Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Beautiful guitars, folks....
but how do they sound?

I have never played one of these 381s. I am looking to buy myself a new Ric 6 string; I know these 381s are rather expensive, but I have champagne tastes when it comes to guitars. These 381s look very thick and woody. Do they give the classic Ric sound of the 330s and 360s?

To answer your question, Tommy, based on Paulie A's 381 models: Yes.

They are quite resonant and have that sound you look for. Works of art IMO.

So they do supply that classic Ric tone. Damn, not the reply I was hoping for.
The famed Rickenbacker tone from a guitar that is among the most beautiful ever designed...why do guitar makers do this to us?

Sounds pretty close to my 68 360F

They Play great! The sound is a little "deeper" than other Ricks I've played, but again, I'm talking about the JK model which is my only 381 experience.

Dig my helpful photoshop arrow

Yeah Dan, your Kay model is pretty sweet, lotsa tone, rocks like no one's business But you know the next time you see Paulie, you can simply play his 381/6?

I've always been a fan of the carved german top.

Even the standard 38s sound a little "deeper" or "darker," as Paul W's described the sound; they still achieve the "Rick" sound, though it's all how you play the guitar and set your amp. I can get a killer rock sound out of my 381/*6, and Darren Trott's played some mean overdriven Stevie Ray Tex/Mex Blues Rock on the same guitar.

Check out the burgandy one in the gallery from 1967...its nice, and well played.

the guitarist from forgotten Manchester band The High played a 381:

8mileshigher wrote:

jwilli wrote:Can't wait to get mine back from Paul W. Hopefully in late November. Fully customized.

O-o-o-o-h that sounds awesome ! Any pictures of the customization in progress ?

No pics yet as this is going to be a really special build. However, I should have it before the end of the year. This year, lol.