle pickup is going to make the 350 sound more like a Strat (glassy, spanky tone) than does the 325.

If what you want is 325 tones, but a 350 is what you're forced to play for reasons beyond your control, you may want to use nickel flatwound strings (Pyramids or Thomastiks, either 11s or 12s). You may also want to disconnect the middle pickup to get rid of the Strat "snap."

Good luck!

Man.. you guys are awesome with all if your infinate wisdom, is the 325 a good lead guitar? I'm more interested in rhythm, but may want to do some lead work once in a while. I've read somewhere that the 350 may be a better lead guitar than the 325 because of the full scale neck and i kind of want my guitar to have somewhat of a modern sound than a pure vintage sound, but want it to be a little more defined, you know, the sound that makes you go.. wow that's interesting but not horribly bad. I dono guys you're smarter than me with this stuff. I'm kinda new to the whole guitar playing thing but love it because it's fun and relaxing. Thanks guys.

Again it will go back to your hands. I like playing a bit of lead on my 325v63 here and there -- and it's extremely easy to get all over the neck on the short scale if your hands can do it. But if you have larger fingers it's going to be quite difficult to play lead up the neck (where alot of lead seems to be played). Judging from what you're saying here I'm thinking you may want to look at a 360-6 or a 330-6 instead of a 325 or a 350. IMO, as goes comfort and playability the 360 is hard to beat. A Jetglo 360 will get you really close to the look you want with the 325 or 350, too.

I play a lot of Beatles and my own feeling is the 325 is a great rhythm guitar, with a sharp, cut-thru-the-mix sound. (For example, "I Saw Her Standing There") I have a problem myself playing leads on it because the middle pickup restricts my picking movements. I just can't keep the pick from getting caught up in the darn thing.

Also, since you do have to use heavier strings on it (I use .12s) it's a lot harder to bend strings. As an example of a 325 on a lead, check out the solo on "You Can't Do That". Mr. Lennon is doing some bends on MULTIPLE strings, and my hat is off to him....when I did my own recording of it, it about tore my fingers off...

So, for me, the 325 is a terrific little rhythm guitar, but fairly limited as a lead instrument.

I think that Jerry put it nicely. I have only played two. One a twelve and another a six. Both Jetglo. They were both hard to do any sort of lead on just like Jerry said. It might make a good chicken d boner.
I have a Mustang and the friend that had the 325's also had a Stang. Both are very easy to play. But for reason a Mustang does not have to have heavy strings to stay in tune. Probably something to do with the bridge and the way the strings break over it.
I have another good friend who has a Duo Sonic. It plays nicely too although he says my Mustang is the best playing guitar in the world. I don't think it sounds that good thru a Fender amp though it needs a Vox.
For the above reasons I would go with the 350. They were pretty much confirmed to me when I saw that my friend had sold both of the 325's and now had matching 350 twelves and sixes in Fireglo. I'm not sure why he did the color change. Must be a personal thing.