Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Rickenbacker flats? Are these like really old flats? Or like new ones?

Another vote for D'Addario Chromes (11's) with toasters. With a compressor through an AC-30, man, that is heavenly tone!

To my ears, my 330 sounds terrible with rounds - flats only please, size elevens!

I don't like the Chromes. They are not made from the same material as '60s flats, sound ****** compared to TIs or Pyramids, and feel like bridge cables.

My personal faves are Thomastiks, which last a long time, sound good out of the package, and are the slinkiest flatwound available. I prefer .010s, but I would guess that '60s Ricks shipped with .012s or maybe .013s.

Whatever you do, if you want that '60s sound, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A WOUND THIRD STRING.

Hey Mark, welcome from another Melbourne forumite!
The Aussie contingent is growing rapidly, the more the merrier!
I've used D'Addarios 10-46's from day one on just about every guitar i have played(owned),over the past 15 years! Both my Ricks have them, and i love the tone and sound on my 360,even with the hi-gains!
As Darren stated earlier, if you're ever in Melbourne.....get in touch!

Hi Mark & welcome. I swear by Rotosound & use Roto Pinks (9's) on both my 1998PT and '80 330.
Whack them thru an AC30 & I can nail 60's Townshend & classic Ric tones.
I also believe that your level of attack on a Ric
will get you an awesome result...
Played for 20 years with that combo and the sound is awesome. I've perfected a natural percussive strum on this set up and tend to flutter between chord changes that gives that crunchy wash that Weller used to great effect.
Thought I'd chime in with me' ten'pennies worth
to provide an alternative from an old UK Ric-Slasher.

Another key to getting the sound that you're after is your amp settings! I'm not sure what amp you have, but no matter the amp, the way the knobs are adjusted is key.

If you're thinking of mounting a vibrato arm I'd recommend the Rick Accent. I find them to be very dependable (I prefer them over the 'R' tailpiece) and, unlike a Bigsby, require no modification to your guitar.